Leeya is passionate about adding beauty and vibrancy to the world. She believes that art and creativity have the power to make progressive societal change and shift mindsets. 

Leeya is a celebrated art director and illustrator, whose works have won her several awards, including AdFed’s 32 under 32. Her design studio, Noisemakers Design, is focused on loud and creative “noise” for mission-based businesses and organizations. Her impressive list of clientele include The Prince Experience, AfroPunk, American Public Media, Afya Sanaa Healthing Center, The Coven Mpls, End Youth Prisons MN, and We Wear the Mask MN. Illustration done under her moniker, Leeya Makes Noise, has included work for AdCouncil, Billie Ellish, Hack the Gap, Voyageurs National Park, Title IX MN and Outside Lands Music Festival. 

She is a Black, Queer, Detroit-native multidisciplinary artist who has worked as an Art Director at advertising agencies including mono, Fallon, Carmichael Lynch, and Weiden + Kennedy NY. 

Her favorite word is “serenity” and her least favorite is “impossible.” Maybe that’s why she is exceptionally flexible and adaptable when it comes to creative problem solving. 

Leeya commits to doing at least two pro-bono design projects a year, contributing her illustration skills for social justice movements, as well as mentoring other younger BIPOC designers and artists. 

She graduated from Illinois Wesleyan University with a BFA in Fine Arts and Painting/Printmaking and Summa Cum Laude from Miami Ad School for Art Direction and Advertising. 

Outside of work, Leeya enjoys playing the Sims, building homes or businesses and creating custom content for the game. She loves to dance and is learning to play the Kalimba, a traditional handheld African musical instrument.