Our mission is to create pathways to college, employment, and entrepreneurship for Compton youth through engagement with education & the arts.
HIGHLIGHTS
2008
The dream started at Willard Elementary in Compton, where Sara Bomani volunteered in her friend’s classroom to teach arts education to 3rd graders.
2010
Community Arts: Re-Imagining Education (C.A.R.E.) was born after Bomani and Jennifer Alvarado met while working on their Master of Art Education degrees at California State University, Long Beach.
2011
Bomani led over 400 hours of community service, including the painting of 70 community murals at 10 public schools in the Compton Unified School District and provided free art classes at local elementary and middle schools.
2012
Community conversations took place at City Church of Compton, regarding the needs of the community. After researching the statistics and witnessing the challenges surrounding education, crime, poverty and unemployment, an expanded vision seemed necessary.
2013
Unearth and Empower Communities was born.
1st UEC Summer Art Camp serving over 80 students
2014
Each One. Teach One. After School Program started with 15 families
1st Ladies of Integrity Retreat
1st Men of Integrity Retreat
1st Trip to Mexico to volunteer at orphanage
1st EntreArts Summer Internship Program learning about entrepreneurship
2015
1st High School Graduate & College Scholarship awarded
2016
Increased the number of families served to 30 at our after school program
2017
Awarded over $8,000 in college scholarships to graduating seniors and college students
2018
Students learn how to play the ukulele at our Each One. Teach One. after school program
2019
UEC college student teaches at Summer Art Camp
Featured in VoyageLA magazine (click to read)
2020
Created Houses of STEAM for Compton families to experience building projects that are related to science, technology, engineering, art and math.
Hired 1st Intern
Featured in New York Times op-ed article by David Brooks (click to read)
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2021
Created the Little Creators program to provide FREE activities and art supplies for a fun, interactive sensory play experience for our littlest students (0-4 years) in their own home!
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2022
Awarded $10,000 in college scholarships to graduating seniors and college students
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2023
1st STEAM Tech Camp & Compton Mural Project Cohorts completed
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2024
Started 2 new programs, DiscoverU After School Enrichment Center & Compton Youth Career Pathways with funding from JCOD's CFCI grant
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Registered Charity: 46-3566978
UEC staff tabling at a local resource fair
UEC IN THE MEDIA
Our Values: FAMILY + FUN + LEARNING + GENEROSITY + RESPONSIBILITY
BOARD of DIRECTORS
De'Jon is the Director of Operations and the OSH Officer for The ACLU Foundation of Southern California. De'Jon has found success as a small business owner and entrepreneur in the fields of engineering and nonprofit management. He consults on multi-million dollar projects for community based non-profits and develops operations plans and budgets. He has a passion for health, wellness, and investing in other people.
De'Jon Jackson
Non-Profit Management
UEC President
Amber Kim is a People Operations Executive with over 20 years of experience leading human resources strategy and shaping people-centered organizational cultures across Southern California. Her background spans multiple sectors—including non-profit, healthcare, social justice, social services, arts and education, technology, entertainment, commercial print, retail, and manufacturing—reflecting her extensive expertise in strategic leadership, people and culture management, and organizational development. Amber has held prominent HR leadership roles with organizations such as the ACLU, KHEIR Center, Goodwill Industries, and Planned Parenthood, and is the founder and Chief Human Resources Consultant of People Compass LLC. Known for her engaging and collaborative management style in fast-paced, diverse environments, she is deeply committed to creating equitable, inclusive workplaces and championing employee well-being, growth, and long-term success.
Amber Kim
Human Resources
Management
UEC Vice President
Bruna is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and has been working as a children’s mental health therapist for the past five years. She has a husband and two beautiful kids. One of the treasures we appreciate about Bruna, in addition to her generous spirit, is that she is multi-lingual and is raising her children to learn Portuguese, Spanish and English.
Bruna Soares-Thompson
Family Therapy & Social Work
UEC Secretary
Victor currently works for SCS Engineers and is enjoying 17 years as an Environmental Design Engineer in the areas of Landfills, Litigation, Remediation, Evaluations and Geology. He was elected a deacon at his church, has been married for 12 years and is a father of five.
Victor Chew
Environmental Engineer
UEC Treasurer
With over 20 years in the production and media industry, Amber has built a career at the intersection of culture, storytelling, and revenue-driven creativity as a seasoned creative executive and award-nominated producer. She specializes in branded content, visual podcasts, experiential, unscripted, and live-streaming formats, bringing a blend of high-level creativity and strategic execution to every project. Most recently, as VP of Branded Content & Integration at Paramount/BET, Amber developed original concepts and premium partnerships that generated nearly $8M in 2025, producing high-impact work for brands including Toyota, McDonald’s, Walmart, Ally Financial, Xfinity, and US Bank. She is also deeply committed to cancer awareness and survivorship, sharing her Stage 3 journey with organizations such as City of Hope and the American Cancer Society and helping raise nearly $6M as the 2025 City of Hope MFEI Gala patient speaker. Across all roles, Amber leads with creativity, cultural insight, and collaboration—dedicated to using storytelling and strategy to drive meaningful impact.
Amber Mike
C-Suite (VP-Level)
Creative Executive
Board Member
Emily Sanchez is an Urban Planner dedicated to empowering historically underserved communities through equitable development, cultural preservation, and creative placemaking. With a Master’s in Urban Planning from the University of Southern California, she leverages arts and culture to shape inclusive land use strategies that honor local identity, foster resilience, and prevent displacement. Her work spans community engagement, policy research, and program design, grounded in a deep respect for place, memory, and community voice. Whether supporting community-led planning efforts, advocating for neighborhood-serving small businesses, or advancing accessible housing solutions, Emily is committed to helping underrepresented areas grow into thriving, culturally rich communities.
Emily Sanchez
Urban Planner
Board Member
Myisha is a seasoned live event producer, stage and talent manager, and media professional with over 15 years of experience across radio, television, and large-scale community events. She began her career at 102.3 KJLH—owned by Stevie Wonder—producing major Los Angeles cultural events such as the MLK Jr. Parade and Taste of Soul Festival. Her work expanded into television and syndicated radio as a segment producer for The Steve Harvey Morning Show, The Steve Harvey Daytime Talk Show, and Showtime at the Apollo. Today, Myisha leads stage management, talent relations, and live event operations for Bridge Street and her firm, MC Media & Entertainment, specializing in run-of-show development, talent coordination, logistics, and community-centered programming. She brings a deep commitment to youth empowerment, creative storytelling, and equitable community engagement to every project she touches.
Myisha Cayro
Live Entertainment
Producer & Marketer
Board Member
"My kids create things daily. It gives them life and I believe that Unearth and Empower's programs will equip them to think deeper and bigger and spark new ideas for them to run with."
~Charrise, parent
EXECUTIVE STAFF
Barak Bomani
Executive Director
& Co-Creator
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Barak is the Executive Director & Co-Creator of Unearth and Empower Communities. He and his partner Sara cultivate pathways to college, employment and entrepreneurship for Compton youth through culturally rooted STEM education and the arts. A transformational educator who disrupts inequitable systems, Barak was appointed founding principal of a charter high school in Oakland, CA where 100% of African American and Latino seniors earned acceptance to a four-year college. Bomani is an entrepreneur, community activist, published author & songwriter, chef, worship leader and dedicated tennis lover. Barak earned his Bachelor of Arts in English from Dartmouth College and his Master of Arts in Educational Leadership & Supervision from San Jose State University, graduating with highest honors. A fierce advocate of social emotional learning and what he calls heart, mind & soul work, Bomani creates safe, restorative spaces for communities to heal from trauma and envision a life of liberation. He believes, “Justice doesn’t need permission, for it rises to defend all humanity, especially those we neglect, harm and hate.”
Sara Bomani
Co-Creator &
Director of Programming
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Sara Bomani is the Co-Creator & Director of Programming for Unearth and Empower Communities. The UEC vision took root in 2008 when she first stepped into a Compton classroom to volunteer, bringing art, joy, and possibility to young people hungry for creative expression. With a bachelors in Graphic Design and a masters in Arts Education from Cal State Long Beach, Sara carries forward the artistry passed down from her mother and has transformed it into a community movement. She has designed and led arts programs serving over 3,000 youth across Paramount, Long Beach, and Compton, and has guided the creation of 100+ murals in schools and neighborhoods across California. As owner of Color Your World Design Studios, she has taught homeschooled youth, built gardening and art curricula, and provided graphic design services for two decades. One of the treasures we honor about Sara is her fierce commitment to inclusion—she ensures every child, of every ability, sees themselves as an artist and a creator.
“My daughter joined the program last year, and she learned so much. Most importantly, she was able to step out of her comfort zone to participate and speak at the in-person events. She looked forward to it every Monday and Sunday Fun Day.” ~Marta, Houses of STEAM parent
PROGRAM & SUPPORT STAFF
Kora
Program Director - Little Creators & Art Camp
Kora is currently the Director of UEC’s Summer Art Camp and Little Creators programs. She received her Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Studies with a concentration in Development and a Minor in Studio Art. She has been with UEC since elementary school, starting off as a student, then going through the organization as a volunteer, intern, Art teacher, Scholarship Recipient and employee. She is a mother to a son who is now old enough to attend some of the programs UEC has to offer.
Karla
Artist-in-Residence / Site Director - DiscoverU
Karla is a Mexican-born, Los Angeles-based oil painter whose work blends the vibrant spirit of her heritage with the diverse influences of her surroundings. Raised in the Napa Valley and a DACA recipient, her art explores themes of identity, family, and culture, creating a nostalgic connection to her past while celebrating the richness of her experiences. Known for her lifelike, visually rich paintings, Karla's work has been featured in small exhibitions across Los Angeles and has garnered attention from collectors and admirers throughout California. Through commissions and charity auctions, she uses her art as a platform for advocacy and community connection.
Ivette
Program Director - DiscoverU & Program Assistant - Art Camp
Ivette is pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education at National University while raising two school-aged children as a single mother. With over ten years of experience in the Early Childhood Education field, she has been deeply involved in UEC programs, including Summer Art Camp, Little Creators, and Houses of STEAM. As a proud Compton resident, Ivette is passionate about giving back to her community and supporting its growth, which aligns with her love for the programs UEC offers and her dedication to making a positive impact.
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Adriana
Assistant Program Director - DiscoverU
Adriana is the Assistant Director of UEC’s DiscoverU Enrichment Center, bringing a unique perspective to the role as both a professional and a long-time parent participant. Her children have been involved in UEC programs for 10 years, giving Adriana firsthand experience of the positive impact and innovative activities it provides. This deep familiarity drives her dedication to enhancing and expanding the program’s offerings. Grateful for the opportunity to contribute in this capacity, Adriana is excited to see what the new school year will bring.
Joshua
Senior Program Manager - CYCP
Joshua is currently the CYCP Senior Program Manager. A graduate of California State University, Dominguez Hills, Joshua brings a wealth of experience and dedication to his role. He assists in managing the Compton Youth Career Pathways program, where he is instrumental in coordinating initiatives that impact the community. Known for his leadership skills and commitment to program excellence, Joshua is passionate about creating meaningful opportunities for participants and ensuring the success of UEC’s mission.
SUPPORT STAFF
Judith
Executive Assistant
Judith is a devoted mother of two young children and a loving wife, balancing family life with her passion for service. With eight years of experience as a florist, she has a deep appreciation for creativity and beauty. Recently, she joined Unearth and Empower Communities, allowing her to work from home while making a meaningful impact. Her dedication to her family and community drives everything she does, as she strives to create a nurturing home and contribute to the well-being of those around her.
Brisa
Digital Content Coordinator & Program Assistant
Brisa serves as a UEC Program Assistant and Social Media Coordinator while pursuing her studies at Long Beach Community College with the goal of joining the aerospace engineering field. As a UEC Pathways Scholarship recipient, she is driven by the inspiration she gained from participating in UEC programs starting at the age of eight. Motivated by the impact these programs had on her, Brisa is passionate about giving back to her community in the same way she was supported. Her goals include gaining further experience in community service and building connections with others through her ongoing work with UEC. Notably, she is also the co-creator of UEC’s Girls Support program and oversees the social media department.