Aysha Jamali

Communications and Marketing Specialist

Aysha Jamali is a South Asian media artist and storyteller based in Ypsilanti, Mich. She received her master’s degree in Media Arts and Studies from Wayne State University’s College of Fine, Performing and Communication Arts. Her short films have been featured at the Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit (MOCAD) and the Independent Film Festival Ypsilanti (iFFY). Her self-portrait photography has also been featured at galleries in Southeast Michigan. 

Having experienced othering throughout her life, Aysha is dedicated to exploring the role of ancestral identity in embodying our full selves, which is why she co-founded the project “From Other to Center.” Her art and storytelling focus on moving from a place of othering to a place of belonging, particularly through connecting with ancestral identity. You can see her work (and listen to her podcast!) at fromothertocenter.com.

Aysha works at the Detroit Equity Action Lab (DEAL) as the Communications and Marketing Specialist, highlighting DEAL's work in developing leaders working to end structural racism in Detroit. She also has a bachelor’s degree in journalism and graduated as a member of Wayne State University’s Journalism Institute for Media Diversity. She worked as a print and digital journalist in Southeast Michigan before transitioning into nonprofit and movement communications. Before her current role at DEAL, she worked in grassroots community organizing and led communications strategies to address anti-Muslim hate and racism on a local and national level.