Today we’d like to introduce you to Shayna Castano.
Founded in August 2015 by founder Shayna “Simba” Castano, Exodus United Inc. is a non-profit organization providing arts-and-education programs for at-risk youth in Central Florida. Forming partnerships with local school districts as well as with shelters other outreach facilities, Exodus United Inc.’s objective is to empower young people to become civically engaged and socially competent in both city and global issues by employing best practices of arts education and creative expression. Prior to incorporating the organization, Exodus United Inc. founder Shayna Castano independently facilitated creative writing workshops at the Coalition for the Homeless in downtown Orlando.
The program at the Coalition was featured in the Orlando Sentinel. On account of the thriving success and great impact which Castano discovered amongst the residents of Coalition for the Homeless, she decided to create an organization dedicated to an extremely powerful body of youth. Exodus United Inc.’s main program, Poetry & Pedagogy, has been facilitated for six terms at various youth facilities, including Covenant House, Frontline Outreach Center, Parramore Kidz Zone, & Boys & Girls Club. Currently, Exodus United Inc. facilitates two main programs, Poetry & Pedagogy and Creative Exile Youth Art Camp. Exodus United Inc. also provides opportunities for youth to record their original poems and raps in the recording studio to be featured on our Soundcloud.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
There was several times where local businesses and organizations used their power to limit Exodus United’s abilities to thrive. Many times they were counted out, doubted, and silenced. However, founder Shayna “Simba” Castano continued to persevere and achieved success.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Founder of Exodus United Inc., Shayna “Simba” Castano is an internationally established poet, performer, philanthropist, mother, wife, educator, and human rights advocate. Her craft is a reflection of spiritual strength, perseverant resilience, and humble servitude. In both Shayna “Simba” Castano’s poetry and community work, she challenges individuals to consider the interiority of self as well as the affect social issues has on both micro and macro levels. Castano ranks within the top thirty of 76 competitors at Women of the World Poetry Slam (W.O.W.P.S.) 2015 as well within the top 6 teams, representing University of Central Florida’s 2015 slam team at the College Unions Poetry Slam Invitational (C.U.P.S.I.). Castano’s community involvement directly associated with her non-profit organization Exodus United Inc. has been featured on Orlando Sentinel, WMFE 90.7, Artborne Magazine, and many other publications.
During her adolescence, she competed in Brave New Voices for three consecutive years, representing both South Florida as well as Hampton Roads, Virginia. Castano currently works for Orange County Public Schools, while simultaneously operating her non-profit organization. While she is not teaching, Castano spends majority of her time facilitating Poetry & Pedagogy Workshops with at-risk youth, helping them to find their voice. In an interview by Crystal Chavez, host of WMFE 90.7 Central Florida Public Radio, Shayna “Simba” Castano speaks to her passion of providing a voice for the voiceless: “It is very exciting to assist individuals with having a platform for someone to listen to them, rather than them being marginalized or even completely silenced. I believe performing poetry allows them to be able to have more security within themselves and assurance and have that confidence that they need to get out there in the world, whether it is within the job force or with any other endeavor. I believe working with those to get them to write poetry helps them to get more in tune with themselves and understand WHO THEY ARE and develop personal identity.”
Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
Serving others and speaking about God brings founder Shayna “Simba” Castano the most joy. This brings her so much joy because it gives her the opportunity to practice selflessness and assist those around her.
Contact Info:
- Email: Exodusunitedinc.org
- Website: www.exodusunited.org
- Instagram: @exodusunitedinc
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxwzMps3fXqKGoFRY3t6lIw
- Other: linktr.ee/SimbaX
Image Credits
Stephanie Vanessa
