Cultivating Creativity: Our Summer with WHYY’s Youth Media Interns
This summer, our Communications Team had the pleasure of partnering with WHYY’s Education Department through their Pathways to Media Careers program. Over July, we welcomed three talented youth media interns, Nora, Azavier, and Jayson, who brought energy, creativity, and a fresh perspective to our storytelling work. Through this partnership, we were able to expand the capacity of our social media efforts while also investing in the next generation of visual storytellers. From covering mural dedications to capturing community voices and crafting powerful public art narratives, these young creators did excellent work that reflects the kind of stories we want to continue telling. Their passion and professionalism were evident in everything they produced, and we’re deeply grateful for the opportunity to support their growth and share space with them this summer!
On July 24th, WHYY Youth Interns went to West Philly to visit Legacy In Bloom at 57th and Walnut Street, Contemplation, Clarity, Resilience at 5630 Chestnut Street, and The Heart of Baltimore Avenue at 4722 Baltimore Avenue, because of their connections to these murals. West Philly is a beautiful place, and the murals brighten up the streets. We hope that you will visit these murals yourself
Check out the WHYY Interns’ final project, “West Philly Murals We Love“
Meet Nora
Nora, a 16-year-old multimedia filmmaker and photographer, has been part of WHYY’s Pathways to Media Careers program since 2023. A junior at the Philadelphia High School for Creative and Performing Arts, she majors in Media, Design, Television & Video (MDTV) and brings with her a love for visual storytelling in all its forms.
With experience in filmmaking, event photography, animation, and radio storytelling, Nora jumped into her Mural Arts internship ready to learn and create. Throughout the summer, she captured mural dedications, interviewed artists and community members, and produced content that highlighted the power of public art in Philadelphia. Her eye for detail and commitment to crafting meaningful stories made her a valuable part of our team this summer.
Meet Jayson
Jayson Harris has been a WHYY Youth Correspondent since 2022 and is a writer, college journalist, and High School Emmy-nominated filmmaker. His passion for storytelling comes from a deep belief that the world is more connected than we often realize, and his camera is his tool for uncovering those connections.
During his time with Mural Arts, Jayson explored how public art gives voice to community dreams and struggles. The Safer mural by Nazeer Sabree was a standout for him: “It caught my attention not only for its beauty, but for its relatability.” said Harris. “It reflects what I hear other teenagers want: a place that feels like home, where we can live like the teenagers we are.”
Through this experience, he gained new skills and a new appreciation for Philadelphia’s vibrant mural landscape.
Meet Azavier
Azavier Gonzalez, a 17-year-old aspiring filmmaker and photographer, joined Mural Arts this summer through WHYY’s Pathways to Media Careers program. A rising senior at Penn Treaty High School, Azavier is passionate about telling powerful stories, whether in a single image or across a series of photographs.
Though newer to film and photography, Azavier brought openness, curiosity, and a willingness to learn to every project. He also discovered the stories behind Philadelphia’s public art and the artists who bring them to life:
“Working alongside the fantastic people at Mural Arts was very fun,” said Gonzalez. “I learned a lot about the beautiful public art in my city and its origins. This experience has been fantastic; it opened my eyes to the opportunities I can achieve within the film industry.”
Check out Azavier’s mural run video here!
Looking Ahead
Nora, Jayson, and Azavier are part of a new wave of young creators shaping the future of media. Their time with Mural Arts reminded us of why it’s so important to invest in young storytellers. They see the world with fresh eyes, ask powerful questions, and document the moments that matter.
We’re incredibly grateful to WHYY for this partnership, to the interns for their hard work and creativity, and to the communities who welcomed them this summer. The stories captured over the past month reflect not only Philadelphia’s public art scene but also the vibrant, hopeful voices of the next generation behind the camera.