Jeleva Pack is a strong, independent woman who is making a difference in the community.

Besides being a full time student, Pack is also a full time mother—something she takes much pride in.

Jeleva and her friend Ashshahid Muhammad take time out of their busy schedules to go to different schools and teach kids about art and possible careers in art.

“We talk about life as well as art,” she said. “I just want to be an inspiration to the kids and let them know it’s never too late to follow your dreams.”

Park and Muhammad teach the kids different tricks and tips on how to make certain art techniques easier.

They also expose the children to a program called ‘creative cloud,’ which most college art students use.

It’s important to Pack to teach the kids these things since it’s something she didn’t get to learn when she was younger. Pack was interested in art at the young age of 11, but she didn’t have the structure or knowledge to focus on it as a possible career. She wants to be that liaison with the real world for them.
“Tennessee has a big art community if you know the right people to guide you in the right direction,” she said.

Pack attributes her dedication and drive to her 10-year-old daughter Jordan.

“It’s important to show her that anything is possible and I want her to see that in me.”