Kayla Austin is a student at Howard University hailing from the Chicagoland area. Her passion for creativity and innovation has propelled her on a remarkable journey of entrepreneurship, activism, and social change. With an insatiable drive for artistic expression, Kayla thrives as a creator, influencer, entrepreneur, filmmaker, and inventor.
Kayla's inventive spirit blossomed early on, in the past seven years, she has directed her energy towards combating the devastating issue of gun violence against children. Inspired by her involvement in the NAACP Jr. ACT-SO program, Kayla channeled her creative force to design and build a revolutionary device aimed at addressing this critical problem.
As the CEO and founder of "My Gun's Been Moved," Kayla spearheads a groundbreaking initiative that has garnered national recognition and support. Her approach represents a tangible solution in the fight against youth gun violence. Kayla's activism and creative endeavors have led her to assume the role of national spokesperson for "Shoot Film Not Guns," an integral part of the esteemed American Youth Film Festival.
She organized thought-provoking screenings and discussions centered around the movie "The Hate U Give," raising over $3200 to facilitate these transformative experiences for teens from both Chicagoland and Detroit.
Collaboration lies at the heart of Kayla's impact! She has worked with Reverend Jesse Jackson, The Rainbow Push Coalition, Victory Cathedral Worship Center, Black Ambition, Instagram, Jumpman, and Aveda.
Kayla's was named one of AT&T's 25 Dream in Black Rising Future Makers for their inaugural cohort. Moreover, the National Urban League identified her as a Future Black History Maker in 2022. Most recently, she was announced as a finalist for Pharrell Williams' prestigious Black Ambition Prize, solidifying her place among the brightest minds of her generation.
Overall, Kayla Austin is a force to be reckoned with—a young powerhouse driven to use her creative ideas and unwavering determination to create positive change in the world and uplift her community. Through her commitment to art, entrepreneurship, and activism, Kayla inspires others to embrace their passions and make a lasting impact on society.