Akello's BiographyThroughout my extensive career spanning over two decades, I've proudly served as a dedicated sociology professor, imparting knowledge in both traditional classroom settings and the dynamic realm of online education. My teaching portfolio encompasses a diverse array of courses, delving into crucial topics such as social problems, families and intimate relationships, and the intricate dynamics of sex and gender.
Beyond the confines of academia, I've passionately contributed to the community as a board member and mentor with various youth development nonprofit organizations. My tenure as the former Executive Director of Hill Harper’s Manifest Your Destiny Foundation stands as a testament to my commitment to nurturing the potential of young minds and fostering positive change. In the realm of public speaking and event management, I've honed my skills through countless workshops, presentations, and keynote speeches. Whether captivating audiences on stage or engaging viewers through the lens of a camera, I've embraced the role of emcee/host with finesse, lending my expertise to a diverse array of large-scale live events and intimate private gatherings alike. Beyond the realm of academia and public speaking, my creative endeavors have flourished. As a commercial actor and content creator, I've co-founded several boutique production companies, harnessing the power of storytelling to captivate audiences across digital platforms. My passion for nurturing creativity extends to my role as a consultant, where I relish the opportunity to collaborate with fellow creatives, guiding them through the intricate process of content planning and execution. My creative journey has led me to produce and direct a myriad of projects, ranging from engaging web series to thought-provoking short films. Notably, my interview-style documentary, "#pushing50," offers a compelling exploration of the challenges and triumphs inherent in navigating middle age within the complexities of the modern era. Through these endeavors, I strive to inspire, inform, and provoke thought, leaving an indelible mark on both the artistic landscape and the hearts of audiences worldwide. |
Sociology Professor
sociologyonline.weebly.com
In 2001, I left my corporate job in downtown in San Francisco and moved to Los Angeles to accomplish two things: (1) to find opportunities to help other people develop themselves and pursue their goals and reams, and (2) to pursue my own goals and dreams of being an on-camera host. The path has been nothing close to a straight line, but I gain something for each and every experience that I have—paid or unpaid.
Being a sociology professor keeps me connected to the pulse of youth, the persistence of those re-entering college as a full-fledged adults, and the latest "thinking" about human behavior and society. Creating meaningful digital content is always a part of my workflow—and always will be! In addition to creating content, like #pushing50, I have been in a number of videos with very interesting topics and people.
Being a sociology professor keeps me connected to the pulse of youth, the persistence of those re-entering college as a full-fledged adults, and the latest "thinking" about human behavior and society. Creating meaningful digital content is always a part of my workflow—and always will be! In addition to creating content, like #pushing50, I have been in a number of videos with very interesting topics and people.
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Commercial Actor
Hosting is my passion—be it on-camera or for a live event—it just energizes me! I have developed my craft by taking improv, hosting and acting classes and workshops as well as continually "putting myself out" there so seize experiential opportunities. I have booked more and more work over the years, mostly commercials and product spokesperson campaigns, which are a lot of fun! In 2020, I signed on with a manager and an agent, and have continue to pursue this with enthusiasm and vigor. |
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I was once on a Super Bowl commercial for Health Net, a digital billboard at the 405/LAX offramp, and hundreds of LA city buses. Talk about a surreal experience! The photo to your left was taken at the location where the busses get repaired. I happened to see this bus when driving home (I live about 30 seconds from this particular location) and the security guarded snapped this photo.
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Having booked a project with Bosley RX, here I am, over two years later and still rocking the hair! It's been an unexpected and welcome journey, and yes, the product really works! Having shaved my head for 27 years, this has been a lot of fun. I can always shave my head again and feel just fine about it.
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I've even been the winner on a TV game show! (Yet, I have never been able to see the whole episode).
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Online Instructional Videos
Starting ANYTHING, taking the FIRST STEP, is incredibly challenging and brave. As much as we'd all love to jump right into our content creation, our artistry, our craft—it is important to delve into a predevelopment process. I want to share what I have learned as well as a few developmental processes I have personally used as a freelance, independent content creator and consultant.
This 6-part video series is focused on the development of skills and tools that will allow you to harness your ability to ideate, assess, strategize, and implement processes that will help to bring your ideas to life. Ideate & emanate! |
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Webinar Presenter
Ideate & Emanate: Moving from Procrastination to Actualization
We tend to procrastinate on things that we really don't want to do, or things that seem impossible to do—or perhaps it's something entirely different. If you are looking for a new way to approach your ideas and remove potential obstacles to realizing them, this workshop is for you!
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WTFK Radio
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Animation & Voice Over
Photographer & Video Creator/Editor
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Meditation & Yoga Practitioner
When we delve into something unfamiliar, most of us give up before we even get started! Remember that everyone has a starting point for everything they do. We all have a first try, a first day, a first month, but sustained commitment is what makes the difference. Keep trying, keep exploring, keep searching for that which brings you a sense of joy, purpose, peace, and tranquility. You will find it, so abandon all timelines and simply get started!
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Live Event & On-Camera Hosting
I love hosting. It's my passion and I'm pretty darn good at it. (lol) Hosting makes me feel alive. It challenges me to think on my feet! It allows me to connect with people and make them feel completely comfortable in front of a crowded room or on camera. For me, this makes the moment even more special, when you can help someone push through their own insecurities and anxiety—because I know full well how that feels and how much effort it took to overcome it.
I think it is helpful to always be prepared and to be passionately tied to whatever you are communicating. Preparation need not always be something that is written down, but, instead, can be something that tumbles through your mind and subject to continual refinement until that golden moment comes and you can pull it out of your "magic hat" and feel completely secure with what you will say and how you will say it.
I think it is helpful to always be prepared and to be passionately tied to whatever you are communicating. Preparation need not always be something that is written down, but, instead, can be something that tumbles through your mind and subject to continual refinement until that golden moment comes and you can pull it out of your "magic hat" and feel completely secure with what you will say and how you will say it.
Digital Puppetry & Animation Editing
At the end of 2022, I took the leap into learning animation and integrated those outputs into Premiere and GarageBand. I practice techniques for speed and to create workflows before officially committing myself to projects. Nearly Human Is something I am still entertaining as an animated web series, but I still need to develop more skills and practice.
Co-Hosting with MILCK at the Hotel Cafe
"A Celebration of Voices"
Apr 08, 2018—Hollywood, California
Oh, what a feeling have been In the presence of this Incredibly talented and equally compassionate artist and share In the experience of bringing a live, benefit concert to the people was one of my favorite moments in the "life and times." It was a dream that I secretly wished to carve out for my life. |