About Me
Hi there! I'm Kai, a Los Angeles creative with a suitcase full of passions – writer, photographer, and visual storyteller. My adventures have whisked me from bustling souks in Morocco to dazzling skylines in Dubai, and everywhere in between. In 2011, I lost my former spouse to suicide. To heal from the grief, I embarked on a journey of self-discovery around the world, slowly becoming whole again.
In addition, advocating for human rights has been a lifelong passion of mine. I've had the privilege of collaborating with respected organizations like Amnesty International and Murder Victims Families for Reconciliation in researching crime and capital punishment in Portage, Indiana. I feel proud to have partnered with Fundacion Koinonia, (Located in Cartagena, Colombia) Islamic Relief USA , The Los Angeles County African American Employees Association, and interned with The American Friends Service Committee.
Since 2021, I have been a member of NATJA, the North American Travel Journalists Association. I previously contributed to Travel Pulse, a website that provides the most recent information on the travel sector, from 2021 to 2023. In 2023 I joined Wanderful, a global lifestyle brand and community that helps all women travel the world. My educational background includes a bachelor's degree in sociology from Wright State University in Dayton, Ohio.
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Previously, I held the remote position of blog manager at Hunger Reduction International, located in Somalia. I have also worked with the Seed Foundation which is a charity based in Nairobi, Kenya that works to empower youth education. My photographs have been featured prominently in the travel section of the LA Times and other publications. For more than twenty years, I have been employed with the County of Los Angeles Child Support Services Department. I am also a singer-songwriter, pianist, and studio recording artist.
Most recently I am the founder of Black Girls Shoot Too. This is a Los Angeles-based creative community I've built for Black women photographers, featuring monthly photo walks and workshops. Lastly, I am the driving force behind Afia Travel. At Afia travel I inspire women to embark on unforgettable adventures. This spirit of discovery is a tribute to the memory of my sister, Malika Afia. The name, Afia, is of Ghanaian origin, signifying “born on Friday” – a day traditionally associated with good fortune, new beginnings, and the promise of exciting journeys.
When it comes to travel, I'm a firm believer in going beyond the postcard. I crave deep dives into local cultures, savoring every memory along the way. My visual storytelling captures the essence of these journeys, a testament to the transformative power of travel. My passion lies not just in exploring new horizons, but also in promoting wellness and empowering others to find healing through travel experiences. I'm all about fostering positive social change and leaving a positive footprint wherever I wander.