Kayana Sessoms works to empower people in cities through creating developmental programs that integrate creativity and provide exposure to the arts for people of all ages. Kayana oversees the vision, quality, and delivery of community programs and cultural production in Detroit and has worked nationally and internationally.  She has served on a number of boards and advisory councils to promote community-based access to the arts. In addition, Kayana co-founded Action by Presence, an organization focused on increasing mutual respect among people of different socioeconomic backgrounds. In 2009, she founded Kids Heart Art, a healing arts program for youth, first implemented in Sierra Leone, Africa. Lastly, she has over 15 years of experience working as a leader to problem solve directly with at risk youth and families in the Metro Detroit area. She currently serves as Detroit City Deputy Manager, District 3.