CONVERGE is a Nonprofit organization focused on promoting creative education and celebrating meaningful positive impacts through creativity in the city of Atlanta. Through community engagements such as workshops, events, media pieces, collaborative efforts, art installations, and more, CONVERGE strives to unite the city of Atlanta through creativity. Our focus is broken down by our 5 principles CREATE, COLLABORATE, CULTIVATE, CONNECT, CONVERGE. These principles are our foundation for attacking problems with creative solutions, inspiring others through creativity, and celebrating achievements making a positive difference. Join us in CONVERGING creativity within Atlanta to create a better community for everyone!
CO-FOUNDERS
Andrew Kearney
PRESIDENT
Andrew Kearney - Sophomore at SCAD Atlanta, Photographer, Author, and creative entrepreneur. Andrew was born and raised in Austin, TX, finding his creativity at a young age by building hands-on projects, cooking, and always building something. He is majoring in Advertising and Branding at Savannah College of Art and Design Atlanta, and can also be found working for clients all over the country. When not working with clients, or attending school, he can be found backpacking, scuba diving, or just traveling the world.
Andrew first found his passion for photography after shooting during his travels and has since worked with brands such as Deon Libra, Beautiful Curly Me, Primal Fitness, and many more! He has a passion for giving back to the community through volunteering, service projects, and partnering with amazing non-profits such as One Shade Greener.
Andrew’s passion for giving back to the community helped to spark the idea for CONVERGE - an event that will celebrate and give back to creatives within the city of Atlanta. Click the button below to check out more of his work, or register for CONVERGE 2024 to meet him in person!
Melissa Richardson
CHIEF CREATIVE OFFICER
Melissa Richardson is an illustrator, designer, and all-around creative person from Austin, Texas currently in Atlanta, Georgia. She is working toward her undergraduate degree in Illustration at the Savannah College of Art and Design. Driven to create things that inspire joy and unite communities of individuals, she has a passion for discovering new places through the tip of a pen and using those travel illustrations to create projects that enliven any space they’re in.
After working freelance, designing a few murals, creating sculptures that reach for the stars, self-publishing a few books, and interning at some incredible companies, Mel has discovered herself to be a woman on a mission. When she is not working, she is always finding an excuse to be outside (enamored by the Atlanta Botanical Gardens)- between Piedmont Park, the Beltline, the hills of Provincial France, the Texas Countryside, the Skyscrapers of Manhattan, the waves along Jacksonville Beach, she finds inspiration everywhere. A volunteer at heart, Melissa loves to give back to her community every chance she can and bake chocolate chip cookies all the time.
At the end of the day, she believes in endless possibilities. That with enough grit, grace, passion, and determination anything is possible. So keep creating, keep collaborating, and keep converging ideas to make this world a better place one curiosity at a time!
THE TEAM
Brayden Wisniewski
LEAD UX DESIGNER
Brayden Wisniewski is a dynamic force at the intersection of creativity, leadership, and service. Immersed in the realm of design, Brayden is a dedicated student pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts in User Experience Design at SCAD, laying the foundation for the seamless integration of these elements.
In the digital sphere, Brayden's online platform serves as a canvas where innovative design concepts thrive, reflecting a commitment to pushing boundaries and achieving a delicate balance between aesthetics and functionality. As a proven leader and Shift Supervisor at The Milk Shake Factory, Brayden excels in customer service and collaborates on brand standards, showcasing dedication to elevating brand experiences.
Brayden's multifaceted approach extends to civic leadership, where they serve as a Voter Registration Fellow, demonstrating a passion for civic engagement and community empowerment. Beyond screens and pixels, Brayden's story is one of continuous exploration, innovation, and a steadfast commitment to making a positive impact in design, leadership, and civic engagement. In their free time, Brayden enjoys baking various types of bread, from Foccia to Baguette to Sourdough.
Sofia Vega
DIRECTOR OF BRAND PARTNERSHIPS
Sofia Vega is a sophmore at SCAD, who is also an aspiring actress and designer. Double majoring in performing arts and advertising and branding, Sofia is always aspiring to expand her limits and reach her dreams! She loves meeting new people, music, working out, and traveling when in her free time.
“CONVERGE began with one question - How can we make a meaningful impact on the lives of creatives here in Atlanta?
My co-founder Melissa Richardson and I are both passionate creatives pursuing degrees at SCAD Atlanta. We love creating and share that same passion for giving back to the community. We look forward to helping educate and inspire young creatives to follow their dreams and make meaningful positive impacts on the communities they touch.”
- Andrew Kearney