The Faces of Change: Yomi and Dawn to the Light
As we continue our journey through The Faces of Change series, we highlight two more powerful voices that have risen through The Agency—voices that have not only shaped their own futures but have also paved the way for others. This series, celebrating The Agency’s 10th anniversary, showcases the deeply personal and transformative experiences of young people who are trailblazing in their communities. These individuals, captured in portraits by Alumni Agents Bounty Vegah and Chimna Orji, embody the mission of The Agency: to empower young people to innovate and challenge the status quo.
In this third feature, we dive into the stories of Manchester Alumni Agents Yomi and the collective known as Dawn to the Light, who have both used The Agency as a platform to realise their creative visions. From discovering new artistic mediums to pushing boundaries with interactive community projects, these changemakers remind us of the incredible potential in every young person who walks through The Agency’s doors. Their journeys are proof of what can happen when ambition meets opportunity.
Yomi Q&A
What was the most memorable experience you had during your time with The Agency?
My most memorable experiences were my panel day, the trip to Perth, and the 2022 tournament.
How has being part of The Agency influenced your personal or professional life?
In my personal life, it introduced me to art as a way to uncover myself. I was able to engage with so many different forms of art, theatre, and performance, and it broadened my understanding of the lives of those around me.
Professionally, The Agency taught me how to be a trailblazer for myself. It showed me how to advocate for my ideas and take up space without feeling like an imposter. I’ve built up so much evidence of my own capabilities that the only question now is: Am I willing to take the next step?
What advice would you give to new participants joining The Agency?
The Agency has a sneakily brilliant recruitment process. Every year, we might complain about how “difficult” it is, but we know it produces some of the best talent the city has to offer. Not everyone stops for strangers on the street, not just anyone can finesse their way in, or get dragged kicking and screaming through the doors. And not everyone nominates themselves for a challenge. Agents are choosers, change-makers, and shakers.
One of the reasons you end up in The Agency is because you, or someone close to you, believes that things can be different—that you can succeed. You’ll soon understand that in The Agency’s Brazilian methodology, success can look like third place, and perfection can mean failure. The journey is one of self-actualization, but you’ll never take the first step if you don’t show up for yourself.
Do you have a favourite quote or motto?
It’s in The Agency’s "Hemisphere."
If you could instantly learn any skill or talent, what would it be and why?
I’d love to be multilingual.
If you were to write a book about your life, what would the title be?
TBD.
Dawn to the Light Q&A
How has being part of The Agency influenced your personal or professional life?
As a team, we believe the most influential part of The Agency is the change it sparks—both in us as individuals and as young professionals stepping into the arts. We were exposed to creative media and ideas we might never have explored individually, and we were constantly challenged to express ourselves in unique ways, whether through drawing our territories on a compass or representing ourselves as book covers.
Beyond that, we’ve built valuable networks and connections. For example, Aaliyah has been commissioned for her artwork, while Demereece now gets paid to perform his poetry in front of audiences he’s always dreamed of reaching. I (Ahtasham) have had incredible opportunities too, from co-hosting the 2023 Arts Awards to serving on the steering group that helps improve The Agency.
What advice would you give to new participants joining The Agency?
To all new agents: take a leap of faith and really immerse yourself in these weekly sessions. They may seem “weird” at first, but hang on to them and truly absorb what’s happening around you.
Our project, Dawn to the Light, started as a small idea we developed when asked if we wanted to create a monster project. Today, it’s a tangible product—a physical box containing the game we envisioned! We’re going to keep pushing the boundaries of what we believe is possible until Dawn to the Light becomes everything we’ve dreamed of.
Enjoyed this read? This was the third article in our series ‘Faces of Change’ read the previous two here and keep an eye out for more!
Below you’ll also find some more of the fantastic portraits taken by Bounty Vegah and Chimna Orji to celebrate 10 years of The Agency in the UK.
