Stoop Stories Collective

Marj Kleinman (she/her) is an award-winning visual storyteller, recent Eisner Prize Fellow, and the founder of Stoop Stories, a community collective that connects New Yorkers through documentary storytelling and programs, with a mission to increase social connection, preserve neighborhood stories, and revitalize communities through stoop culture and intergenerational connections. As a proud native Brooklynite still living in her childhood brownstone, she is deeply committed to passing on her parents’ legacy of 1970’s Brooklyn stoop life. 

Danielle (she/her) is a native Brooklynite with over 3 years of experience in the non-profit arts world.

Stephanie Y. Cole is a storyteller and native New Yorker who loves leadership philosophy, self-help books, science/fantasy fiction, classic comedy, salsa dancing and calypso music.   Her love runs deep for Old School Soul Music (vinyl format preferred), and she lives, works and podcasts from Harlem, New York City.

Moselle Douff is a documentary filmmaker and photographer based in New York.

Evan Li is a New York City-based filmmaker and visual storyteller with a BFA in Film Production from Brooklyn College. With a strong background in cinematography, editing, and documentary work, Evan brings a thoughtful, collaborative approach to every project. He has worked across a range of roles—Director of Photography, Producer, Editor, and Sound Mixer—on independent films and documentaries.

James Martinez Amaro is a senior at Hunter College pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Film along with a Business Certificate and a minor in Media Studies.

Shanaya Perkins is a New York City-based filmmaker. She is a senior at Lehman College, double majoring in Psychology and Film Studies...

Amaya Whitehead-Bust, originally from Denver, Colorado, is a freshman at Vassar College. She is thrilled to be supporting Stoop Stories with photography, videography, research, and outreach.

Amaya has a passion for food justice and agriculture, has worked on multiple farms, and is excited to explore the intersection of storytelling, land, and place-making. In her free time, she loves to collage, play her drums, and perform in plays!

C.J. is an education professional who is passionate about strengthening community-based organizations and supporting programs that create meaningful opportunities for young people and communities. At Stoop Stories, she contributes to grant writing and fundraising efforts that help sustain and expand the organization’s work.

Talia Krausz is a filmmaker, photographer, social media wiz, and lifelong learner. Raised in New York, she’s always appreciated the city’s rich diversity and creative spirit—but her love of storytelling has also taken her around the world, where she seeks out meaningful exchanges with people from all walks of life.

Bridget Bartolini, founder of Five Boro Story Project, is an oral historian, socially engaged artist, educator, writer, and native New Yorker who hails from the beautiful borough of Queens. She feels lucky to have grown up with a stoop where family and friends gathered to shoot the breeze.

Fiona is a rising sophomore pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Public Relations at the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University.

Ben is a Brooklyn-based filmmaker who currently works primarily in post-production....

Amelia Magel is a born and raised New Yorker and a graduate of the George Washington University with a journalism and film degree

Yan Mengyu is a Brooklyn-based filmmaker who has 7 years experience working in documentaries, scripted films and social media as a cinematographer, director and editor...

Xavier Rolando is a native New Yorker and senior at Brooklyn College pursuing a bachelor's degree in film production.

Erica Ross is an experienced business professional from Bed-Stuy with more than 20 years of experience in healthcare information technology and business operations. Her career reflects a strong foundation in client engagement, strategic partnerships, business development, and project leadership. She is passionate about helping early-stage entrepreneurs build the strong foundations needed for sustainable growth.

Tyler is an operations consultant and project manager who believes good systems are an act of care — for the people doing the work and the communities they're trying to reach. She carries 15 years of NYC — most of it in Fort Greene, Brooklyn — in her bones and into her work. Now based in Laguna Beach, CA, that deep connection to people and place never left her, and it's a big part of what drew her to Stoop Stories.

Vini (she/her) started out in psychology before pivoting paths, and now holds a Master's in Human Resource Management from Northeastern University...

Brandon Denny is a senior at Hunter College pursuing dual bachelor's degrees in Film Production and Mathematics.

Katie Godowski is a product photographer and freelance photographer based in Brooklyn, New York. She loves to photograph humans on the streets fighting for change at protests, street artists making the city colorful and families just embracing the beauty of the world...

Ella Mak is a junior at Hunter College pursuing a bachelor's in both Film Production and Classical Studies.

Jennifer Peck is a dedicated educator and community builder with a passion for enriching the lives of students of all ages. With a Master’s Degree in Education from Lehman College and a BA in History from Fisk University, Jennifer brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to her role as an ELA & Social Studies teacher...

Lirie is an experienced freelance project manager for creative, digital and tech workflows. She is passionate about partnering with creatives and thought leaders to create impactful solutions for our communities. https://www.linkedin.com/in/lirie-vanschaik

Noel Lagdamen is a finance executive and native Brooklynite. He has worked internationally for over 15 years based out of Singapore and is enthusiastic about reconnecting with his hometown and giving back to the community. With a strong background expanding businesses and growing start-ups, Noel brings a collaborative and roll up your sleeves approach to any project.