Community 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. 

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

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.

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...

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...

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

Kathleen is the author of the novels Ghosts of the Missing and Ashes of Fiery Weather, which was named one of Book Riot’s 100 Must-Read New York City Novels. Her stories and essays have appeared in Web Conjunctions, Washington Square, SNReview...

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

Amelia Magel is a journalism and film student at The George Washington University and was born and raised in New York City.

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...

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

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.

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...

Ash Marinaccio, Ph.D., is a multidisciplinary documentarian and visual storyteller working in theatre, photography, and film. She is dedicated to storytelling highlighting the socio-political issues defining our times and regularly works throughout the United States and internationally.

Bode Omar is a filmmaker completing his degree at LaGuardia Community College and preparing to transfer to Brooklyn College. He has gained hands-on experience across editing, photography, and production through internships, including his current role with Stoop Stories.

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