Today we’d like to introduce you to Déja Imani Fitzgerald.
Hi, Déja Imani; having you on the platform is an honor. Thanks for sharing your story with us – to start, maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers.
Absolutely! Here’s my story: buckle up for a fun and convoluted ride. I’m a North Carolina native, born and raised. After earning my master’s degree in Greensboro, NC, I packed my bags and moved to Portland, Oregon, to dive into higher education. Working in student affairs was a wild ride—especially those years in residence life. Imagine living with over 400 18-year-olds, many of whom are just learning that foil and microwaves are not friends. Pro tip: sparks will fly, literally, lol.
But seriously, those experiences taught me the incredible power of community. Whether it was crisis management or hosting events, I loved every moment of connecting with my students and supporting them with everything ranging from mental health, their first dates, coming out, roommate drama, and substance use. It was endless, and I was proud to see them grow. During this time, I also took my first steps into performing as a vocalist, blending hip-hop and pop. I was a symphonic percussionist and classical pianist with a severe stutter. I don’t have to tell you how middle school went for me and why this significantly shifted my relationship with music. Amazingly, within my first month, I performed at nearly every hip-hop showcase in the city. Talk about a whirlwind!
However, something about my full-time job felt constraining. Then, COVID hit, and the national racial reckoning began. I transitioned into a role as a DEI Executive for an LGBTQ+ organization in Oregon, where I made meaningful changes but still felt that pull towards something unconventional.
Enter Knoxville and my journey toward a doctorate in Counseling Psychology. It’s been fantastic to be back in the South. But, true to my nature, I couldn’t just focus on one thing. If COVID taught me anything, it would be that life is too short not to chase your joy. Realizing my passion for being on stage and connecting with people despite growing up with a severe stutter until the 2nd grade, I started merging my love for community advocacy, mental health, and entertainment. So, I dove into community work, entertainment, and advocacy, which genuinely make me happy.
Now, while working towards my Ph.D., you can catch me performing as Imani (the alternative pop artist) at events like DC’s Capitol Pride and Pittsburgh Pride Festival, and I am prepping my EP for release now. I also serve as the executive producer and one of the hosts of Out Loud Knox, East Tennessee’s only LGBTQ+ radio show. Finally, I host ArizonaState’s new online psychology series in partnership with YouTube, Hank, and JohnGreen’s company, Complexly. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7EpskxxCHv0). So yeah, I’m still building the plane as I fly it, but I can’t wait to see what’s next, especially as I wrap up my degree.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It has been a challenging road. Like so many others, COVID threw a massive wrench in my plans. Just as I was gearing up for my music career, having released my first project, secured a manager, and booked a seven-stop tour across the West Coast, the pandemic hit, and it was all over before it started. And then there was my higher education career. If I had to remind students not to put foil in microwaves, imagine trying to get them to understand germs and social distancing. That was a quick exit, for sure, and it certainly isn’t affordable out on the West Coast, so my little pennies only went so far. Graduate school has its brand of rough. And not just because research can be drier than my skin in Arizona. When I first moved here, a tree fell on my house, I got scammed by a contractor, which set me back over $10,000, my uncle fell ill and passed away, and my mother had four strokes. Talk about a challenging few years. But despite these hardships, they were catalysts for deep reflection and growth. Each struggle pushed me to look inward and learn to lean more into my happiness and well-being. It hasn’t been easy, but it’s shaped me into who I am today and helps me lean toward joy in every moment.
Thanks for sharing that. So, tell us more about your work next.
My ability to merge my passions for mental and relationship health, advocacy, community building, and entertainment sets me apart. I’m working on my doctorate in Counseling Psychology at the University of Tennessee and as a Practicum Therapist at the Student Counseling Center. I get to support students’ mental health through individual and relationship therapy because I love getting the tea. Then, at least when I was not in graduate school, I founded and ran The Collective By Imani, an organizational consultancy focused on training workshops, leadership coaching, conflict management, and more. And it was really neat to work with more well-known names like Microsoft and the Recording Academy.
Growing up with a severe stutter until the 2nd grade and undiagnosed neurodivergence until a few years ago, I never imagined I’d be on stage or hosting shows, but these experiences have become my superpowers. Whether it is my work with Out Loud Knox, getting deep on festival stages as Imani, or hosting nerdy YouTube videos for Complexly and Arizona State University, I am finally moving in the right direction and doing it with my complete authenticity.
Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
Honestly, I’d love to get more involved with Knoxville. Traveling to different states to perform at festivals is fantastic, but there’s something special about building local relationships and celebrating with your neighbors through good music. If you have any events where you’re looking for a groovy time, you are a local creative looking to collaborate, or you are looking for someone to host a good time, please don’t hesitate to reach out—I love being in a community with fun folks. Also, my EP is dropping soon, and I’d love for folks to give it a spin, so get ready for that! Lastly, if you haven’t found your joy yet, I am talking directly to you. I invite you to take a moment to ask yourself how you might be able to find opportunities to live in your joy and well-being.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.soundsbyimani.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/soundsbyimani/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SoundsByImani/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dejafitzgerald/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC81n1SaFN6x5SnOohPJWCog
Image Credits
Complexly, Magnolia and Ember, and Colin Maxie
