Kariz Marcel | Creative Strategist
Marcel “Kariz” Martin is a creative strategist, UX-informed program designer, and award-winning music producer with over 20 years of experience building culturally responsive initiatives at the intersection of arts, technology, and social impact. He specializes in helping clients design scalable, fundable programs that attract philanthropic investment, corporate sponsorship, and measurable outcomes. His work bridges nonprofit, education, entertainment, and healthcare sectors—offering strategic clarity and creative execution that delivers both cultural relevance and impact.
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Marcel has advised executives in healthcare systems, record labels, and foundations, helping to co-design social impact programs that align with mission, data, and community voice. His unique ability to integrate user research, experience design, and storytelling has positioned him as a connector between grassroots creatives and institutional funders. In 2023, his company Blakwater Production House served as composers for Iyanu: Child of Wonder, an animated series on Cartoon Network and Max, marking Blakwater Studio as a rising leader in youth-centered music production for global platforms.
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His past collaborations include The U.S. Department of State, The Recording Academy, and Roc Nation, where he co-created mental wellness initiatives and led curriculum design rooted in songwriting, emotional healing, and media production. As an advisor for the DC Grammy Chapter, Marcel helped campaign for the Best Song for Social Change Award and consulted on funding strategies to support grassroots music-based initiatives.
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Before his current executive leadership work, Marcel founded Kariz Kids Youth Enrichment Services (2009–2018), a national after-school program that served nearly 2,000 youth and adults across 10+ U.S. cities. His education and artist development programs helped launch charitable arms for high-profile musicians, secured multiple corporate sponsors, and provided pathways to sustainability for mission-aligned creatives.
Born in NYC and raised in Baltimore, Marcel got his start producing music for socially conscious artists and building community studios where local and international voices could collaborate. His curriculum work with organizations like The Creative Alliance and Citibank helped youth explore financial literacy through music business and songwriting, blending creativity with lifelong skills.
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Today, he continues to mentor creative entrepreneurs and consult organizations on how to design programs, products, and experiences that drive real-world change—without losing cultural integrity. Whether he’s producing music, advising funders, or building AI-powered education tools like EDUDAW, Marcel is committed to shaping a future where creativity, equity, and technology meet.