A Decade of The Residency: Hip-Hop, Youth Power, and Event Magic in Seattle

Ten years. Hundreds of young artists. And a community that shows up. Executive Director Olisa Enrico joins hosts Alysse Bryson and Libby Sundgren with youth artists Maia Gaiia and Sonatta to unpack The Residency’s journey from a two-week summer intensive partnering with MoPOP/Arts Corps and Macklemore & Ryan Lewis to a year-round 501(c)(3) that serves 300–400 youth annually — plus the capital-campaign dream of a permanent home. We talk stage presence, business skills, community and what it means to throw down for a decade of impact in Seattle. Takeaways: •The Residency grew from a 2-week program to a 4-week intensive with 45 artists, then expanded year-round.  •In 2020, The Residency became an independent 501(c)(3) and rapidly pivoted to online programming to keep community connected.  •Today the org serves ~300–400 youth annually across intensives, workshops, performance opps, and leadership programs.  •Across ten years, ~400–500 unduplicated young people have come through the program.  •“Who controls the narrative, controls the world” — youth voice and community collaboration sit at the center of the mission.  Timestamps:  [02:20] Meet Executive Director Olisa Enrico; introducing youth artists Maia Gaia & Sonatta.  [04:39] Origin story: MoPOP/Arts Corps + Macklemore & Ryan Lewis → from 2 to 4 weeks.  [06:07] Becoming a 501(c)(3) in 2020 and the Zoom-era pivot.  [07:42] Scale today: 300–400 youth/year; gateway via Summer Intensive.  [22:23] Sankofa: looking back to move forward; why narrative control matters.  [34:35] How to support + Nov. 2025 10-year celebration invite; tickets at theresidencyseattle.org.  Resources & Links: -The Residency: Website, LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook -Event: An Evening with The Residency: Celebrating 10 Years  -Olisa Enrico: LinkedIn -Maia Gaiia: LinkedIn, Instagram, Depop -Sonatta: Instagram -Alysse & Libby: Bios & LinkedIn Connect with Us: -Website: www.beatsworkingpodcast.com -LinkedIn: @BEATS WORKING Show -Instagram: @beatsworkingshow -Facebook: @Beats Working Show -YouTube: @BEATSWORKINGPODCAST Follow & Subscribe: If you enjoyed this episode, please consider leaving a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Your feedback helps us improve and reach more listeners. Send Feedback: If you have a show idea, feedback, or just want to connect, email us at [email protected].  BEATS WORKING is a platform on a mission to redeem work—the word, the place, and the way. We believe that work is the most honorable act in the universe, and through inspiring stories and practical insights, we want to transform the way people think about work and help them discover greater fulfillment in their lives. We invite you to join us as we build community through sharing and actively demonstrating what we learn.