Meet the 2024 Manifest Student Team
From L to R: Bryan McElroy, Ruby Henson, Fasika Hailu, Elisha Denard For more than 20 years, the student-driven Manifest Arts Festival has been a staple on the calendar for the Columbia College Chicago community. This year’s festival theme is “ Breakthrough ” and encourages Columbia creatives to break through barriers with their art and voice.
Manifest is the result of months of hard work from students. For many graduating students, this event is their chance to showcase the culmination of years of creative work and growth in their field. In addition, there is a dedicated group of students who spend months putting all the parts in motion to make Manifest a success.
Meet the four members of this year’s Manifest Student Team.
Ruby Henson (They/Them), Illustration '24, Manifest Creative Director
What inspired me to be a part of the Manifest Student team is my passion for Illustration and my school pride!
What do you like about your position on the team? What has it taught you and what are you taking away from the experience?
What I like about my position on the team is the way my art gets to be involved with everyone’s passion at Columbia. It has taught me how to be a professional illustrator and to have fun working with a team of creative professionals.
What are your favorite memories of Manifests past?
Going down the bouncy slides with my friends and kicking off my mural on the Hilton hotel the day of.
What makes Manifest so special to the Columbia community and student experience?
>What makes Manifest so special to the Columbia community and student experience is the platform it gives upcoming artists to present their craft and hard work, it's a celebration!
What are you most looking forward to for Manifest 2024?
What I am looking forward to most about Manifest 2024 is sharing all my hard work with my family.
Elisha Dennard (He/Him), Arts Management, '25 Manifest Programming Intern
What inspired you to serve as part of Manifest's student leadership team?
As the Programming Intern for the Manifest student team, I draw inspiration from the committed and diligent individuals I engage with each day. Working alongside fellow student leaders feels like being part of a supportive family, where we uplift each other as we refine our abilities. Whether in internship roles or leading student organizations, our shared drive for achievement motivates me profoundly to contribute to the Manifest student leadership team.
What do you like about your position on the team? What has it taught you and what are you taking away from the experience?
I've held this position for two years now, and my guiding principle has always been the notion of "learning by doing." It's a hands-on role that has provided invaluable experiential learning. I'm incredibly fortunate to have found an internship so perfectly suited to my interests and growth. One significant aspect of this role is managing a portion of the Manifest Arts Festival. Coordinating food trucks, for example, has proven to be both demanding and rewarding—a learning experience I deeply value. Throughout this journey, I've come to understand the importance of patience and self-assurance. Even when challenges arise, I've learned to trust in my abilities and believe that solutions will emerge. If things don't go as planned, I see it as an opportunity to learn and improve for the future.
What are your favorite memories of Manifests past?
One standout memory from past Manifest occurred when the Manifest Student team took the stage to toss T-shirts into the crowd. While aiming for the back, one of the shirts accidentally got caught on a stage light. Initially concerned, we were relieved and amused when it was safely retrieved—a moment that provided unexpected hilarity. Another cherished memory stems from my first Manifest experience, where I had the opportunity to meet the headliner, Dreamer Isioma. Capturing a photo with t hem and striking up a conversation with both Dreamer and their guitarist, Dante Swan, was a highlight. Interestingly, a year later, I discovered that one of my off-campus friends was close to Dreamer. This revelation led to an invitation to join them for dinner and hang out—an unexpected and delightful turn of events showcasing the interconnectedness of life's experiences.
What makes Manifest so special to the Columbia community and student experience?
While I can't speak for everyone, as a Columbia student, I identify as an artistic individual who values meaningful experiences shared with other talented professionals. This is precisely why Manifest holds such significance for me. As articulated in our mission statement, Manifest serves as a platform that unites the entire community, fostering a celebration of our creative essence while nurturing enduring relationships and connections. It's a testament to the power of creativity to bring people together and forge lasting bonds.
What are you most looking forward to for Manifest 2024?
A: As this will be my 3rd year attending Manifest, I'm excited about various aspects, including the street performers, the headliner, and, above all, the showcases presented by each department. I deeply admire the dedication and effort put forth by everyone involved in preparing for the Manifest Arts Festival. It's inspiring to witness the culmination of their hard work and creativity showcased throughout the event.
Fasika Hailu (She/Her), Marketing '24, Manifest Marketing Intern
What inspired you to serve as part of Manifest's student leadership team?
I wanted to be involved in the planning of a bigger event that serves the student body. As a transfer student, I had never been part of something this big, so I wanted to step out of my comfort zone!
What do you like about your position on the team? What has it taught you and what are you taking away from the experience?
I love my position on the Manifest team! It has taught me how to work with a large group of students and how to market to Columbia students.
What are your favorite memories of Manifests past?
This is my very first Manifest which is very exciting! From what I have seen through pictures and videos, I'm excited to see all the beautiful showcases this year!
What makes Manifest so special to the Columbia community and student experience?
What makes Manifest so special is that you see students show up for other students! I love seeing people supporting their classmates and celebrating their successful showcases.
What are you most looking forward to for Manifest 2024?
I look forward to seeing all the senior showcases and the mainstage performance!
Bryan McElroy (any pronouns), Fine Arts '27, Manifest Digital Media Intern
What inspired you to serve as part of Manifest's student leadership team?
I wanted an environment where I could have a little freedom with creativity, without heavy limitations that I’d keep from coursework.
What do you like about your position on the team? What has it taught you and what are you taking away from the experience?
I like that I get to use my passion for set design in the office and independently produce short videos. It’s taught me a lot about time management, and that collaboration is the best medicine for stress overload. If I’ve taken anything away from this experience, I’d say it’s the ability to comfortably ask for help.
What are your favorite memories of Manifests past?
As a freshman, this is my first Manifest experience. Based on archives and my research, I can say I really enjoy how Manifest creates a community out smaller communities. Manifest has something for people of various backgrounds and perspectives, and they all come together for one reason: To celebrate the amazing work our seniors have done throughout their special journeys.
What makes Manifest so special to the Columbia community and student experience?
Manifest is like a last “hoorah!” That both validates and seals a senior's legacy in my eyes. It’s a time to not hold back and put it all out there and show us one last time who you are before you graduate.
What are you most looking forward to for Manifest 2024?
I’m most looking forward to Manifresh and the cultural presence it brings to Manifest.
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