Jan a.k.a J. River is an artist of many seasonings, which include: poet, playwright, writer, singer, songwriter, artisan, podcast post, MC, and emerging comedian. J uses her artistry as a form of art therapy for herself and others. J also owns a business called Aloha Blu where she creates wearable art for the everyday rockstar, out of polymer clay. J holds a degree in Gender & Women studies from York University and a college diploma in Community & Justice Services from Sheridan college, which has aided her activism and advocacy for the LGBTQIA+ community, racialized bodies, Black Womxn. During Womxn’s month in March, you can find her downtown with her megaphone at the IWD march. J’s education also afforded her an opportunity to work as a Community Development Worker for an HIV/AIDS prevention-intervention non-profit, helping the community impacted by a food shortage during the pandemic. J also is certified in grief literacy, which she obtained from Being Here Human. After being impacted by many losses in 2020 and throughout her life. J now aims to create safe spaces for Black people to work through collective and individual grief.