Artist. Advocate. Educator.
At Empathy’s Edge, we believe that storytelling, design, and strategy have the power to drive meaningful change. As a Philadelphia-based creative and educational consultancy, we specialize in design thinking, marketing communications, and systems leadership to help organizations and communities thrive. Our work bridges the gap between education, social justice, and economic empowerment, ensuring that voices often unheard are amplified and supported through innovative solutions.
One: Empathy-Driven Innovation. We prioritize human-centered design and storytelling to create solutions that truly resonate.
Values: Top Five
Two: Strategic Impact. We combine data-driven insights with creative problem-solving to drive meaningful, measurable change.
Three: Collaboration & Community. Strong partnerships and collective action are at the heart of how we engage and create sustainable solutions.
Four: Empowerment & Growth. Whether through capacity-building, coaching, or advocacy, we help individuals and organizations maximize their potential.
Five: Creative Courage. We embrace bold ideas, innovative storytelling, and design thinking to challenge the status quo and inspire transformative change.
Meet Zakiya
(Zah-kee-yah)
Founder & CEO
A visionary leader, strategist, and creative force, Zakiya Stewart (she/her) founded Empathy’s Edge to transform how organizations communicate, engage, and make an impact. With over a decade of experience in strategic marketing, education advocacy, and capacity building, she has partnered with nonprofits, businesses, and educational institutions to develop initiatives that foster inclusion, advancement, and opportunity. Zakiya’s work is driven by a deep commitment to community empowerment and storytelling.
She has led initiatives, including:
Award-winning marketing campaigns for architecture studios and social impact organizations
Strategic policy & advocacy efforts in education and transitional housing
Career and economic development programs, such as launching a career center for women in shelters
Capacity-building for educators, school leaders, and professionals to elevate their impact
Curious about how it all began?
Meet Zakiya at 16
Check out this video and / or read Education Dreaming, the inspiring story behind our mission and vision and see why the work we do matters.
Reach out to explore how you can collaborate with Zakiya and her partners.
