NEIU’s Open Expression Studio

Going from being a teacher to being asked to start a whole program from scratch Lafe was asked to become a program director because of her extensive experience within radio, podcasting, social media, and teaching others how to do all of these and more. Lafe is a leader and above all else a team player she started with just her and an Alumni helping her with paperwork to recruiting a team of 6 people. The space was meant as just a podcasting studio but Lafe thought it had more potential than that and decided to name it Lyric Lounge the open expression studio where not only students will be able to do podcasts but they will also be able to do spoken word, make music, take videos, and so much more while also offering training courses on how to do so. 

Joining NEIU’s Student Media Board in 2023, Daniel Gutierrez has contributed his work to WZRD Radio as an acting Music Director and most recently Lyric Lounge Studio. Majoring in Communication, Media and Theater (CMT), he is extremely passionate about collaborating with others and being surrounded by like minded individuals and has a strong sense of curiosity, where he is willing to learn new concepts and ideas.  He has an undeniable interest in audio and music as a whole. In his free time, he enjoys spending time with his friends and trying new foods, sushi being his favorite! Daniel is excited to work alongside the Lyric Lounge team to develop and grow an all-inclusive environment to allow students to express their creativity.

Pablo Santiago is half Mexican and half Puerto Rican and is currently the Technical Director of Lyric Lounge. He is a communicator at heart which is why he loves being a part of Lyric Lounge because this space is all about discussion. The idea of bringing students that come from all walks of life to have conversation is so important to have and having a space like this should be encouraged. He is excited about the stories that are going to be told and the perspectives that will be shared in our space!