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Meet the Family Behind the Stars

Three Generations. Many Stories. One Mission.

United Family of Stars (UFOS) has grown through three generations, but family here has never meant blood alone. It means the people who show up, share what they know, open doors, and help our Stars see what is possible.

Different generations. Different experiences. Different talents. One shared purpose: pouring into the next generation.

Isabella smiling in a birthday crown as a little girl
Little Isabella

Isabella

Youth Creative Artist

I love spending time with my family and friends, traveling and experiencing new things. In my free time, I love to draw because it helps me relax, express myself, and be creative.

Giving back to my community means a lot to me, and I love helping other kids feel seen. Being part of United Family of Stars gives me a chance to share what I love while helping other kids discover what makes them shine.

A Little Look at My World

Isabella visiting Buckingham Palace in London
Exploring London
Isabella’s Coraline inspired original artwork
Creating what I love

The best adventures give me new memories and new ideas to draw.

Young Makiebah in a childhood school portrait
Little Makiebah

Makiebah

Executive Director

I’m Brooklyn born and raised, and I’m proud of how far life has taken me. I’m a hospital administrator, a wife, a mom, a traveler, a huge Disney girl, and I love to read.

United Family of Stars is my way of reaching back and extending my hand to help someone else rise. I’ve learned so much by navigating my own career and life experiences. I want our Stars to know what’s out there, know how to find it, and feel confident navigating their own path.

A few things that make me, me

Makiebah with her husband, children and parents at Disney World
Family, magic & making memories
Makiebah smiling while working in her office
Building, connecting & opening doors

My favorite stories are the ones that remind us how far we’ve come and help us imagine how far our Stars can go.

Young NiAsia in a childhood portrait
Little NiAsia

NiAsia

Co-Founder & Director of Family Care

I’ve always been the neighborhood mom. If you needed somewhere to go, something to eat, somebody to talk to, or just a safe place to be, my door is open. Taking care of people, especially children, has always been a big part of who I am.

That’s what United Family of Stars means to me too. I want our kids to know they have people looking out for them, supporting them, and helping them figure life out along the way.

When I’m not taking care of everybody, I’m probably crocheting! I make blankets, bags, scarves, hats, and just about anything else I can think of. I love creating things, especially when I can make something special for someone I care about.

The Things That Bring Me Joy

NiAsia relaxing by the beach
Peace by the water
A handmade crocheted character blanket created by NiAsia
Made with love

Every child deserves a safe place, a caring heart, and people who will always show up.

Young Shatiek in a restored childhood portrait
Little Shatiek

Shatiek

Founder & President

Growing up in Brownsville, Brooklyn, I saw a lot at a young age. I saw kids growing up around violence, poverty, and limited opportunities, and I knew I wanted to do something that gave children in my community more.

I’ve always believed that sometimes you have to see what’s out there to imagine something different for yourself. That belief has guided my work with young people for more than 40 years, from creating safe spaces and taking kids on trips outside the city to using music, creativity, and education to bring people together.

Music has always been a big part of my life too. As a DJ, I’ve been able to use something I love to connect with people and bring joy to my community.

Seeing United Family of Stars continue into another generation means everything to me. The world may have changed, but our children still need exposure, guidance, opportunities, and people willing to pour into them.

The Man Behind the Mission

Shatiek DJing at a United Family of Stars community event
Bringing joy through music
Shatiek seated at the wheel of a bus
Opening doors beyond Brooklyn

As long as we can reach another child, there’s still work to do.