Who We Are
The Heart of the Village (The Village) is a cultural platform that curates experiences designed to build community and connection through art, culture, and collaboration. Our model is fostering community through curated experiences.
Our Story
The Village was co-founded in 2026 by Chelsea Diahn and Mitchlyn Grant, who connected through community and volunteer work, centered on youth engagement. Their experiences planning events, developing programming, and building relationships within the community inspired a greater vision: creating opportunities for community building through shared experiences. That vision became The Village.
From those beginnings, The Village has evolved into a cultural platform exploring how art, culture, and experiences can shape the way people gather, participate, and connect with each other.
Today, The Village continues to grow through community-centered programming, creative experiences, local partnerships, and initiatives designed to bring people together.
Our Mission
Fostering community through curated experiences.
The Village seeks to fulfill our mission by curating meaningful experiences that bring people together. Our vision is to provide engaging experiences that build connections, strengthen partnerships, and maintain community for a lasting impact. We want participants to leave our experiences feeling connected, valued, and seen while also developing relationships with those they meet.
Our mission is driven by the West African proverb, “It takes a village to raise a child”. We believe that community is essential to a quality life, and that being a community member means showing up.
The work done at The Heart of the Village is our contribution to community and how we show up for those who continue to support us.
Our Values
Culture, Connection, Collaboration.
Meet the Team
Leadership
Co-Founder | Creative Director
Chelsea Diahn
Chelsea is the Co-Founder and Creative Director of The Village, leading the creative vision, programming, communications, and overall development.
Her work is influenced by her humanitarian values, experience in community engagement, and a belief in the importance of artistic expression as a reflection of lived experiences and a celebration of identity that strengthens and shapes community. This perspective guides the way she communicates The Village's message and brings its mission to life through cultural storytelling and creative world-building.
Chelsea develops The Village’s experiences from concept to execution, shaping how programs are imagined, communicated, and experienced. Her approach centers art, culture, and collaboration as tools for creating spaces where people can gather, participate, and connect.