Our Story

P.A.W.E. began as a dream conceived by Bismillah at the age of 16, driven by a deep desire to create a space where children and their families could access high-quality arts experiences outside the constraints of traditional school systems and costly paid programs. She recognized a gap in the availability of affordable arts education and wanted to build an inclusive platform that made creativity and expression accessible to all. After years of hard work, dedication, and earning her Master’s degree in Drama Therapy at New York University, Bismillah felt it was finally time to turn this lifelong vision into a reality.

 

In September 2024, P.A.W.E. was officially established, marking the beginning of a new chapter for both Bismillah and the communities it serves. Since then, P.A.W.E. has steadily grown, evolving into the dynamic nonprofit it is today. The board, a diverse group of individuals with a wide range of backgrounds and areas of expertise, has found their collective stride in shaping the impact they want to have on the community. Together, they are focused on creating lasting, positive change through the arts—helping to provide children of all economic backgrounds with the opportunity to explore and develop their creative talents.

 

Our team is united in the belief that we are the change we wish to see in the world, and through P.A.W.E., we are working to make that vision a reality. This nonprofit is a testament to the power of dreams, collaboration, and the unwavering commitment to bringing art and creativity to every child.