Who we are
At Fifth Element Arts, we believe every young person deserves the chance to thrive—body, mind, and spirit. We bridge the gaps in traditional education by integrating arts, sports, and academics into transformative programs that empower youth across the Caribbean and U.S.
Why We Exist
Too often, young people are forced to choose between passion and practicality—between the basketball court and the classroom, or the stage and the textbook. Systemic underfunding, especially in marginalized communities, leaves schools struggling to provide holistic development.
The result? Untapped potential, disengagement, and missed opportunities.
We’re changing that.
Our mission
To empower the next generation of leaders by integrating arts, sports, and education—unlocking creativity, discipline, and opportunity for youth across the Caribbean and beyond.
Founded in 2023 , Fifth Element Arts exists to break down the false choice between passion and practicality. Through innovative programs that fuse performing arts, athletic training, and academic enrichment, we equip young people with the skills, confidence, and connections to thrive—on stage, on the court, and in life.
Our Vision
We envision a world where every artist, regardless of ability, background, or discipline, has the opportunity to create, perform, and share their work without limitations.
our goal
To build a dynamic, inclusive arts ecosystem that nurtures creativity, amplifies diverse voices, and harnesses the power of storytelling to inspire change by fostering inclusion, advocating for accessibility in the arts.
The Fifth Element Arts is based out of Huntington Beach, CA.
Our Approach
Our "Fifth Element" model—named for the unifying force beyond earth, air, fire, and water—combines:
Arts for Expression (Acting, Music, Dance, Film, and Theater)
Sports for Discipline (Basketball, and Teamwork-driven Athletics)
Education for Opportunity (Tutoring, Life Skills, and Career Readiness)
By fusing these elements, we don’t just create better athletes or artists—we build resilient leaders equipped for life.
Our Team
-
C. Susan Wright
Executive Director/CEO
Susan handles overall leadership, strategic direction, and management for the organization.
-
Brittney Briggs
Chief Operating Officer
Brittney works with the CEO and other executives to create strategies that align with the company's goals.
-
Mellany Paynter
Secretary
Mellany manages the general correspondence of the Board of Directors and manages general operations for the organization.
-
Samantha Mirabal
Educational + Program Manager
Coordinates activities across Fifth Element’s multiple programs
Reach out to fifth element Arts
Have questions or want to get involved? Fill out some info and we will be in touch shortly. We can’t wait to hear from you!