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 Board of Directors

C. Susan Wright

Founder/Executive Director
Susan provides overall leadership and management, working closely with the Board of Directors to achieve its mission and strategic goals.Susan Briggs is a visionary entrepreneur and creative force whose multicultural journey across Grenada, London, and the U.S. has shaped a lifelong passion for film, television, and talent development. From launching the successful Discovery Childcare Learning Center in New Jersey to founding Apollo Talent Management—representing acclaimed talents like Michael Wright and Ginuwine—Susan has consistently broken new ground in business and entertainment. Through her production company, Nutmeg Productions, she is helping to revolutionize the world of athlete branding and brand endorsement.
Brittney Briggs

CoFounder/Sports Coordinator
Brittney is responsible for planning, organizing, and overseeing various sports programs and events, ensuring they align with the organization's mission and goals. Her role involves program development, volunteer recruitment, budget management, and communication with participants and stakeholders. Brittney is a Creative Consultant, filmmaker and sports enthusiast. She graduated from Montclair State University with a BFA in Filmmaking.
Mellany Paynter

Director of Operations/Secretary
Mellany oversees the organization's daily operations, strategic planning, project management, program oversight. She is a Creative Entrepreneur and Writer with a unique blend of writing prowess, wellness advocacy, and project management expertise. She is the passionate force behind your vision, and seamlessly contributes to personal and professional endeavors. A distinguished alumna of Howard University's esteemed Civil Engineering program, she channels her passion and expertise into creative projects and ideas for both individuals and startups. Her additional skills include podcasting, web design, marketing collateral creation, and transforming social projects into vibrant realities.