Proclaimed as one of the “purest contemporary voices” by National Public Radio (NPR), Amikaeyla is a force for change. A Cultural Arts Ambassador for the State Department, as well as a highly sought-after performer and public speaker, she travels worldwide doing expansive work with political refugees, war survivors, and jeopardized populations “opening paralyzed voices and transforming wounded spirits…”. 

Founder and Executive Director for The International Cultural Arts and Healing Sciences Institute (ICAHSI), Amikaeyla unlocked her self-expression and healing in an intensive care burn unit after a near fatal hate crime. Lying in excruciating pain and anguish after being told her legs would have to be amputated and she would never walk again, she discovered she could not only overcome fear, but also become fearless through the healing power of music. Working in the Behavioral Health arena for over the past 25 years, Amikaeyla brings together artists and healers of all forms and from all specialties to promote healing and wellness through the arts & activism. She is often called by the United Nations and embassies worldwide into difficult scenarios to offer inter- cultural literacy and deep restorative justice work in support of transformative and peaceful solutions. Her Music As Medicine programming and work with at-risk children, youth and families has been utilized and implemented by the Department of Health & Human Services, The American Psychological Association and United Nations High Commission on Refugees, and her extensive studies with traditional healers and cultural artists around the healing effects of music led to the commemorative Golden Buddha performance at personal invitation by His Holiness the Dalai Lama in India. 

She appears regularly on television, radio, and film and has shared the stage with many accomplished speakers and musicians including Angela Davis and members of the Black Panther Party, Sweet Honey in the Rock, Pete Seeger, Baba Olutunji, Micky Hart, Amiri Baraka, Gil Scot Heron, Esperanza Spalding, and Sheila E. She is the proud recipient of the United Nations Global Woman Award, the Voss Foundation Emerging Women Leaders Award, the Pioneer Award for Exemplary Leadership and Outstanding Service in Social Justice and Advocacy, and the International Hero for Peace and Forgiveness award.