​Michael James

​Executive Director

A native of Oakland, is a visionary leader and founder and Executive Director of OTEC, the Oakland Technology and Education Center and its signature event, AfroComicCon. Michael’s passion for empowering youth and adults through technology and storytelling has created a lasting impact on the City of Oakland that spans decades. ​

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Michael founded OTEC in 2001 through the launch of  D.U.S.T.Y. (Digital Underground Storytelling for Youth), an award-winning program that taught digital storytelling to hundreds of youth across Oakland and globally in partnership with the UC Berkeley Graduate School of Education. Over the years in his role, Michael has facilitated the development and implementation of the digital storytelling program and its curriculum, and led the strategic vision of the organization to secure partners, sponsors and collaborators for its events, including AfroComicCon and the AfroComicCon International Film Festival., In tandem with his work at OTEC, Michael has also served as a teaching artist and Digital Storytelling Instructor with the Bay Area Black Teachers Association, where he developed curriculum and instructed on various technology and design topics. His commitment to education, innovation, and community empowerment continues to inspire change and create opportunities for future generations.

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Hally Bellah-Guther

Co-Executive Directors

the Co-founder of the organization’s signature event, AfroComicCon and leads the finance and operations arm of the organization. Hally joined OTEC in 2012, and has contributed significantly to the operations and leadership of OTEC, and the development and success of AfroComicCon since its inception in 2017. ​

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Hally's deep-rooted passion for the arts and social justice stems from her past career as a ballerina and is evident in her dedication to addressing racial injustice and dismantling institutional racism. Her commitment to being a part of the solution drives her work within AfroComicCon and OTEC, where she continues to inspire positive change and make a lasting impact on the cultural landscape of the San Francisco Bay Area.

Nadia Morales

Program Coordinator

A recent graduate from UC Berkeley, where she obtained double degrees in Political Science and English Literature. She comes from a diverse background, being of Mexican and Palestinian descent. Known for her exceptional writing skills, Nadia has been recognized and awarded for her literary talents. Passionate about making a positive impact on her community, Nadia is deeply involved in nonprofit work.

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She finds fulfillment in contributing to causes that aim to uplift and support those in need. Additionally, she actively engages in assisting political campaigns, leveraging her knowledge and skills to advocate for change and progress. In her free time, Nadia indulges in her love for writing, using it as a creative outlet to express her thoughts and ideas. Her dedication to both nonprofit endeavors and political involvement showcases her commitment to effecting meaningful change in society.

Arianna Morales

Education and Workforce Lead

Arianna Morales has over 10 years of expertise in shepherding education and workforce change initiatives for the purpose of racial and economic justice. Her approach draws on tools and principles of community collaboration, improvement science and mutual accountability.

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As a descendent of mixed indigenous and settler communities, a daughter of artists and lifelong dancer, these cultural inheritances and ways of being have informed her lens towards racial and economic justice and the free expression of artistic beauty. Prior to OTEC, was the Director of Improvement Initiatives at the Marcus Foster Education Institute, an Oakland-based nonprofit dedicated to the improvement of K-16 systems and the uplift of youth and families. Arianna teaching and curriculum development experience also includes roles as a graduate student instructor while at UC Berkeley and as a lead teacher in a bilingual elementary school in Santiago, Dominican Republic. Arianna holds a Masters of Arts degree from Graduate School of Education at the University of California Berkeley and a Bachelor of Arts degree in International Studies from Vassar College.

Jabari Alii

Gaming Lead

A multifaceted professional, blending roles as a teaching artist, game developer, project manager, music composer, and educator with a wealth of experience. Currently serving as the Gaming Director for AfroComicCon, Jabari is dedicated to fostering diversity both within studio environments and on screen, ensuring representation and inclusion within the gaming industry.

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In addition to his role at AfroComicCon, Jabari holds the position of Oakland Site Director at the Hidden Genius Project, where he plays a pivotal role in mentoring and training hundreds of young Black boys in technology and entertainment. Notably, he spearheaded the creation of the Genius Gaming Studio, a student-run game development initiative poised to launch its inaugural game. Jabari's contributions extend beyond mentoring and development roles; he has also made significant contributions to the gaming landscape as a designer on projects such as the Walking Dead Saint and Sinner Retribution. A dynamic public speaker, Jabari has graced prestigious platforms including San Diego ComicCon and GDC, where he shares his insights and expertise with diverse audiences. Moreover, Jabari brings a rich background in music education and composition to his endeavors. He has taught piano at Notes Music Academy and lent his talents as a freelance composer for film and games. Notably, Jabari has also served as a design consultant for several indie studios, offering his expertise to help shape and refine their projects.

​Board of Directors

Hally Bellah-Guther, Board Chair and Co-Executive Director
​Valerie Kemp, Board Secretary, Senior Travel Consultant, AAA
Richard Trask, Actor and Comedian
Marcus King, Writer, Producer and Entrepreneur
Kent Tierney, Founder and Attorney, Tierney Law Group