Ep. 69 More Than a Portrait: The Story Behind Now We See You | Conversations with Jackie Bailey

What happens when a young person notices the people everyone else seems to overlook—and decides to do something about it?

In this episode of Speak Feed Lead Conversations with Jackie Bailey, I sit down with Evaan Ahlawat, the young creator behind Now We See You, a meaningful initiative dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the school support staff who quietly make a difference every single day.

Evaan's journey began with a simple observation: many of the people who helped make his education possible were also people students often didn't really know.

Instead of simply noticing that, Evaan took action.

Through Now We See You, he interviews school support staff, listens to their stories, creates hand-drawn charcoal portraits in their honor, and uses art, storytelling, and technology to help make sure these often-unsung members of our school communities feel seen, valued, and appreciated.

During our conversation, Evaan and I talk about:

💙 The simple observation that inspired him to create Now We See You

🎨 How he combines art, storytelling, and technology to recognize the people working behind the scenes in our schools

🖤 Why hand-drawn charcoal portraits became one of his favorite ways to express gratitude

🤝 How young people can turn an idea into meaningful action within their communities

✨ Why gratitude becomes even more powerful when we choose to express it

We also explore how one small idea can grow into something much bigger—and why age should never determine whether someone is capable of creating meaningful change.