About Us
We’re a dynamic team of strategists, artists, designers, writers, videographers, photographers, facilitators, educators, and thought leaders – and that’s just the beginning. United by our shared passions for education and social progress, our team brings a wide array of skills to every project.
Our Values
Empowerment
We empower communities and individuals to drive meaningful change.
Creativity
Innovation and creativity are at the heart of everything we do.
Social Progress
We are dedicated to advancing social progress and advocating for positive change.
Collaboration
We believe in the power of working together to achieve common goals.
Inclusivity
We create inclusive spaces where diverse voices are heard and respected.
Our Work
We’re driven by multiple bottom lines, with a clear focus on breaking down barriers to education and career opportunities for everyone.
Our Clients and Partnerships
We collaborate with clients and partners who share our values and are committed to making a positive impact in their communities. Our clients include Foothill College, City College of San Francisco, Chabot-Las Positas Community College District, Laney College, Berkeley City College, Breakbox Thought Collective, United Way Youth Venture of North Central Massachusetts, Justice Outside, California Rural Legal Assistance, Healthy Richmond Initiative, the City of Alameda, and many more.
We’ve also teamed up with like-minded partners such as the Foundation for California Community College, Dulce Upfront, Information Playground, Signature Solutions, the NIAM Group, and RDP Consulting.
Our Principal
Roy Robles grew up in Newark, NJ during the 1980s, a time marked by the highest incarceration rates in any industrialized country, with men of color disproportionately affected. Amidst this, the rise of Hip Hop and other urban art movements began to engage the community, inspiring young people to turn their lives in new directions. Witnessing this powerful response to institutionalized disenfranchisement showed Roy the transformative power of the arts and fueled his passion for pursuing creative expression in many forms.
At the same time, Roy recognized the systemic failures in the education system that were holding back children in his community. He has always believed that education is key to community liberation, driving him to become a self-taught expert with a strong Do It Yourself (DIY) philosophy. Over the years, he has honed his skills as a woodworker, welder, carpenter, multimedia producer, photographer, musician, teacher, and more.
Seeking work that aligned with these principles, Roy spent three years as an instructor and assistant department chair at Laney College, and over a decade as the Senior Media and Technology Strategist at Career Ladders Project (CLP). Alongside this, he and his family embraced homeschooling for their three children, which led Roy to become actively involved in the Bay Area’s homeschooling community, where he taught woodworking. These experiences deepened his understanding of the lack of visibility for emerging artists and changemakers, and reinforced the importance of direct community engagement.
In 2019, Roy founded First Floor Group, a company dedicated to serving the community through amplification, education, and a commitment to self-sustainability.