Just over a year ago, Josue Barahona walked into Mainframe Studios on a quiet Friday night, not knowing his life was about to change. A recent graduate of North High School and lifelong music lover, Josue was simply hoping to find a creative space. What he found was a launchpad.

“I came to Mainframe during one of their open Friday nights,” Josue recalls. “A soccer coach encouraged me to check it out, knowing I was into music. I asked someone if there was anything music-related in the building, and they pointed me downstairs.”

That’s where he met Derek Frank, the studio coordinator at Oak Studio Best Buy Teen Tech Center. “The lights were off, so I almost didn’t go in. But someone let me in—and the rest is history,” Josue says.

Josue showed Derek one of his original songs, and the connection was instant. “He was blown away. I came back the next day and we started working on music right away.”

Visit Launches Opportunity

That spontaneous visit turned into something much more: a spot in a creative youth cohort program led by Emmett Phillips, Teen Tech Center Career Pathways Facilitator, which paired teens with mentors and offered training in professional development, communication, and creative entrepreneurship.

“I didn’t even know what I was signing up for at the time,” Josue laughs. “But being in that cohort taught me so much—how to collaborate, how to pitch myself, how to carry myself in a room full of professionals.”

Those skills became crucial as Josue began networking in the music world. Today, he’s living in Nashville, working with the manager of country music artist Hunter Hayes, thanks to a connection made through Derek.

“I moved to Nashville just months ago,” he says. “And now I’m working CMA Fest and writing songs with Grammy-winning artists. It’s unreal.”

In fact, he recently opened for Gwen Stefani at the Target Center in Minneapolis, and has had sessions and written several songs with one of Trisha Yearwood’s close friends, Rebecca Lynn Howard – a two time grammy winner who was recently on the Today Show with Trisha.

Early Beginnings

But Josue’s journey started long before Nashville—or even high school. “I’ve been making music since sixth grade. I always knew this was what I wanted to do, even though nobody in my family was involved in music. I’m the first.”

Self-taught on guitar, ukulele, and production software, Josue started writing and producing music on free online programs from his school laptop. “I heard Tyler, The Creator talk about starting at age 12, and I thought, ‘Well, I’m 11—why not me?’”

Raised in Des Moines by immigrant parents from El Salvador, Josue says it took time for his family to understand his path. “They really wanted me to go to college. They didn’t always see music as a career. But now they’re proud—and a little shocked—at how fast things are moving.”

In Nashville, Josue shares a house with two musicians he met through Derek’s network. The home belongs to a well-known Christian musician who wanted to support young artists. “It’s a beautiful setup, and I feel lucky to be surrounded by people who believe in this dream.”

As for the future? Josue is all in. “My ultimate goal is to become one of the biggest musicians in the world,” he says without hesitation. “I believe it’s going to happen—it’s just a matter of time.”

Through his journey, Josue hopes to inspire other young creatives, especially those from places like Des Moines.

“When you tell people in Des Moines you’re a musician, they always ask, ‘Okay, but what else do you do?’ I want people to know—this is a real career. And it can start right here.”

Right here at Oak Studio Best Buy Teen Tech Center at Mainframe!

Oak Studio is changing the lives of central Iowa youth every day. To contribute to these important services, click here to donate. 

At Oakridge Neighborhood, we know that some of our strongest leaders are people who’ve lived our mission firsthand. One of those inspiring stories belongs to Dr. Skylar Mayberry-Mayes, a former Oakridge resident who’s come full circle to lead as President of our Board of Directors. His connection to Oakridge stretches back over two decades.

“My family and I moved to Des Moines, and we ended up living at Oakridge for about two years,” he said. “I was in fifth and sixth grade then.”

At the time, he didn’t realize just how big an influence those years would be. “I don’t think I knew how much Oakridge was shaping me,” he said. “But looking back now, I can see how important it was to my growth and who I’ve become.”

He remembers fondly the community spirit during those childhood years, from youth programs and neighbors who looked out for each other, to catching the bus in front of Edmunds Elementary.

“There was a real sense of pride in being from Oakridge,” he said. “It gave me connections and memories that have stayed with me all my life.”

Coming Full Circle

After moving away and finishing college, Skylar returned to Des Moines in 2012 for a new job, and found Oakridge entering his life once again in an unexpected way.

“When I moved back, I was working at United Way,” he said. “Through that work, I crossed paths with Oakridge again and met Teree Caldwell-Johnson, who was the President and CEO at the time. I didn’t set out to get involved, but Oakridge found me.”

He started volunteering, putting his skills in banking and finance to work on Oakridge’s Finance Committee. From there, one thing led to another.

“I just kept getting more involved because I cared so much,” said Skylar, now Executive Director of the Jacobson Institute at Grand View University. The Jacobson Institute serves as a resource in providing skills, training, and assessment for a future ready workforce.

Over the past eight years, Skylar has worn many hats on the Oakridge Board, including Vice President, Chair of the Housing and Services Committee, Chair of the Governance Committee, and now, Board President.

“It’s been an incredible journey,” he said. “It feels full circle to go from living at Oakridge as a kid to now helping lead the organization.”

Families like Skylar’s have turned to Oakridge Neighborhood for support for nearly 60 years. From secure housing to youth programs nurturing potential, to workforce and family services building brighter futures, our reach continues to expand because the need has grown. Your support ensures that hope, opportunity and belonging remain within reach for thousands of Central Iowans who count on us every day. Learn more.

At the age of two years old in 1996, Lessa Lubunga and her family fled their war-torn home country Congo, seeking refuge in a Tanzania camp. The journey was fraught with hardships, but Lessa’s parents’ determination remained unwavering. By the age of 19, Lessa became a mother for the first time, and by 20, she had her second child. Life in the camp was challenging, but her commitment to her kids and her hope for a better future kept her going.

Challenges

Living in the refugee camp presented numerous obstacles: limited resources, uncertain living conditions, and the emotional toll of displacement. Lessa juggled the demands of young motherhood with the responsiblities of survival in a camp environment. Lessa’s turning point came in 2018, when her family was granted an opportunity to settle in the United States. However, due to the complexities of refugee resettlement, her parents were unable to come with her. With her brother as her only family member by her side, Lessa faced the daunting task of starting over in a new country without her parents, while raising two young children. 

The emotional and financial pressures were immense, compounded by the language barriers and cultural adjustments required when she and her brother were resettled in the United States. 

The Journey

In the U.S., Lessa worked tirelessly to provide for her family. She found her first job at The Des Moines Register, which allowed her to support her children and assist family back home. Over the years, she applied for housing in Oakridge, where she moved in March 2022. In 2023, she enrolled in English language classes at Oakridge, and now she is planning to do CNA courses.

Amidst these efforts, Lesa met and fell in love with a supportive partner who admired her strength and dedication. Together, they welcomed a son, adding to the joy and fulfillment in Lessa’s life. Her partner’s support was crucial, allowing Lessa to balance her roles as a mother, employee, and student more effectively. 

Success and Impact

Lessa’s commitment to her family and community paid off. She secured a stable job and contributed actively to her local community. Her story became an inspiring example of perserverance and success, highlighting the positive impact of support networks like Oakridge Neighborhood, combined with personal determination. 

In her professional role, Lessa became a mentor for other immigrant families, offering guidance and encouragement based on her own experiences. Her story resonated with many, and she was recognized for her contributions to her community and being a role model for young and single mothers. 

Recognition and Future Plans

Having navigated the complexities of her new life and achieved significant personal milestones, Lessa took citizenship classes at Oakridge Neighborhood. She is now in the process of applying for U.S. citizenship. This step represents the culmination of years of hard work and dedication to building a stable and prosperous future for her family. 

Lessa’s journey from a refugee camp to the prospect of U.S. citizenship is a powerful testament to her resilience and determination. Her story illustrates the strength and hope that drive individuals to overcome adversity and build a better future for themselves and their families. Lessa’s achievements serve as an inspiration to many, showcasing the transformative power of perseverance, support and love. 

-By Rose Mugeni

Resident Najmo Abukar is a shining star participating in Oakridge Neighborhood’s youth programming. But before joining in Oakridge’s afterschool program full-time in 2018, Najmo was quiet and introverted. Her younger brothers were active participants in the youth programming, but she would not consistently join in. Some arm twisting by friends, a staff member who was also her middle school science teacher, and the very persistent Oakridge youth department lead Vernon Johnson convinced Najmo to become involved and commit to regularly participating.

Now, Najmo, the oldest of five children who came from Africa when she was an infant, demonstrates confidence, leadership and discipline in all aspects of her life. She is driven, ambitious and motivated. She earns nearly all A’s at Roosevelt High School. She works over 30 hours a week as a cashier at Walmart to save for a car and to assist her mother with household expenses; with her first paycheck, she bought her brother a phone. She is also a tremendous help to the Oakridge staff, assisting with high school tutoring sessions. She has joined several educational groups to help bolster her college resume (“College is a must,” she says), including the 4-H Urban Youth Leadership Academy and Investing in My Future.

She was also selected for the Oakridge Summer Youth Employment Program. She aspires to be a nurse, doctor or surgeon, so her summer employment experience last year placed her at UnityPoint, just across the street from Oakridge Neighborhood. “I want a career where I can make a change in the world, where I can help spread hope,” she says.

With young people like Najmo poised to lead the way, we all should, indeed, have hope in the future.