J
Janean L. Watkins is a creative professional with over 20 years of experience. She founded the award-winning .:SEEDS:. Literary Arts Journal and was the first Black Editor-in-Chief of Northeastern Illinois University's newspaper. In 2016, she launched Urban Matrix Creative Solutions LLC, providing web design, content management, and web series production for small businesses, artists, and entrepreneurs. This led to Boss Chronicles, a one-season web series, and a four-issue print run of Urban Matrix Magazine, both showcasing Chicago-based brands and local entrepreneurship.
She has collaborated with organizations such as Soul Survivors of Chicago, Women With A Vision, Louisiana Coalition for Reproductive Freedom, LIFT Louisiana, Austin Community Family Center, and the National Council of African Women, championing social justice causes. In November 2023, she became Communications/Technology Manager for Chicago Volunteer Doulas, advancing birth and reproductive justice.
Janean has co-produced, produced, and directed documentary shorts and music videos. Her passions include technology, birth and reproductive justice, writing, franchise fandoms, reading, and video gaming. As the Owner and Creative Director of the Urban Matrix Family of Brands, she remains committed to community empowerment.