About Us
The Joy to the Universe team is a collective of queer, neurospicy creatives bound by resilience and a shared belief in the transformative power of joy. Shaped by lived experiences of poverty, homelessness, and systemic oppression, we carry our roots, artistic passions, and a deep connection to the mystical into everything we create. Together, we weave spaces of care, healing, and belonging, where every voice is honored, and joy becomes a radical act of transformation.
Our collaborators are not employees but trusted partners in specific projects, ensuring flexibility, equity, and shared ownership of the work. Part or all of client-based service fees and W.S.P.E.R. project donations go directly to our collaborators and/or to fund programming, reflecting our commitment to mutual support and sustainability.
Meet The Team
Tiff Joy is the Founder & Executive Director of Joy to the Universe, a consulting practice dedicated to fostering joy, healing, and transformative leadership. Born and raised in the South Bronx, Tiff’s lived experiences shaped their commitment to community engagement, environmental justice, and dismantling systemic oppression. With over 20 years of experience in social justice, Tiff specializes in strategic planning, leadership development, and program design everyone, especially BIPOC, queer, trans, and neurodiverse communities. Now based in Baltimore, they lead Joy to the Universe in offering facilitation, consulting, and innovative programming, including W.S.P.E.R. (We Spirit Project: Empowering Realities), to inspire creativity and collective liberation. Tiff’s expertise in nonprofit strategy, conference management, and advocacy makes them a trusted partner for organizations seeking impactful change. Through their work, Tiff continues to build a world where joy and justice intersect, empowering communities to thrive.
DREAM is the Founder of We L.I.T! (We Live In Truth), the first Black trans-affirmative candle company. Born in Brownsville, NY, DREAM channels their lived experiences as a Black queer individual into creating spaces of healing and affirmation. We L.I.T! transforms candle lighting into a celebration of identity and truth, offering vegan-friendly, eco-conscious candles that center emotional and spiritual well-being. DREAM’s work uplifts Black trans and nonbinary identities while fostering community and joy.
Ciara "Cee" Santos is a Bronx-based writer, poet, and photographer with over 15 years of experience performing at NYC open mics. A self-published author and former host of the Open Mind "Come As You Are" open mic, she’s passionate about creating welcoming spaces for creative expression. When she’s not behind the mic or the camera, Cee enjoys playing Animal Crossing, coloring with her daughter, and exploring makeup challenges. She’s excited to lead the Sunday open mics, continuing her mission to uplift voices and build community.
If you're interested in becoming a W.S.P.E.R. Project collaborator, we'd love to hear from you! Share with us what brings you joy and how you envision using it as a tool for collective liberation. Whether it’s art, storytelling, community care, or something entirely unique, all ideas and areas of joy are welcome. Together, we can build spaces that inspire, heal, and empower. Reach out and let’s connect!