Edruptor | Fashion Illustrator/Visual Artist | Creative Director @6IXacademy Social Entrepreneur Academy | Designer | OAEA/CSEA + Prime Minister's Award for Teaching Excellence.
Meet Beckie Di Leo, a creative dynamo who’s shaking up the art and fashion worlds with her innovative spirit and dedication to social justice. Beckie isn’t just an artist and illustrator; she’s a trailblazer in education and entrepreneurship. As the Co-Founder of the 6IX Academy and the visionary behind the HeARTs Dept, Beckie is turning the traditional arts curriculum on its head, blending creativity with real-world skills. It all started with a t-shirt campaign in 2009. Beckie launched “We Take No BULL-ying,” a project that has blossomed into a full-blown student-led fashion line. What began with a simple message against bullying now includes sneakers, backpacks, phone cases, hijabs, 3-D printed jewelry, and much more. The fashion line is a testament to Beckie’s commitment to empowering students through hands-on experience and mentorship from award-winning designers. At Central Toronto Academy, Beckie transformed the Arts Department into the HeARTs Dept, integrating social justice into the curriculum.
This forward-thinking approach allows students to dive into real-world experiences in business, marketing, fashion design, graphic design, web design, social media, photography, and event planning. The 6IX Academy and HeARTs Dept are not just about learning; they’re about creating and innovating, preparing students for a future where they can lead with creativity and purpose.
Beckie’s journey as a practicing artist and illustrator spans over two decades. Her vibrant career includes live fashion illustration, painting at galas, and working with the Toronto District School Board as a curriculum leader. She’s been a creative force in various roles—from directing dramatic arts productions to advising on student clubs and social media initiatives.
Educated at the University of Waterloo and the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education of the University of Toronto, Beckie’s academic background in fine art and education laid the foundation for her diverse career. Her passion for arts education is matched only by her dedication to fostering a more inclusive and entrepreneurial environment for her students.
With a flair for both artistic expression and business acumen, Beckie Di Leo is not just shaping young minds; she’s inspiring them to innovate, create, and lead with heart.
Social Media Handles:
Twitter: https://x.com/BeckieDiLeo
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beckiedileo/?hl=en
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