Daily Inspiration: Meet Kalei Freeman

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kalei Freeman.

Kalei, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Growing up in Brooklyn in a single-parent household, I discovered early on that my passion lived in the arts—especially dance and music. As a teenager at 19 , I stepped into leadership as one of the youngest dance directors in my church, where movement became more than expression; it became ministry.

From there, I continued to grow by blending my love for the arts with my heart for the next generation. Today, I serve as a dance director and youth pastor in Jamaica, Queens, where I am committed to empowering young people through creativity, faith, and leadership. My mission is to create spaces where they feel seen, inspired, and equipped to walk in purpose.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
No, it hasn’t been a completely smooth road. One of the earliest challenges I faced was stepping into leadership at a young age. In the beginning, it felt intimidating, and I often questioned whether I was truly ready for the responsibility. Leadership carries such weight, and at times it felt overwhelming.

Over time, I realized that I am called to lead, and that shifted everything for me. I stopped allowing intimidation to silence my voice and instead began to lead with confidence, faith, and a deep sense of responsibility. Those challenges shaped me, strengthened my character, and prepared me for the work I do today in ministry and youth leadership.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a dance director and youth pastor based in Jamaica, Queens, using the arts—especially dance—as a form of ministry, expression, and discipleship. My work is centered on developing young people in their gifts, identity, and spiritual growth.

I create spaces where people feel seen, safe, and empowered to grow in faith, excellence, and character. I’ve led church dance teams, mentored young dancers, built arts programs, and developed Raise Your Banner NYC (RYB NYC) as a prophetic expression of worship and intercession—using the arts to push back darkness over the city and release a sound of faith and revival.

What I’m most proud of is transformation: watching young people move from hesitation into boldness, purpose, and spiritual awareness. For me, dance is not performance alone—it is ministry, and everything I do is rooted in intentionality, purpose, and spiritual impact beyond the stage.

Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
What I like best about my city is that it is incredibly diverse and rich in culture. There is a strong presence of the arts, and you can see creativity expressed in so many different ways across communities. That cultural mix is something I deeply appreciate and draw inspiration from in my own work.

My hope for this city is that there would be more structured spaces where young people can be poured into, develop their gifts, and feel protected. Without those safe spaces some youth end up turning to environments that don’t always serve their growth or well-being.

This is part of what fuels my passion for youth work and ministry—creating those safe havens through dance, mentorship, and leadership development.

Pricing:

• BAS School Program (12-week cycle): $500 per student
• Youth dance workshops / sessions: Pricing is based on group size, location, and duration
• Church or ministry engagements: Typically offered as invited services with honorarium considerations
• Private coaching or choreography: Custom rates based on project scope
• Community/youth initiatives: Some programs are offered free or at low cost to ensure accessibility for young people

Contact Info:

• Instagram: kaleifreeman