Naomi Winston, an esteemed alumna of Xavier University of Louisiana, is making waves in the education sector with her innovative approach to education, representation and storytelling. She is the founder and CEO of The Creative Representation Empire (TCRE), a company specializing in culturally representative, immersive educational coloring books and experiences. Winston is but one of the thousands of graduates that Xavier has instilled with its mission to promote a more just and humane society, and she was recently recognized as a lauded Xavier University of Louisiana 2023 “40 under 40” awardee. Winston was also a featured pitch judge and speaker at the Rising Stars: HBCU Entrepreneurship Summit on Xavier’s campus this past weekend. Her dedication and passion embodies what it means to be a Xavierite. 

 

TCRE, known initially as Revolutionary Heart, Inc., is driven by a mission to empower diverse voices and enrich classrooms and communities through immersive educational resources. Expanding exponentially, TCRE has impacted over 10,000 youth across five countries and has numerous partnerships nationwide, including collaborations with Firstline Charter Schools in New Orleans and the Boys and Girls Club in San Luis Valley. Winston hopes that by partnering with youth-centric organizations and institutions, the diversity-driven message of her coloring books will reach and inspire the next generation; she herself found a connection with Xavier’s legacy and mission while still a young child. 

At the tender age of 10, Winston learned about Xavier’s rich history as a Historically Black College and University (HBCU), designed to provide a haven for Black individuals seeking higher education. Winston’s venture is thus aimed to amplify the voices of Black and Brown communities by providing greater access to storytelling opportunities.  

“A big piece of what we’re trying to do with The Creative Representation Empire is to create mirrors of representation for Black and brown communities, as well as portals of understanding education, empathy for those not a part of those communities,” said Winston. “We helped three Black women publish their own books, including illustrating a children’s book.” 

 

Driven by her upbringing and inspired by Xavier’s commitment to social justice, Winston, who studied history during her time at Xavier, embarked on a journey to create positive change through education. Her remarkable achievements reflect Xavier’s ethos of empowering communities and fostering belonging. In December 2023, Naomi and The Creative Representation Empire was featured on CBS Mornings with Gayle King to discuss TCRE and her dedication to creating long-lasting impacts for youth worldwide.  

“The Creative Representation Empire came as a result of watching my little cousin experience colorism,” said Winston about her inspiration. “When I started the company, a big piece of our work was made to develop a sense of belonging through our coloring books, which we see as the physical manifestations of community care and investment.”

 

In the next six months, TCRE aims to integrate its coloring books into local library systems, classrooms, and youth organizations. This initiative is part of a broader goal to expand nationally and globally by 2030. Winston is encouraging fellow alums, current Xavierites, and other members of the Xavier family to become advocates of her work and to help promote TCRE’s efforts in their respective communities to help them increase impact on a national and global scale. 

“I have truly dedicated my life to creating a more just and humane society because I see how valuable what Xavier has instilled in all of us is- the ability and the competence to believe that we’re capable of changing the world around us,” Winston said. “We all can do something to make the world a better place. We just have to find what our purposes are in life. It goes along with my favorite tagline, which is ‘Everything has purpose, and you are everything!’”  

 

Story by Tyana Jackson, Student Contributor