Our Mission

Israel Elias Colón is a Philadelphia-based poet and a beacon of raw expression within the literary world, as well as a lifelong martial artist who now coaches the kids BJJ class at Daniel Gracie Delco. Known for his intricate rhyme schemes and masterful use of poetic form, Colón’s work bravely navigates the complex terrains of trauma, religion, and the intricacies of human relationships. His background in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), boxing, and taekwondo not only shapes his physical discipline but also deeply influences his artistic endeavors. Colón believes self-defense is a foundational principle critical to the positive development of our youth, serving as a means of protection, confidence building, and self-expression.

His unflinchingly honest approach in poetry reveals his own journey and invites readers into a shared space of vulnerability and understanding. Colón’s poignant contributions have been showcased in the Toho Journal: Duality (Vol.2, No.1) & Icarus: Toho Chapbook Series II, marking him as a significant voice in contemporary poetry. A proud Temple University alumnus, he furthered his academic journey at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology, earning a Master's degree in Industrial & Organizational Psychology. This unique blend of psychological insight, poetic talent, and martial arts discipline allows Colón to explore and articulate the human condition in ways that are insightful, resonant, and grounded in the principles of resilience and self-awareness.

Beyond the page and the mat, Colón is deeply committed to enriching the lives of others. As a co-founder of Project Bluebird, he harnesses the transformative power of art, poetry, and martial arts to foster community engagement, healing, and personal growth. His dedication to using art and self-defense as vehicles for social change and personal healing underscores his belief in the profound impact that creative expression and martial discipline can have on individuals and communities alike.

Dhanya Varughese is a nurturing spirit and healing presence, emanating from the heart of Philadelphia. A Temple University alumnus with a Bachelor’s degree and a further Master's in Human Service Counseling & Life Coaching from Liberty University, Dhanya infuses her expansive knowledge into the fabric of her community. Her journey from the historic classrooms of Temple to the empathetic realms of life coaching has cultivated a profound wisdom that she graciously imparts to those around her.

As the co-founder of Project Bluebird, Dhanya has been pivotal in its inception and growth, embedding her vision of a nurturing community into its core mission. In her role as a LifeSkills Coach at Asociacion Puertorriqueños en Marcha (APM), Dhanya is a beacon of support, helping individuals to stitch resilience into their personal tapestries. Her influence blossoms further as a global coach for Outschool, where she shapes young minds with tenderness and understanding that transcends cultures and borders.

Guided by the mantra "Be the person you needed when you were younger," she tailors her coaching to not only educate but to heal and enlighten. Dhanya integrates an array of holistic practices in her teaching, from the tranquil breathwork of yoga to the reflective practices of journaling and the liberating touch of Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT). These are more than just techniques; they are the channels through which she instills calm, confidence, and clarity.

Dhanya Varughese's essence as a mentor is interwoven with her identity as a healer. Through Project Bluebird and beyond, she remains a testament to the transformative power of compassionate guidance and the indelible mark it leaves on the journey to self-discovery and communal harmony.