Meet ‘Kairand’ Kevin Bellinger | CEO Human Impact Productions. Social and Human Impact Specialist

We had the good fortune of connecting with ‘Kairand’ Kevin Bellinger and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi ‘Kairand’ Kevin, do you have some perspective or insight you can share with us on the question of when someone should give up versus when they should keep going?
“Keep Going or Give Up?”

When you realize that motion is not an option, there is no giving up—only changing course. I’ll never give up on my life’s purpose: my vision of healing the world through celebration and engagement. I’m known as the Social Impact Celebration Ambassador, and my work is about ensuring that everyone—no matter where they live—has access to culture, education, and moments of joy.

I’ve been in Tucson for 16 years and founded the first iteration of Human Impact Productions in 2014. As long as I know that the top 50 cities in our country have a combined population of less than 50 million people—yet they hold the majority of resources, funding, and opportunities—my work is far from over. The remaining 280 million people, many in rural, tribal, and underserved communities, deserve the same access to culture, education, and celebration as those in major cities. That’s why I keep going.

Giving up isn’t in my DNA. It’s about adapting, shifting gears, and finding new ways to make an impact. I believe in the power of celebration as a force for healing and transformation. Whether it’s through the RAAVOLUTION Festival, REACH Tours, or working with tribal nations, my mission is to ensure that no one is left out of the conversation.

So, when faced with challenges, I ask myself:
Is the mission still necessary?
The answer is always yes.

That means the only option is to keep going.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Tell Us About Your Business?

Human Impact Productions: A Movement for Social Change

Human Impact Productions (HIP) (Powered by Success Beyond Game Day) is more than an event production company—it’s a movement dedicated to driving meaningful social change through cultural celebration gatherings, youth-empowerment, and immersive engagement experiences.

Our mission is built on four key pillars:

Empower youth
Support social impact artists and athletes
Recognize Indigenous and under-discovered cultures
Advocate for community-driven initiatives

Since 2014, HIP has produced over 300 events and experiences, impacting more than 250,000 people across Tucson and the Southwest. From STEAM LABS projects for teens to major cultural festivals, nonprofit collaborations, and large-scale community outreach events, our goal remains the same: to uplift, educate, and inspire.

HIP Impact Productions Offerings:

RAAVOLUTION Celebrations & Parades – Large-scale cultural events integrated with sports and entertainment stadium experiences, creating high-energy, immersive celebrations.
HIP Tribal Nations REACH Tours – A traveling caravan of HIP Impact Production elements, bringing music, arts, and education to Indigenous and rural communities, fostering cultural exchange and empowerment.
SBGD/HIP STEAM LABS Projects – Youth development programs designed to spark curiosity, provide internship opportunities, and create pathways to employment in entertainment, sports, and production industries.
HIP Partner Impact Productions – Collaborating with nonprofits and community organizations to enhance their public engagement efforts through equipment rentals, production management, and full-scale event support.
HIP Design & Consulting – Providing strategic consulting, seminar leadership, and engagement solutions for organizations looking to amplify their impact and connect with their communities more effectively.
Rising Artists and Athletes in Action (RAAVOLUTION) Foundation and Support

At HIP, we don’t just produce events—we create experiences that inspire, empower, and drive lasting change.

What Sets HIP Apart?

HIP stands out because of our deep-rooted commitment to grassroots impact. We don’t just produce events—we create platforms for real change. While many production companies focus on spectacle, we focus on people.

Before the stage, before the music, before the show—we listen.

This approach has allowed us to build trust with tribal nations, empower young leaders, and create lasting economic and social impact in the communities we serve. Our work isn’t just about entertainment—it’s about long-term community investment.

What Are You Most Proud of or Excited About?

I’m incredibly proud of the legacy of empowerment we’ve built over the past 10 years:

500+ teens have received STEAM LABS engagement experiences
20+ social impact artists have been supported and elevated
250+ nonprofit partners have benefited from our collaborative efforts
25+ Southwest Tribes have joined us to recognize and celebrate their people and cultural traditions
The most rewarding part? Seeing people feel seen, valued, and empowered through our work.

LOOKING AHEAD

2025 Strategic Merger with Success Beyond Game Day (SBGD)

I’m particularly excited about our strategic merger with Success Beyond Game Day (SBGD) in 2025. Founded by CEO Samantha Card—along with nationally and internationally recognized leaders in sports, entertainment, and professional development Robert Doore, and Ryan Schachtner, —SBGD is a premier professional and personal development organization for collegiate, professional, and Olympic-level athletes.

This merger creates a groundbreaking pathway for youth empowerment and cultural impact. A teen can start with curiosity at our RAAVOLUTION STEAM LABS or HIP REACH TOURS, receive professional guidance through SBGD’s leadership programs, gain hands-on apprenticeship experience, and ultimately access career opportunities in the entertainment and sports industries.

This fully integrated system bridges education, mentorship, and career access—ensuring that young people, especially from underrepresented communities, can thrive.

2025 Expanding Production to Meet National and International Demand

With our SBGD partnership, we are scaling HIP’s production capabilities to meet growing national and international needs, creating traveling HIP teams powered by young adults.

These teams will operate from HIP Outpost, delivering RAAVOLUTION Events, HIP Tribal REACH Tours, SBGD STEAM LABS, and Partner Community Cause Projects to underserved communities across North and South America. This expansion ensures that cultural, educational, and empowerment experiences reach rural and remote areas, bridging gaps and creating opportunities where they are needed most.

Tucson Southwest HIP/SBGD Operations Base: A New Era of Growth

Our new HIP Operation Base will be the launchpad for our Tribal Nations REACH Tours, The Tucson HUB strengthens our team while positioning our region as a national leader in inclusive, high-impact experiences.

Additionally, it will serve as a strategic Southwest base for SBGD, providing training and development for aspiring and professional athletes—including future NFL, MLB, and Olympic competitors. This ensures that athletes are prepared for success on and off the field.

HIP ARTIST AGENCY AND LABEL

This initiative serves musicians, filmmakers, actors, photographers, dancers, spoken word artists, and creatives—connecting them with real-world opportunities through our RAAVOLUTION and HIP REACH events. Unlike traditional agencies, our model is mission-driven, uplifting artists who use their work to inspire, educate, and engage communities.

SUSTAINABILITY

Through strategic partnerships, mentorship, and industry connections, we’re building a sustainable ecosystem where artistic expression fuels social change.

How Did You Get to Where You Are Today? Was It Easy?

Nothing about this journey has been easy. In the 1980s, after a successful early career with the YMCA, LA Parks & Rec, and the Boys & Girls Club, I set out with a vision: using entertainment and sports to drive community change.

Even as a young leader, I was known as the “celebration energizer”—someone who could bring unique, engaging experiences to any event. Over the last 40 years, I’ve learned that true impact only happens when young people want to participate.

The biggest challenge? Proving that social impact and large-scale entertainment could coexist as a sustainable business model. Many investors didn’t see the value, and nonprofits often dismissed celebration engagement as a charitable cause. However, by staying committed to our mission, we’ve built something that doesn’t just entertain—it transforms communities.

How Did You Overcome Challenges?

I overcame these obstacles by staying true to my purpose while seeking alignment:

Putting humanity before profit
Prioritizing relationships over transactions
Letting impact speak for itself
Creating a space for financial support and wellness
Rather than just talking about change, I proved it—one event at a time. By self-funding our first decade, we ensured that people could experience HIP’s mission firsthand.

What Lessons Have You Learned?

Listen first, act second. The best solutions come from understanding community needs before offering answers.
Relationships matter more than transactions. Long-term success is built on trust and shared values.
Purpose and profit can coexist. You don’t have to choose between impact and financial success—you just need the right model.
Resilience is everything. Stay true to your vision, and success will follow.
Music and storytelling fuel cultural growth.

What Do You Want the World to Know About HIP?

Sustainable change begins with the celebration gathering—coming together to celebrate, compete, recognize, and share. To create lasting impact, we must meet young people where they are, provide them with the tools and opportunities they need, and empower them as the keepers of our culture and community. Every event, program, and initiative we create extends beyond entertainment—it is a catalyst for empowerment, cultural preservation, and community-building.

Our work demonstrates that when people unite through music, art, education, and shared experiences, real transformation takes place.

I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve built, and I know we’re only getting started. Tucson, the Southwest, and North America are on the brink of a new era of cultural and economic growth, and Human Impact Productions is committed to ensuring that growth is inclusive, impactful, and sustainable for all.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I love my big small town. When I host new business partners, I take great pride in showcasing Tucson’s rich cultural landscape and the many corporations that have chosen to call it home. I introduce them to iconic spots like 4th Avenue, downtown, the Tucson Convention Center, Old Town, the Desert Museum, our beautiful golf course communities, BASIS schools—some of the best in the country—Old South Tucson’s incredible food scene, the University of Arizona, and a drive out to the historic San Xavier Mission. And, of course, we explore Tucson’s diverse culinary scene.

When family and friends visit, it’s a more personal experience. I introduce them to venue and restaurant owners, my Tribal friends and their local food spots, and some of Tucson’s best live music. We’ll go on hikes, take scenic drives, and—without fail—spend a night out on the town. We start on 4th Avenue, sampling Tucson’s classic bars, then head downtown for live music and nightlife, often ending the night at Brick Box, where we listen to ‘Tonight’s Sunshine’ perform while enjoying their signature ‘Dark Ale.’ It’s all about sharing the heart and soul of Tucson.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Shoutout!
The people below helped start Human Impact Productions in the early years.
(To our current group of leaders, Kim, Scott, Faith, Amy, Kahealani, Ramses, Brad, Steven, Eden, Jatai, and Katrina, Thank You!)

A massive shoutout to my son, Cougar Bellinger, for standing by my side through every detail and production I’ve led in the Southwest since he was 6. While other kids were playing video games, Cougar chose to help his dad build something bigger—impacting communities through music, culture, and connection. His dedication and passion continue to inspire me every day.

A huge shoutout to Anastasia Lopez and her band, Tonight’s Sunshine! As her drummer, Cougar has been part of something truly special. Anastasia’s leadership, encouragement, and unwavering spirit lifted me up through tough times. Together, we co-founded the Tribal Nations Tour, and Tonight’s Sunshine has been the heartbeat of our social impact work—performing at every HIP event and inspiring other artists to use their talents for change.

I want to send a big shoutout to the Annual Red Road to Wellbriety Celebration committee—led by Eddie, Nati, Ed, Faith, Ralph, Kathy, Julia, and Jon. Their dedication has been instrumental in the success of every RAAVOLUTION event and the launch of our Tribal Nations REACH Tours. A special thank you to Faith Ramon, our HIP Tribal Liaison, whose work has been the driving force behind uniting tribes from across Arizona and beyond for the RAAVOLUTION Celebration and Parade.

A heartfelt shoutout to my New Mexico family—Julie and Christine—who helped me in ways I can’t even put into words. Through COVID, through surgeries, through the hardest moments of my life, they were there. Without them, HIP wouldn’t be possible.

And last but certainly not least, a huge shoutout to Kym, Ben, and the Arizona Bowl Team—for seeing the vision, trusting me as a partner, working alongside me to support Tucson, and changing the world.

Much love and gratitude to you all—this journey wouldn’t be the same without you!

Website: https://humanimpactproductions.com

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kairand-bellinger-93501463/

Image Credits
Katrina Emmert
Kairand Bellinger