Zabdiel Alejandro

f.a.q.
Who, what, where?
who?
Allow me to introduce myself; I am Zabi (Zaah-Bee) and embrace the pronouns they/them. Albeit my identity now is rooted in the rich tapestry of nonbinary queerness, it was shaped by my traumatic upbringing in a vibrant Bostonian Afro-Caribbean household.
My artistic journey began when I discovered the transformative power of DIY culture within the Punk scene, igniting a passion that would guide my creative endeavors. It lead me to study textiles at Rhode Island School of Design for a summer. However, life took a tumultuous turn during my teenage years, leading me into the shadows of addiction and homelessness.
Consequently, I became a ward of the state. I navigated through various New England institutions, ultimately emerging as a young adult facing life's challenges on the streets. Amid this chaos, I sought solace in companionship provided through sex work and eventually yoga. Leaving the former and focusing on yoga allowed me to travel while also pursuing higher education intermittently.
My path constantly evolved but embracing yoga as a cornerstone of my healing journey, I had a foundation. Relocating to the vibrant city of New Orleans, Louisiana I experienced the joys and trials of marriage, only to find myself exploring the complexities of divorce. This brought me to Providence, Rhode Island, where I delved into art, landscaping, and discovered a newfound passion for healthcare.
Today, I reside in Savannah, GA. I proudly serve in the Emergency Department. My practice now is combining my artistic spirit with my commitment to healing. I continue to create art, learn more about my eclectic ethnicities, practice/teach yoga, while diligently working towards becoming a professional. This journey is not merely a career path; it is the fulfillment of my destiny as a creative healer, intertwining my past experiences with a profound sense of purpose.
what?
(am I?)
(A F**K*N' HOMO(sapien)!
......... but I know what y' all are looking for. So here is my genetic makeup.
AFRICAN: 24.3%
9.0 Congolese & Southern East African
6.1 Senegambia & Guinean
2.6 Cameroon
2.2 Nigerian
1.7 Ghanain, Liberian, & Sierra Leonan
1.1 Levantine
1.1 Egyptian
0.5 Broadly Sub-Saharan African
AMERICAN: 12.9%
12.9 Indigenous Caribbean (Puerto Rico)
ASIAN: 0.2%
0.2 Northern West Asian
EUROPEAN: 61.7%
61.2 Canary Islands (Amazigh?!)
0.5 Ashkenazi Jew
UNASSIGNED: 0.9%
0.9 unassigned
(I DID/DO)
Within The Last 5 years
2025
Still Hot Yoga
Decatur, GA
Yoga Teacher
2025
Emory University Hospital
Medical Intensive Care Unit
Atlanta, GA
Patient Care Technician
2025
West Barnstable, MA
Yoga Teacher
2024 - 2025
Providence, RI
Yoga Teacher
2023 - 2024
Providence, RI
Hospice Aide
2020 - 2025
The Miriam Hospital
Providence, RI
Lead Emergency Technician
- started as CNA on Oncology 1 year
- created the lead position in ED.- participant in Be, and UPC- Phlebotomist- BLS certified- performs EKG, adds, pacemaker interrogation,
- Nominated and rewarded Care Team of the Year 2024, Care Team ooff of the Quarter 2025
The Last 5+ years
2018
RI & MA
Landscaper
2018
Providence, RI
Personal Assistant
2017
Pulp & Grind
New Orleans, LA
Barista
2016-2017
New Orleans, LA
Server
2016
French Market
New Orleans, LA
Vendor attendant
The Last 10 years
2015-2017
Bikram Yoga New Orleans
New Orleans, LA
Studio Manager & Yoga Teacher
2014-2015
Oak Street Yoga
New Orleans, LA
Yoga Teacher
2014
Bikram Hot Yoga State College
State College, PA
Studio Manager & Yoga Teacher
2013-2014
Boiler House Yoga
Providence, RI
Studio Manager & Yoga Teacher
2013
Sol Pedicabs
Providence, RI
Pedicab Driver
2013
Eco Pedicabs
Providence, RI
Pedicab Driver
2010-2011
Donate Shop
Providence, RI
Cashier, Front Window Designer, and Manager
10+ years
2009
Community College of Rhode Island
Knight Campus Art Gallery
Providence, RI
Gallery Monitor
Providence City Hall
Department of Arts, Culture, & Tourism
Providence, RI
Paid Intern
AS220
Broad Street Studio/Youth
Providence, RI
Stipend Youth Artist
Devereux
Rutland, MA
20 years
Riverzedge Arts
RI
where?
Born in the lively city of Boston, Massachusetts, in 1989, I took my first breath at St. Margaret's Hospital, nestled in the vibrant neighborhood of Dorchester. My early years were spent in Woonsocket, Rhode Island, where the Fairmount Projects and Phoebe and Olo Streets formed the canvas of my childhood. These streets, alive with the echoes of laughter and the weight of hardship, became the foundation of my formative experiences, leaving a profound imprint on my soul that would shape my identity for years.
At just sixteen in 2005, I was caught in a whirlwind of contrasting emotions. A summer at the Rhode Island School of Design, immersed in pre-college textile design, offered a fleeting escape from the turmoil of my home life. However, this brief interlude was shattered when I was forced to leave my family due to my stepfather's troubling behavior. This turning point led me to Cato Street, where I lived in modest circumstances with my sister, navigating the chaotic streets of Boston and New York City.
Unfortunately, my journey took a dark turn with a devastating overdose, which resulted in my being placed in state care. I moved through various treatment facilities, including Bradley Hospital and Gateway Arts Stepdown in Johnston, RI, and Devereaux in Rutland, MA, before eventually finding a temporary home in a group residence in Providence in 2007.
The years followed were a relentless pursuit of stability and a sense of belonging. After experiencing homelessness, I found a sense of comfort. I relocated to the beach neighborhood Gaspee Point, on the coast of Warwick, RI, in 2008. This period marked my first thrilling flight to Florida and an adventure to Montreal, Canada. My wanderlust continued in 2010 as I embarked on a walkabout, traversing 47 states, sleeping under bridges, in tents on mountainsides, and on sandy beaches while occasionally finding refuge in the homes of generous strangers. The subsequent years were a tapestry of movement. I oscillated between Warwick and Providence, actively participating in the Occupy Providence movement in 2012 before finally settling in New Orleans, Louisiana, in 2014, where I hoped to find a new beginning.
Life has taken me on quite a journey filled with exploration and new experiences. I returned to Rhode Island, where I embraced the familiar while venturing to exciting destinations like Mexico. My time at the AS220 resident studios was a creative highlight. Soon after, I relocated to Fall River, MA, and then to Woonsocket, RI. My travels continued; I had the chance to visit iconic places such as London and the ancient site of Stonehenge. After a series of moves, including a stint in the north end of Providence followed by the west end, I also enjoyed a trip to Puerto Rico. As of June 2024, I’ve settled back in Gaspee Point, ready for whatever comes next.
Moving to Savannah, GA June 2025.