Akron Mayor Shammas Malik gives a fist bump to a young supporter, while Alice Duey, Malik’s girlfriend, looks on.
Akron Mayor Shammas Malik gives a fist bump to a young supporter, while Alice Duey, Malik’s girlfriend, looks on before the start of Malik’s ceremonial swearing-in at E.J. Thomas Hall Saturday, Jan. 6, 2024, in Akron. Malik was officially sworn in around 12:01 a.m. Monday, Jan. 1, 2024. (Kassi Filkins / Signal Akron)
Alice Duey (center) accompanies retired Judge Ted Schneiderman onto the stage.
Alice Duey (center) accompanies retired Judge Ted Schneiderman onto the stage during the ceremonial swearing-in of Akron Mayor Shammas Malik at E.J. Thomas Hall Saturday, Jan. 6, 2024, in Akron. Malik was officially sworn in around 12:01 a.m. Monday, Jan. 1, 2024. (Kassi Filkins / Signal Akron)
Retired Judge Ted Schneiderman (center) is accompanied off-stage by Gary Rosen (left) and Alice Duey (right) after administering the oath of office.
Retired Judge Ted Schneiderman (center) is accompanied off-stage by Gary Rosen (left) and Alice Duey (right) after administering the oath of office during the ceremonial swearing-in of Akron Mayor Shammas Malik at E.J. Thomas Hall Saturday, Jan. 6, 2024, in Akron. Malik was officially sworn in around 12:01 a.m. Monday, Jan. 1, 2024. (Kassi Filkins / Signal Akron)
Attendees clap along while the Akron Symphony Orchestra Gospel Choir performs.
Attendees clap along while the Akron Symphony Orchestra Gospel Choir performs during the ceremonial swearing-in of Akron Mayor Shammas Malik at E.J. Thomas Hall Saturday, Jan. 6, 2024, in Akron. Malik was officially sworn in around 12:01 a.m. Monday, Jan. 1, 2024. (Kassi Filkins / Signal Akron)
Mary Theofanos smiles as she watches her nephew, Akron Mayor Shammas Malik, takes the oath of office.
Mary Theofanos smiles as she watches her nephew, Akron Mayor Shammas Malik, takes the oath of office at his ceremonial swearing-in at E.J. Thomas Hall Saturday, Jan. 6, 2024, in Akron. Malik was officially sworn in around 12:01 a.m. Monday, Jan. 1, 2024. (Kassi Filkins / Signal Akron)
Akron Mayor Shammas Malik places his hand on the Quran, held by girlfriend Alice Duey, as he is is sworn in by retired Judge Ted Schneiderman.
Akron Mayor Shammas Malik places his hand on the Quran, held by girlfriend Alice Duey, as he is is sworn in by retired Judge Ted Schneiderman during a public oath of office at the ceremony at E.J. Thomas Hall Saturday, Jan. 6, 2024, in Akron. Malik was officially sworn in around 12:01 a.m. Monday, Jan. 1, 2024. (Kassi Filkins / Signal Akron)
Carla Davis, left, accompanied by Lauren Marsh, performs “A Change is Gonna Come,” during the ceremonial swearing-in of Akron Mayor Shammas Malik
Carla Davis, accompanied by Lauren Marsh, performs “A Change is Gonna Come,” during the ceremonial swearing-in of Akron Mayor Shammas Malik at E.J. Thomas Hall Saturday, Jan. 6, 2024, in Akron. Malik was officially sworn in around 12:01 a.m. Monday, Jan. 1, 2024. (Kassi Filkins / Signal Akron)
(From left) Robert DeJournett is joined by Tony O’Leary, Tracy Carter and Jeremy Lile, all co-chairs for Akron Mayor Shammas Malik’s transition team,
(From left) Robert DeJournett is joined by Tony O’Leary, Tracy Carter and Jeremy Lile, all co-chairs for Akron Mayor Shammas Malik’s transition team, during Malik’s ceremonial swearing-in event at E.J. Thomas Hall Saturday, Jan. 6, 2024, in Akron. Malik was officially sworn in around 12:01 a.m. Monday, Jan. 1, 2024. (Kassi Filkins / Signal Akron)
Rachel Cargle offers a reading during the ceremonial swearing-in of Akron Mayor Shammas Malik.
Rachel Cargle offers a reading during the ceremonial swearing-in of Akron Mayor Shammas Malik at E.J. Thomas Hall Saturday, Jan. 6, 2024, in Akron. Malik was officially sworn in around 12:01 a.m. Monday, Jan. 1, 2024. (Kassi Filkins / Signal Akron)
Hearts for Music performs during the ceremonial swearing-in of Akron Mayor Shammas Malik.
Hearts for Music performs during the ceremonial swearing-in of Akron Mayor Shammas Malik at E.J. Thomas Hall Saturday, Jan. 6, 2024, in Akron. Malik was officially sworn in around 12:01 a.m. Monday, Jan. 1, 2024. (Kassi Filkins / Signal Akron)
The Akron Symphony Orchestra Gospel Choir performs.
The Akron Symphony Orchestra Gospel Choir performs during the ceremonial swearing-in of Akron Mayor Shammas Malik at E.J. Thomas Hall Saturday, Jan. 6, 2024, in Akron. Malik was officially sworn in around 12:01 a.m. Monday, Jan. 1, 2024. (Kassi Filkins / Signal Akron)
The Akron Symphony Orchestra Gospel Choir performs.
The Akron Symphony Orchestra Gospel Choir performs during the ceremonial swearing-in of Akron Mayor Shammas Malik at E.J. Thomas Hall Saturday, Jan. 6, 2024, in Akron. Malik was officially sworn in around 12:01 a.m. Monday, Jan. 1, 2024. (Kassi Filkins / Signal Akron)
Akron Mayor Shammas Malik and Alice Duey, his girlfriend, listen as Hearts for Music performs.
Akron Mayor Shammas Malik and Alice Duey (back center), his girlfriend, listen as Hearts for Music performs at Malik’s ceremonial swearing-in at E.J. Thomas Hall Saturday, Jan. 6, 2024, in Akron. Malik was officially sworn in around 12:01 a.m. Monday, Jan. 1, 2024. (Kassi Filkins / Signal Akron)

Multimedia reporter/producer (she/her)
Kassi Filkins strives to be an active part of whatever community she finds herself in and joins Signal Akron in its mission to bring accessible and community-focused news to all Akronites.

Kassi was born and raised in Central Ohio and is a photojournalism graduate of Kent State University. She was a staff member at the Southeast Missourian and the Hartford Courant before working in non-profit communications.

Kassi lives in Highland Square and enjoys local coffee shops, walking along trails in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park and hanging out with her dogs, cat and husband.