Leadership Transformation Cohort

Kenya Bullock (she/her), School Programs and Partnerships Manager, Count Basie Center for the Arts; Trenton, NJ

Kenya "Kenny Bee" Bullock is an interdisciplinary artistic and creative director and
community advocate from Trenton, NJ. Since 2018, Kenny has dedicated her studies
and time to learning more about what it means to advocate for equity in her
community while building consciousness and capacity to organize. Through this
mission, Kenny has been able to develop a love language that includes theatre,
community care and community building, and curation within the African Diaspora. In
2019, Kenny launched Tha Block Trenton, INC, a nonprofit committed to providing free
and equitable arts education and healing programming to community members of
Trenton. Kenny’s goal as an artist and community advocate is to continue challenging
mindsets through food, art, and education. Kenny’s studies focused on how different
art forms are the language that connects the African Diaspora and how that
understanding can be used to educate the communities of the Black and Brown. Now
a labor Doula, Kenny hopes to incorporate artistic release into her holistic birthing
support style.

Abby Butler (she/her), Director of Creative Education and Development, Albuquerque Arts Hub; Albuquerque, NM

Abby Butler is the Education and Development Director at Albuquerque Arts Hub, where
she designs and manages arts education programs that stretch from fourth-grade playwrights
to adult fellows figuring out how to turn creativity into a career. She works with a wide network
of teaching artists—supporting their growth, championing their work, and occasionally pestering
them for invoices.

Abby believes deeply in the power of accessible, joyful arts education and is always
looking for better ways to build systems that take care of both artists and students. With a
background in illustration, storytelling, and just enough chaos management to run multiple
residencies at once, she’s committed to helping Albuquerque’s creative community thrive.

Jasmine DeJackome (she/her), Learning & Engagement Manager, Art Bridges Foundation; Bentonville, AK

Originally from New England, Jasmine (she/her/hers) grew up visiting art, history, and
science museums with her family. With an educational background in anthropology and
American art history, it was not until her time away from museums that she realized the
power of spaces designed to foster shared experiences. After holding positions at historic
homes, encyclopedic museums, and art museums, she is excited to work with the Art
Bridges team to break barriers and champion innovative community projects. When
Jasmine is not at work, you will find her enthralled in the adventure of a new book or
exploring unbeaten paths with her husband and her dogs.

Ebony Evans (she/her), Education Specialist, Lyric Baltimore; Baltimore, MD

Ebony is a conjure womxn. A multifaceted musician, somatic artist, education specialist, creative curator and owner of Amorous Designs and fervent activist devoted to the liberation, sensuality, and self-expression of Black womxn and girls. Her artistry confronts the marginalization, brutalization, and disparagement endured by Black womxn and girls. As a leader in rallies and protests linked to the Say Her Name movement, she passionately challenges the insidious culture of misogynoir that permeates our society today.

Ebony has orchestrated a plethora of transformative events such as Black Girl Glitter, Adorning with Amorous, and The Bruja Series. In Black Girl Glitter, attendees revel in artistic performances by fellow Black Femme artists, cultivating a sanctuary where innate beauty is celebrated and cherished. Adorning with Amorous embraces a hands-on approach to honor personal embellishment traditions, reinforcing the divine essence of Black womxn and girls. The Bruja Series fosters enriching discussions between presenters and participants, exploring the vibrant cultural heritage of Black womxn and spiritual traditions that transcend the Judeo-Christian narrative.

In 2013, Ebony, alongside six Black womxn, founded the collective Black Womyn Rising to amplify the voices of those affected by police brutality and interpersonal violence. Through initiatives like Natasha's Jubilee and Rekia's Rally, she has solidified her role as a trusted advocate in the ongoing battle against white supremacy that threatens our most vulnerable communities. Her collective, the Say Her Name Coalition, champions, empowers, uplifts, and advocates for the visibility and well-being of Black Womxn and girls.

Ebony obtained her bachelor’s degree in urban arts theater, community arts, and music from Coppin State University, where she received accolades for her exceptional performance achievements. With more than 12 years of experience in education, she has developed a variety of arts programs, summer camps, workshops, and classes. One of her standout initiatives was an African Folklore program at Creative Alliance, which aimed to connect youth with their cultural identities, highlight Africa’s global influence, enhance their performance skills, and assist them in discovering their purpose. In 2018, she interned as a Community Art Collaborative fellow at the Maryland Institute College of Art and took on the role of Resident Artist and Education Coordinator at the Lyric Performing Arts Center. By 2021, Ebony had advanced to the position of Education Specialist at the Lyric Performing Arts Center and has most recently been titled, Deputy Director of Education. Her influential work has been showcased in numerous media outlets, including WYPR, Mic, The Baltimore Sun, The Baltimore Beat, Baltimore Magazine, and Bmore Art, among others.

Michelle Faulkner-Forson (she/her), Managing Director, Baltimore Improv Group, Baltimore, MD

Michelle Faulkner-Forson became the Baltimore Improv Group (BIG) Managing Director in February 2022. While originally from Chicago, she moved to Baltimore where she earned an MFA in Community Arts from Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA). At MICA, Michelle nurtured her interest in visual storytelling and activism while using a comedic lens. Michelle Is also a performer, FIlmmaker, director, producer, and arts administrator who actively seeks to  uplift the unknown stories of black people and niche communities. As an all around creative thinker, her work intends to build positive experiences for audiences and performers alike. SHe regularly performs with award- winning improv team Cakewalk. 

Lisa Gutting (she/her), Senior Arts Education, Program Officer, The Pierre and Tana Matisse Foundation; Long Island City, NY

Lisa Gutting is a leader in the arts in education field with over 20 years of experience in program management, curriculum development, and grantmaking. Her experience reflects a deep commitment to arts education and trust-based access to learning in the arts as a human right.  

She is currently the Senior Arts Education Program Officer at The Pierre and Tana Matisse Foundation in partnership with social profit organizations and public schools across New York City, big & small, that support youth engagement in the arts. She contributes to learning and engagement initiatives as a Museum Guide and Artist Educator at the Dia Art Foundation. She is an active board member of St. Nicks Alliance, championing community development efforts in Brooklyn.  

Previously, Lisa has held leadership roles at organizations including The Acting Company, Community-Word Project, and Queens Council on the Arts, managing largescale educational initiatives and professional development programs for artists and educators. She also has a background in research, having worked with Harvard University’s Project Zero and the Multiple Intelligences Institute. She holds an Ed.M. in Arts in Education from Harvard Graduate School of Education and a B.F.A. in Painting and Art History from Pennsylvania Western University. Additionally, she maintains a New York State Permanent Teaching Certification in Art (PreK-12) and is an Editorial Board Member of the Teaching Artist Journal.  

Brianna Harrington (she/her), Director of Partnerships, The Memphis Music Initiative; Memphis, TN

Brianna Harrington (she/her) is a Memphis-based arts philanthropy leader, creative strategist, and racial equity advocate committed to reimagining how power and partnership function within the cultural sector. As Director of Partnerships at Memphis Music Initiative, she leads collaborative strategies that resource and elevate Black and brown-led creative youth development. In addition to her work in the nonprofit and philanthropic sectors, Brianna is a certified yoga teacher and wellness practitioner, bringing a people-centered, intentional approach to leadership. Guided by a belief that community collaboration is not just a strategy but a pathway to liberation, she brings a grounded presence, relational depth, and a clear vision for equity and collective care into every space she leads. 

Alex Herrera (she/her), Director of Programs and Partnerships, Free Spirit Media; Chicago, IL

Hi everyone, I'm Alex. For over a decade, I've dedicated myself to youth arts education in Chicago. My work centers on teen and young adult media art programs, advocating for the transformative inclusion of young people in citywide education initiatives, and empowering them through media storytelling. In my role as Director of Programs and Partnerships at Free Spirit Media, I work hand-in-hand with youth and educators to build a more equitable media industry. We're focused on creating a media landscape that genuinely mirrors the complexities of our changing world and the vast array of images we engage with daily. This commitment ensures we're better serving and supporting young people of all experience levels, no matter which Chicago neighborhood they call home. My own background in art, film/video, and new media also fuels my approach, as I'm always learning alongside the remarkable artists and filmmakers in our community.

NiQueen​ Jones (she/her), Multidisciplinary Artist and Educator; Oakland, CA

NiQueen Jones is a multidisciplinary artist and educator based in Oakland, California, whose work centers social justice, community empowerment, and mindfulness. She is currently completing her MA in Arts Management and Entrepreneurship at the University of Oklahoma. NiQueen serves on the team at Artist As First Responder (AAFR), where she recently completed a curatorial internship supporting the AfroPortals Project Space & Archive. She also contributes to The People’s Conservatory (TPC) in administration and development, helping advance accessible arts education for youth. She was a 2024 Design, Technology, and Lighting Fellow with AfroUrban Society’s “Lit From the Black” program and a 2023–24 California Arts Council Emerging Artist Fellow, supporting her continued exploration of art as a tool for healing and liberation. 

Kamica King (she/her), Multidisciplinary Artist and Educator; Dallas, TX

Kamica King is a Texas-based singer-songwriter and multidisciplinary artist known for her radiant stage presence and folk/soul sound, shaped by jazz, hiphop, and her Afro-Caribbean roots. A gifted storyteller, she uses music as a vehicle for reflection and healing, performing at renowned venues including Carnegie Hall (NY) and Queen’s Hall (Trinidad, W.I.). Her international reach includes tours and facilitating cultural exchange, including during her time as a U.S. Cultural Ambassador, and she has been featured by the Kennedy Center (Arts Across America), TEDx (with her talk *“The Power of Song”*), and Kerrville Folk Festival.  

Kamica is also a board-certified music therapist with over a decade of experience using music to promote access, equity, and social-emotional wellness. In 2020, she launched Musically Me Unlimited, an arts-based youth empowerment initiative designed to build community and foster resilience. Her community arts and activism work has been recognized and supported by the Texas Commission on the Arts, Music to Life, the City of Dallas Office of Arts & Culture. She is a 2023 sub-grantee of the National Endowment for the Arts for her research on the legacies of Black women in music therapy, and her research on building rapport across cultures is published in Music Therapy in a Multicultural Context (Jessica Kingsley Publishers).

As a sought-after speaker, educator, and facilitator, Kamica leads workshops, masterclasses, and community programs covering songwriting, performance technique, music entrepreneurship, and the use of music as a tool for health and cultural connection. Kamica holds an MA in Music/Music Therapy from Texas Woman’s University, a Music Therapy Equivalency from Southern Methodist University, and a BA in Music (Voice) with minors in Psychology and Communications from Western Connecticut State University. 

 Maia Maiden aka Rah Fyah (she/her), Director of Arts Learning and Community Engagement, Ordway Center for the Performing Arts; Minneapolis, MN

South Minneapolis native, Maia Maiden aka Rah Fyah, is an award winning visionary arts leader, strategist, and curator of transformative experiences at the intersection of education, equity, and cultural expression. Representing Hip Hop culture, she leads with deep-rooted commitment to community-centered innovation and systemic change through the arts.

She is the Executive Director & Curator of Maia Maiden Productions-an award-winning performing arts presenter led by BIPOC women and grounded in the power of Hip Hop culture.  Based in the Twin Cities, MMP stands at the intersection of culture, innovation and impact-championing community through a deep commitment to authenticity, creativity and liberation in the arts.

As the Director of Arts Learning and Community Engagement at the renowned Ordway Center for the Performing Arts, Maia has redefined what it means to build authentic engagement.  Honoring team collaboration, her leadership has helped support meaningful arts experiences for tens of thousands annually—on stage at the Ordway, in classrooms and community partnerships across Minnesota; forging cross-sector relationships that elevate BIPOC artistry and creative access.

She has significantly expanded school and community engagement by diversifying both performing and visual arts offerings—broadening access and deepening cultural relevance for learners of all ages. Her leadership has brought to life innovative initiatives like GreenRoom: Musical Theater Training Fellowship—a groundbreaking program created by BIPOC artists, the first of its kind in Minnesota and nationally—and Beyond the Stage, a digital storytelling platform celebrating artists’ contributions outside the spotlight. She also curates the Ordway’s YouTube Education channel to extend learning across digital spaces.

Grounded in a community arts education framework that prioritizes participation, agency, and social transformation, Maia champions experiential learning models that invite dialogue, reflection, and collective imagination. She has successfully integrated DEIA principles into every layer of program strategy while simultaneously managing operations, leading grant funded initiatives, and aligning arts initiatives with long-term community development goals.

With over two decades of experience in cultural leadership, Maia is a trusted voice and innovator-widely respected for her bold vision, expertise and contributions.  She is known for her ability to connect institutional missions with grassroots momentum, building bridges across artistic disciplines, generations, and geographies. Whether curating fellowships, advancing community investment strategies, or mentoring future leaders, her work is grounded in authenticity, collective growth, and creative liberation. 

Bailey Mann, Manager of Learning and Engagement, Spoleto Festival USA; Charleston, SC

Bailey Mann is an arts educator and administrator based in Charleston, South Carolina. While growing up in the Atlanta area, Bailey found an early love for creativity and performance, which led her to pursue her undergraduate degree in Theatre from the University of Georgia. Her next step brought her to South Carolina for graduate school at the College of Charleston, where she earned her Masters in Teaching Performing Arts. After teaching high school theatre, Bailey made the pivot into nonprofit work and found her way to Spoleto Festival USA, where she now serves as the Manager of Learning and Engagement, a new position in the organization created to strengthen the Festival's education and community arts initiatives. Bailey is passionate about finding opportunities for arts access and integration through the unique performances that the Festival hosts each year and is constantly looking for personal and professional connections to deepen her ties to the local Charleston community. 

Maia McCarthy (they/them), Teaching Artist; Portland, OR

Maia McCarthy is a theatre and teaching artist, facilitator and administrator who delights in the intersection of these roles. They bring their personal experience in theatre, social constructivist education, arts administration and trauma informed practices together to provide workshops and custom coaching. They also write and devise performances, and act in other people’s plays in and around Portland, Oregon, a traditional gathering place in the homelands of the Multnomah and Cascade Clackamas peoples. Maia’s mission is to explore ways that art and learning unite us as humans and to use art to collect, understand and hold onto knowledge. 

Erika Ochoa (she/her), Dance Manager, Old Town School of Folk Music; Chicago, IL

Erika Ochoa is a contemporary artist and educator specializing in Middle Eastern dance, particularly Egyptian-style dance, as well as Zumba and other dance forms. With over 20 years of professional experience in the Chicago area, Erika has become a respected figure in the local dance community for her dedication to the art form and her passion for sharing dance with others. She has been faculty of The Old Town School of Folk Music since July 2004, where she has inspired countless students as an instructor and now serves as the Dance Manager.

Erika’s journey in Middle Eastern dance has been marked by a deep commitment to continuous learning and artistic exploration. She has trained extensively with Egyptian and international dance masters, honing her craft under the guidance of some of the most respected figures in the field. Her passion for the art form led her on a transformative journey to Egypt, where she immersed herself in the culture and traditions that deeply influence her interpretation of Egyptian-style dance. Erika is also a sought-after performer, choreographer, and educator, known for her ability to bring authenticity and artistry to her work.

In addition to her expertise in Middle Eastern dance, Erika is a certified Zumba instructor, bringing energy and inclusivity to her classes. Her ability to connect with students of all ages and backgrounds has made her a beloved teacher and mentor. For 18 years, Erika owned and operated Pineapple Dance Studio in Forest Park, IL, where she cultivated a vibrant community of dancers and families.

Now, as the Dance Manager at The Old Town School of Folk Music, Erika oversees studio operations, curriculum development, and event planning. She is dedicated to expanding and diversifying the school’s dance programs, with a particular focus on growing the kids’ program and fostering inclusivity. Erika is also passionate about supporting international dance teachers and creating opportunities for cultural exchange, both locally and globally.

Based in the dynamic city of Chicago, Erika envisions a future where dance serves as a bridge between cultures, a tool for empowerment, and a way to build stronger communities. Her leadership, creativity, and dedication continue to inspire those around her, making her a driving force in the world of community arts education. 

Liz Sholar (they/them), Artist Services, Program Officer, Mid-America Arts Alliance; Houston, TX

Liz Sholar (they/them) is an arts administrator and social sculptor with over a decade of experience in arts nonprofits. Originally from Oklahoma City, Liz earned a BS in Liberal Studies with a minor in Women and Gender Studies from the University of Oklahoma and an MA in Arts Leadership at the University of Houston. Their professional work has focused on direct community engagement and program development, including roles at Mid-America Arts Alliance, Project Row Houses, Fresh Arts, and Oklahoma Contemporary Arts Center. Liz lives in Houston and enjoys camping, cross stitch, and impulsive tattoos.

Ashley Whiteside (they/she/beloved) Certified Creative Arts Therapist; Philadelphia, PA

Ashley Whiteside (they/she/beloved) is a licensed social worker, certified creative arts therapist, educator, and healer committed to cultivating radical spaces of rest, recovery, and reclamation for Black women, girls, and queer folks. Rooted in Black feminist thought, Ashley’s work bridges mental health, somatics, and the creative arts to support individuals and communities in their healing journeys. They have spent over a decade working at the intersections of trauma, grief, and liberation—facilitating workshops, support groups, and healing-centered curricula across schools, nonprofits, and community spaces. Their approach is grounded in harm reduction, cultural humility, and embodied care. Ashley works in partnership with organizations like the Philadelphia Black Women’s Health Alliance to create trauma-informed, culturally relevant programming for those impacted by violence, systemic oppression, and health disparities. Ashley founded Altruistic Ash, a private practice and community-based platform offering therapy, workshops, and spiritual support rooted in authenticity, ancestral wisdom, and creative expression. Through storytelling, movement, ritual, and visual art, they help people process pain, reclaim agency, and imagine liberatory futures. Ashley envisions a world where Black women live with ease, joy, and sovereignty and where art is not just an offering but a pathway to freedom. They are honored to participate in the CAELII Leadership Transformation Cohort to deepen their self-reflective leadership and co-create with others committed to transformative care. 

Chastity Williams, Special Education Paraeducator and Drama Director; Cedar Rapids IA

Advocate. Storyteller. Visionary. Educator. Chastity is from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, where she serves as a Special Education Paraeducator and Drama Director. She also serves on the board for the Eastern Iowa Arts Academy. She recently reigned as Miss Wild Rose in the Miss Iowa Scholarship Program as part of the Miss America Opportunity. Chastity is a fierce champion for the arts, especially creative opportunities for our youth. Her initiative Spotlight Our Youth- Educate, Participate, and Invest in Arts Education, has allowed her to host workshops, be a keynote speaker, and hold an Arts Education library tour across Iowa. When she is not speaking with national, state, and local leaders about preserving the arts in our schools, you can find her watching anime, sampling the newest cuisine at a local restaurant, or reading. Chastity is thrilled to be a part of this amazing cohort, learning from others,  and using those skills to continue making the world a brighter and creative place for all. 

Ebb Wyatt (they/them), Program Director, Urban ArtWorks; Seattle, WA

Eboni “Ebb” Wyatt (they/them) is an artist and art administrator, and is currently the Program Director at Urban ArtWorks. Ebb has worked in youth development for over 10 years, working with K-12 youth and young adults. They have managed and developed programs centered around the intersections of art, social justice and community development to support meaningful collegiate and out-of-school programming and experiences.

Ebb graduated from Georgia State University with a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology focusing on race and urban studies, which informs their passion for telling stories of systemically disenfranchised peoples, and breaking down barriers and access to arts education for youth and young adults. Their personal creative practice is based in film photography, zines and prose. They have self-published 4 zines focused on themes of introspection, identity, healing, and destigmatizing Black mental health.

Ebb’s most recent project, ‘a constellation of circle keepers,’ is a zine they designed for two oral historians from Wa Na Wari’s Seattle Black Spatial Histories Institute, activating stories of BIPOC educators and community leaders contributions to Seattle Public School’s Restorative Justice practices. Eboni applies their introspective creative practice to their work as a Program Director encouraging Teaching Artists to create a brave space to empower youth to create from a space within for self-discovery. 

Gabriela Yoque (she/they), Media, Arts, & Culture Director, RYSE Center; Richmond, CA

Gabriela Yoque (she/they) is an interdisciplinary artist, educator, and activist whose work is grounded in community, identity, and healing. With a BA in Studio Arts and Computer Science and an MFA in Printmaking, Gabriela brings a multimedia approach to their artistic and educational practice. Currently serving as the Media, Arts, & Culture Director at RYSE, they oversee programming across video, music, performing arts, and visual arts—both onsite and offsite—while also contributing to the field of creative youth development and community arts leadership. Gabriela has collaborated with local partners in West Contra Costa Unified School District and RYSE through initiatives like the Arts Now professional development series. They have taught in local high schools and supported teaching artists and young people across the East Bay, using the arts as a tool for self-expression, identity development, generational healing, and social justice education. Gabriela is passionate about creating spaces where young people can take risks in their self-expression, be vulnerable, and grow. At the core of their work is a commitment to building inclusive, liberatory environments where youth are empowered to lead, question, and create boldly. 

Irina Zadov (they/she), Cultural Program Manager, Chicago Park District; Chicago, IL

Irina Zadov (they/she) is a mama, artist, educator, and cultural organizer. They are a queer post-Soviet Jewish immigrant on the unceded territories of the Three Fires Confederacy: Ojibwe, Odawa, and Potawatomi. Their practice explores themes of diasporism, state violence, community resistance, and healing. Irina’s creative practice is rooted in collaboration and co-creation with Black, Indigenous, immigrant, and LGBTQIA+ communities.  Their public programming, youth work, and cultural practice have been featured in and co-created with: Hyde Park Art Center, Chicago Art Department, Smart Museum of Art, National Museum of Mexican Art, DuSable Museum of African American History, South Side Community Art Center, Cambodian American Heritage Museum and Killing Fields, Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago, Chicago Freedom School, Jane Addams Hull-House Museum, AMFM, Englewood Line, Chicago Public Library, Chicago Public Parks, 6018North, Chicago Cultural Center, Cambodian Institute of Peace in Cambodia, and TRANSITIONS Festival of Jewish Contemporary Arts in Berlin, Germany. Learn more about their work at www.irinazadov.com. 

Sara Zimmerman, Director of Production, Uniting Voices Chicago, Chicago, IL

Originally from Connecticut, Sara Zimmerman is entering her 10th year at Uniting Voices Chicago (formerly Chicago Children’s Choir). As a child she was introduced to the arts as a performer participating in choir, dance, and theater. In High School she found a passion backstage starting in Stage Management and, over time, learning a little bit about each department involved in live production.  

Since joining Uniting Voices Chicago in September 2016 she has continued to grow with the organization, now serving as the Director of Production. In this role she oversees all of the organization’s concerts and events – over 100 per year – and works with every department to create excellent musical experiences that inspire and change lives.  She is so honored to be able to work with the young people at Uniting Voices and they inspire her every day.