RESUME
Professional
Objective
As an experienced K-12 arts educator engaged in current research and conversations surrounding Arts Education, I aim to use my training in the service of training others and effectively integrating the arts across a greater spectrum. I am a champion of Arts Education being represented as relevant and necessary to the growth and development of student populations, adults, and to broader cultural communities. In doing so, I seek to establish robust arts and cultural programming, including tools of advancement for the cultivation of creative educators, professional teaching artists and artistic placemaking in the 21st century.
Work
Experience
Manager of Art Education
Paint Creek Center for the Arts
Rochester, MI
June 2019 – Present
Teaching Assistant
Holman Success Center
Introduction to University
Eastern Michigan University-Ypsilanti, MI
August 2017 – December 2017
Co-Founder
Principal Designer
SafaRenay Events
Ypsilanti, MI/Baltimore, MD
November 2013 – 2016
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Lead designer, planner and logistics coordinator of client serviced events
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Vendor organization and management
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Design implementation
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Event execution
Logistics Coordinator
Event Design
Art of Caring, CASA
(Court Appointed Special Advocates)
Baltimore, MD
January 2015 – May 2015
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Annual fundraising event for Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA)
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Volunteer, artists and vendors organization and management
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Design implementation
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Event execution
Lead Arts Educator
Creative Consultant
Program Development
Thurgood Marshall Academy (TMA)
Public Charter High School
Washington, DC
August 2009 – June 2015
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Lesson planning in accordance to the District of Columbia Benchmarks
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Instruction of four Art-I and II courses which may include additional electives such as, Painting, Three-dimensional Design, Basic Design, Printmaking and Crafts
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Classroom management of 20 or more students
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The study of the Element and Principles of Design, tools, safety, collective and individual critiques and assessments
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Development of strategic programming; Celebrating Our Roots, Annual Gala
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Budget management and grant defense
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School wide and community visual art consultant
Community Liaison
Educational Adviser
semaj, LLC
Social Engagement Motivating Empowerment and Justice
New Orleans, LA
September 2007 – November 2008
Co-partner of Development, The Village Keepers Arts and Leadership Community Ctr.
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Develop a strategic plan for community center
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Research the immediate and surrounding communities for potential resources and partnerships
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Facilitate the bridging of the community leaders and organizers
Arts Educator
Bladensburg High School
Prince George’s County Public Schools
Bladensburg, MD
August 2003 – June 2008
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Lesson planning in accordance to Maryland State Benchmarks
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Instruction of three to six Art-1 courses which may include additional electives such as, Graphic Design, Basic Design, Printmaking and Crafts
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Classroom management of 25 or more students
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The study of the Element and Principles of Design, tools, safety, collective and individual critiques and assessments
Undergraduate Fellow
Center for Multicultural Affairs
Eastern Michigan University
Ypsilanti, MI
August 2001 - May 2003
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Student of Color Liaison
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S.H.A.D.E.S. Program development and implementation
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Freshmen retention coordinator
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Campus wide outreach
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Daily office management
Traveling Art Instructor
Group Leader
Parkridge Community Center
Ypsilanti, MI
June 2000 – July 2001
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Teaching art through creative development of student directed ideas
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Lead groups of 10-30 students, ages 6-16
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Tutored reading, writing and math for after school program
Skills
GOOGLE PLATFORM
MS WORD
DIGITAL PRESENTATION
EXCEL
RECORD KEEPING
ORGANIZATION
DATA ANALYSIS
WRITTEN COMMUNICATION
PUBLIC SPEAKING
PARTICIPANT ENGAGEMENT
PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT
MOTIVATION
Related
Experiences
Art on Auburn Road
PCCA in collaboration with the City of Rochester Hills
Rochester, Michigan 2019
Metropolitan Museum Design Detroit Member and Strategic Council Volunteer
Detroit, Michigan 2018
Celebrating Our Roots
Founder & Director
Thurgood Marshall Academy PCHS
Washington, DC
August 2011 – June 2015
Celebrating Our Roots aims to provide an avenue for our students and the greater community to celebrate African and African-American culture and heritage through visual and performing art in an exciting and interactive event.
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Founder, Principal Designer and Lead Coordinator of TMA’s annual Black History Month celebration
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Several grants awarded on behalf of the annual celebration
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Community involvement and out reach
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Student centered programming through visual and performing art
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Cross-curricular engagement with; visual, performing and media art, history, literature and social studies.
Annual School Production
Artistic Director
Thurgood Marshall Academy PCHS
Washington, DC
August 2011 – June 2015
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Set and prop design
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Costume and make-up
Professional
Preparation
Eastern Michigan University
Ypsilanti, MI
Master's of Art in Arts Administration, 2019
Research Focus: Arts Education, Arts Advocacy, Arts Integration and Programming, Professional Development, and Culturally Responsive Pedagogy
Eastern Michigan University
Ypsilanti, MI
Bachelor's of Fine Art, with Teacher Certification K-12, 2003
Concentration: Drawing and Painting
Student Teacher
East Middle School
Ypsilanti, MI
February 24, 2003 - April 10, 2003
Student Teacher
Brick Elementary School
Ypsilanti, MI
January 6, 2003 - February 22, 2003
Solo Exhibitions:
Evolution: One Night Stand
Detroit, MI, April 2003
the art of de.con.struc.tion
Washington, DC, April 2009
Group Exhibitions:
The Art of Caring
Baltimore, MD, May 2015
Rising Sun Gallery
Washington, DC, January 2009
Attitude Exact Gallery
Washington, DC, January-April 2009
Women’s Information Network (WIN)
Washington, DC, February 2004
Metro Teen Aids
Washington, DC, January 2004
Hotter Than July (featured artist)
Detroit, MI, July 2003
A Sense of Balance
Detroit, MI, May 2003
Certification,
Contributions
& Awards
Standard Professional Certificate
State of Maryland Elementary/Secondary
Art Education K-12, July 2003
Provisional Certificate
State of Michigan Elementary/Secondary
Art Education K-12, June 2003
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MCACA Rising Leaders
Selected Cohort Member, 2019-20
MCACA Professional Development Mini-Grant
Recipient, 2019
Leadership Greater Rochester
Selected Cohort Member, 2019-20
National Society of Leadership & Success
Eastern Michigan University, 2018
Americans for the Arts
Member, 2017, 2018
Arts Advocacy Day Lobbyist
National Convention Attendee, 2018
Michigan Convention Attendee, 2018
National Art Education Association
Member, 2010-2015
SPARK Convention Attendee, 2014
MARS
Minority Achievement, Retention and Success Program
Eastern Michigan University, 2001-2003
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Art Teacher of the Year, Washington, D.C.
District of Columbia Mayor’s Art Award for Excellence in Visual Art Teaching
Secondary Education
Washington, D.C., May 2011