It is important that I am a good citizen for my field, my institution, and my students. I was the Keynote speaker at Kent State’s Multicultural Day, and was an invited guest speaker/ workshop facilitator at Signet Jeweler. I continue to be involved in furthering avenues for recruitment through discussions and decision-making regarding the direction of the Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Fine Arts programs. At Kent State, I’ve served on the Student Academic Complaint Committee, the Guest Artist Committee, Production Committee, Faculty Advisory Committee, and the Season Selection Committee.
I have received an Outstanding Creative Contribution Award from Kent State’s Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, for the work I continue to do building bridges between the dance program and diverse communities.
My public outreach includes serving as Research Strategist for Deeply Rooted Dance Theatre. I spearheaded communications, making connections with individuals, cultural institutions, arts education centers, South African expats, other dance makers and leaders in the NYC arts community. Additionally, I have served as the Creative Communication Coordinator for the International Association of Blacks in Dance (IABD) where I worked to increase the visibility of organizations and artists supported by The IABD. I collaborated with the organization development team to advance the mission of IABD and coordinate other programmatic tasks as needed with an emphasis on using written content to increase the profiles of organizations and artists in the African diaspora. I also serve the local arts community by serving on the Board of Trustees for OhioDance, a statewide organization supporting the advancement of dance across Ohio, serving on the Conexus NEO College and Career Academies Committee, providing advice positively affecting the curriculum for the Akron Public School District, and serving as a mentor for the inaugural Mojuba Emerging Choreographer of Color Incubator. I’ve adjudicated two (2) community talent based competition and talent show, Battle of the Teal, and ELEVATED Dance Crew, providing impartial and unbiased feedback, and using my professional knowledge to assist with getting to an informed and final decision on outcome.
For my contribution to the field I was nominated for an Ohio Governor’s Award for the Arts (2017).