Assistant Vice President, Community Engagement
973.353.8058
NJPAC is where my passion and profession meet.
Recently, the Senior Management team helped usher a children’s performance at NJPAC. I was so excited, I made up a little dance for each family that I ushered, making sure the parents and kids were ready to have some fun. I want everyone who passes through our doors to feel like they’re coming home. My heart is to welcome people home.
I’m proud to say that NJPAC is the place where my passion and profession meet. I was living in Newark at the time NJPAC was being built. As a graduate of NYC’s High School of Performing Arts (LaGuardia), and a professional dancer, I said, one day I want to work there, and make it my artistic home. I worked my way up the ranks at NJPAC. My first role was as a liturgical dancer on the Prudential Hall stage as part of the MLK Celebration. Next, I was brought on as a consultant to sell tickets at local churches to Alvin Ailey performances, and I later joined NJPAC’s Faith-Based Advisory Council when I became an ordained clergyperson. (CEO John Schreiber still calls me “Rev.”) Then, I was hired by the Arts Education department. Later, my two beautiful children both participated in Arts Ed, in the jazz, musical theater, dance and vocal programs.
Now, I’m leading the Community Engagement team. And the community is right where I want to be. I’m in the community, I’m of the community, and I’m for the community. My goal is to hear the voices of staff and community partners, and apply their strength. To celebrate, amplify and elevate them. To meet the least, last, lost and left out and make sure they have access to the arts—that is my gift. There is space for everyone at NJPAC, whatever your interests, hobbies, talents or gifts. When I see you out in the community, or in the arts education building, or in the NJPAC rotunda, I can’t help but smile and say “Hi! I’m glad you’re here! Welcome home!”