2:30 – 5:30 PM  Partnerships and Collaborations : Rooted in Equity, Centering Community Engagement – Workshop
The Arts & Economy Prosperity 6 study was a national study examining policies and practices in grantmaking, many of which have been historically and systemically unbalanced. Dr. Genna Styles-Lyas, Director of LAA Community Engagement & Equity in Research, Americans for the Arts presents an in depth and interactive session to lead to identifying possible solutions for our organizations and community engagement.

Dr. Genna Styles-Lyas -As the former  AEP6 Director, Community Engagement & Equity, Dr. Genna Styles-Lyas key responsibilities included liaising between community partners and national consultants; developing and implementing resources that support engagement with the research study across cultural and arts organizations, especially those serving and centering on BIPOC communities; and all other aspects of the survey including the post-study evaluation. Genna is looking forward to making an impact in her new title and expanded role as the Director of LAA Community Engagement and Equity in Research. For over twelve years Genna worked as a Teaching Artist for arts organizations locally and nationally. Genna has most recently served as the Education & Engagement Program Manager at Everyman Theatre. During this time Genna served as a Panelist for the Maryland State Arts Council providing arts expertise to evaluate the Teaching Artist Roster applications, guiding the process with a focus on the principles of equity and justice within teaching artist opportunities. Genna also served as the Director of Education and Outreach at SPdp (Staycee Pearl dance project) in Pittsburgh, PA, where she helped develop artistic standards for the National Coalition for Core Arts Standards. Genna earned her Doctorate in Education in Out of School Learning with a focus on Teaching Artists in marginalized communities from the University of Pittsburgh and completed her Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Education, with a concentration on arts education, from Northcentral University. With a BFA in Acting and a minor in Musical Theater from Point Park University Genna became a member of the Actor’s Equity Association, performing regionally, nationally, and internationally.

6:30 – 9:00 PM  Pitch Session and Strategies For Your Pitch – Panel
Utilize all that you have learned in this series to professionally pitch your artist business and non-profit organization.
Panelists include:
Tad Janes – Producing Artistic Director, Maryland Ensemble Theater
Suzan E. Jenkins – CEO Arts and Humanities Council of Montgomery County
Sue Leveille – Director, Give Rise Studio
Mary Ford-Naill – Economic Development Manager, City of Frederick
Becky Kaler – Business Development Specialist, City of Frederick
Karen Kalantzis – Senior Business Consultant, Maryland Women’s Business Center
Darren Sheffield – Founder, MIDAR International

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