Board Members
Founder
Charla-Janey “ChiChi” Roberts is a nonprofit founder, arts advocate, and lifelong creative dedicated to using the performing arts to combat the literacy crisis and uplift Black and Brown youth. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre Performance from Kent State University, a Master’s in Public Administration, and is currently pursuing a Master’s in Arts Management from the University of Oklahoma.
With over a decade of experience in higher education, ChiChi has held leadership roles in Financial Aid across Cleveland, OH, Kent, OH, Chicago, IL, and Columbia, MD—blending strategy, heart, and service to support students and drive equity in education.
Her love for storytelling and the stage began in childhood, and today, she channels that same energy into building joyful, trauma-informed spaces where youth can read, perform, and thrive. At The Heart of Art, she’s helping the next generation turn their stories into something powerful.
Chair of the Board
Ashley Tierra Hendricks is a dynamic educator, equity strategist, and lifelong learner who brings bold vision and heart-centered leadership to everything she does. With a career that spans classroom teaching, school leadership, and district-level transformation, Ashley has spent over a decade dismantling inequitable systems and helping educators reimagine what’s possible for every learner.
From mentoring principals to leading district-wide strategy, she’s coached hundreds of stakeholders through professional learning, curriculum development, and culturally responsive planning. As an educational consultant and advisor, Ashley’s expertise has shaped national and state-level initiatives—and her 2019 TEDx Talk, “Language as the Ultimate Currency,” is a powerful reflection of her belief in liberation through literacy and language.
When she’s not facilitating brave conversations or designing strategy, Ashley can be found reading, decorating her new home, and exploring the ever-evolving world of diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice. Her passion for youth, her gift for systems thinking, and her commitment to community make her a perfect fit for The Heart of Art.
Chair of Arts and Program Development
A.Orlando Watson is a powerhouse of rhythm, words, and vision. A rising poet and music artist, his projects Everything’s Personal and Corner Stories soared to the top of the iTunes R&B/Soul charts—proof that his pen and voice hit deep. He’s shared the stage with icons like Lalah Hathaway and Keyon Harrold, and earned national recognition as a finalist in the Jazz in the Gardens Poetry Slam.
Offstage, Orlando is just as dynamic. He previously served as Associate Director of the Tri-C JazzFest and now leads as Senior Director of Programming at the August Wilson African American Cultural Center, where he founded the acclaimed Hooks & Phonics Festival—a celebration of hip-hop, poetry, and Black excellence.
Orlando brings bold creativity, cultural leadership, and a deep love for storytelling to everything he touches. We are thrilled to have him guiding the artistic pulse of The Heart of Art, helping us ignite hearts and amplify youth voices through the power of performance.
Chair of Community Engagement and Partnerships
Britt Spears-Rhymes is a connector, advocate, and changemaker at heart. With a passion for racial equity, educational access, and youth empowerment, she’s spent her career making sure every young person feels seen, supported, and celebrated. From higher education leadership to nonprofit management, Britt brings a powerhouse blend of experience in fundraising, program strategy, and community building.
Currently serving as Director of Fundraising for the Howard County Terps football organization, Britt is forging strong partnerships and opening doors for youth development through sports and mentorship. Her work is grounded in the belief that real change happens when communities come together—and she shows up every day to make that happen.
A competitive artist herself, Britt knows firsthand the power of creative expression. She’s deeply committed to bridging the worlds of education, the arts, and community engagement to give young people space to grow, imagine, and thrive. We’re so proud to have her leading the way at The Heart of Art!
Board Treasurer
Breon Johnson is a strategist, financial leader, and unapologetically passionate advocate for youth, equity, and creative community-building. With over 15 years of experience across nonprofit, education, government, and legal sectors, Breon brings a powerful blend of financial expertise, systems thinking, and heart to the work.
He’s held leadership roles in finance, accounting, and administration, overseeing budgets, audits, capital planning, and organizational strategy. From supporting mission-driven teams to mentoring staff and creating systems for sustainable growth, Breon leads with clarity, collaboration, and purpose.
With degrees in Accounting and Economics, plus a JD/MBA combo from the University of Baltimore, Breon is a firm believer that solid infrastructure fuels impact. What drew him to The Heart of Art? A shared belief in the power of creativity as healing, especially for Black and Brown youth. He knows that safe, expressive spaces change lives—and he's here to help build the financial backbone that keeps the mission thriving.
Social Media Intern
Solomon Hess is a creative storyteller, visual thinker, and purpose-fueled communicator who’s bringing fresh energy and heart to The Heart of Art’s digital presence. Currently earning his Master’s in Television and Media Management at Drexel University’s Westphal College of Media Arts and Design, Solomon blends media savvy with a passion for authentic storytelling.
With a background in both performing arts and athletics, Solomon has coached and taught at camps nationwide—building skills in leadership, communication, and connecting with young people in meaningful ways. His passion for creating content that inspires, entertains, and uplifts aligns perfectly with HOA’s mission to ignite hearts through the arts.
Solomon is excited to help amplify our voice, share our stories, and spotlight the creativity of the youth and communities we serve. We’re thrilled to have him on the team!
Interns
Social Media Intern
Harita Selvaraj is a multi-passionate storyteller, strategist, and cultural curator whose work bridges art, education, and impact. With a Master’s in Media Studies from The New School, Harita brings a sharp eye for digital storytelling and a deep understanding of how media can amplify underrepresented voices and build community.
Her experience spans project management, research coordination, and communications—leading everything from workforce development initiatives to rebranding campaigns and narrative-based projects that center inclusion and representation. Whether she’s managing a strategy or crafting content, Harita leads with empathy, purpose, and a passion for uplifting others.
Harita’s commitment to integrating creativity with social change aligns beautifully with The Heart of Art’s mission. She’s here to help us tell powerful stories, elevate young voices, and build a movement rooted in joy, equity, and artistic expression. We’re so glad she’s part of our team!
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We’re inviting passionate, purpose-driven leaders to join our Board of Directors at The Heart of Art! We currently have two open seats: Chair of Fundraising & Development and Board Secretary. If you believe in the power of the arts to transform communities and want to help us grow, we’d love to connect.
Check out the full postings on our LinkedIn page and consider joining us as we ignite hearts through the arts!
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We’re on the lookout for passionate volunteer teaching artists and performing arts educators to join our growing team! If you’re an artist with experience in theatre, performance, or playwriting—and you’ve got a love for literature and a heart for youth—we want to hear from you!
Send your resume and cover letter to volunteer@ignitetheheartofart.org and let’s create something magical together.
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We’re always grateful for the generosity of our community and those who believe in the power of the arts to inspire change. If you’re interested in sponsoring The Heart of Art and helping us ignite more hearts, we’d love to connect! Reach out to us at sponsorships@ignitetheheartofart.org