Board Chair

is a connector, advocate, and changemaker passionate about advancing racial equity, educational access, and youth empowerment. With experience spanning higher education, nonprofit leadership, fundraising, and community engagement, she is dedicated to creating opportunities where young people feel seen, supported, and celebrated. As Director of Fundraising for the Howard County Terps football organization, Britt builds meaningful partnerships that expand access to mentorship and youth development opportunities. A competitive artist herself, she understands the transformative power of creative expression and is committed to helping young people grow, imagine, and thrive through the intersection of education, the arts, and community.

Board Secretary

is a strategic and people-centered leader with nearly a decade of experience helping mission-driven organizations maximize their impact. With expertise in operations, project management, governance, and organizational effectiveness, she has successfully led complex initiatives, managed large-scale programs and budgets, and built systems that strengthen efficiency and outcomes. Holding degrees from both Howard University and EDHEC Business School, Jazz is passionate about using data and thoughtful strategy to drive meaningful change. A lifelong dancer and dedicated arts advocate, she brings together her love of the performing arts and her commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion to create community-centered opportunities where individuals can learn, grow, and thrive.

Board Treasurer

is a seasoned healthcare finance executive with more than 25 years of experience leading financial strategy, operational excellence, and organizational growth. A former multi-system Chief Financial Officer, he has guided complex organizations through periods of transformation while strengthening financial stewardship, governance, and long-term sustainability. As Treasurer of The Heart of Art, Derrick provides strategic financial oversight and brings deep expertise in risk management, capital planning, and performance improvement. Known for his integrity, transparency, and collaborative leadership style, he is committed to ensuring HOA remains financially strong as it expands access to literacy, creativity, and arts education for young people.

Chair of Arts and Program Development

is an accomplished arts professional, educator, and youth development leader with a passion for using the arts to inspire confidence, creativity, and personal growth. Trained at prestigious institutions including the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, Dance Theatre of Harlem, and Creative Outlet Dance Theatre of Brooklyn, she earned her BFA in Dance from the American Musical and Dramatic Academy in Los Angeles before launching a professional performance career. She later transitioned into youth programming, where she has designed and led impactful arts and enrichment initiatives that empower young people and strengthen communities. As Chair of Arts and Program Development for The Heart of Art, Rukiya brings a dynamic vision for creating transformative artistic experiences that help young people discover their voices and thrive.

Chair of Community Engagement and Partnerships

is a seasoned public health leader with more than 20 years of experience advancing equity through strategic partnerships, inclusive leadership, and community-centered solutions. Throughout her career, she has built impactful collaborations and championed initiatives that improve outcomes for historically underserved communities. In her work with the American Heart Association's Voices for Healthy Kids initiative and the National Collaborative for Infants and Toddlers, she leads efforts to advance health equity, strengthen partnerships, and drive sustainable systems change. A proud Detroit native and Howard University graduate, April brings a deep commitment to service, authenticity, and community impact. As Chair of Community Engagement & Partnerships, she helps The Heart of Art cultivate meaningful relationships, expand community connections, and advance our mission of using the arts to foster literacy, creativity, confidence, and belonging.

Community Engagement & Social Justice Intern

is a recent graduate of Kent State University majoring in Biology and Anthropology from Cleveland, Ohio, with a passion for the intersection of science, culture, and community impact.
We welcomed her Spring 2026 while she was participating in Kent State’s Washington Program in National Issues in Washington, D.C., where she explored the relationship between policy and leadership. Her research has also highlighted the historical and cultural significance of Black church communities through a study of their first families.
With a strong background in theater and choir, Aisha remains deeply connected to the arts through youth-focused cultural enrichment work in Cleveland.
As The Heart of Art’s Community Engagement and Social Justice Intern, Aisha is excited to support the mission of igniting hearts through literacy, equity, and the performing arts.