BYA Board Members Interview
Article by: Chiara Cole
Omowunmi Oni
What is your role on BYA Board?
As a board member, I am able to work with other board members on helping the mission and goals that are in best interest for the youth of Baltimore Youth Arts.
How does your role help BYA accomplish its mission?
My role helps BYA accomplish its mission by understanding what the needs are for the founder and youth of BYA in order to take the necessary actions in achieving the resources to aid the organization.
What inspired you to become involved with the BYA?
I was inspired to become involved with BYA because I am a Baltimore native who strives to see youth in Baltimore have positive opportunities and a pathway to succeed in their endeavors.
What would you consider some of the organization's most significant achievements in recent years?
Some of the most significant achievements I have witnessed is BYA having youth be highlighted by a national shoe brand, receiving local/national recognition, have the organization highlighted on transportation, receive the financial means to continue to help BYA maintain its organization through challenging events.
What are some of your goals for the organization in the upcoming years?
Some goals is to aid in bringing in new and experienced leaders dedicated to working closely with youth. I would like to aid in finding partnerships that will provide resources for BYA youth to have more visibility not only in creative spaces but for helping youth impacted by the judiciary system and helping them have successful outcomes.
What advice would you give to someone looking to get involved in nonprofit work?
Understand your 'Why' in getting involved with nonprofit work. What skills and experience can you bring to aid an organization’s needs and wants? How can you help the organization not just maintain but achieve its mission?
Quentin Gibeau
What is your role on BYA Board?
Board member, curatorial advisor
How does your role help BYA accomplish its mission?
I'm a gallery manager with many years of installation and mentorship experience, to both artists and young people. Knowledge of some support networks topics that may affect young people.
What inspired you to become involved with the BYA?
I've known Gianna for a long time, and I’ve never been on a board before, so I thought I'd give it a try.
What would you consider some of the organization's most significant achievements in recent years?
It's continued existence in a difficult environment such as Baltimore is an achievement, as well as moving to a new location with an owner that is on board.
What are some of your goals for the organization in the upcoming years?
Assisting in installation of gallery shows, portfolio prep, partnership with collegebound network.
What advice would you give to someone looking to get involved in nonprofit work?
Make sure you have a clear vision of what you want, want to get out of it, and also to have strong enough boundaries to be able to work sustainably in it the field. And most importantly, to want to help people.
Camille Grayson
What is your role on BYA Board?
I serve as a member of the BYA Board, where I leverage more than 10 years of extensive experience in Talent Acquisition and HR to contribute to the strategic direction and operational efficiency of the organization. I have transformed my expertise and learning to intersect with education. I currently have the pleasure of serving as the Assistant Director of Employer Relations in the Career Center at Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service. My role aligns with BYA's mission by supporting the development of creative, personal, and educational skills in young people, empowering them to become leaders in their communities as they thrive in the workplace and innovate entrepreneurial endeavors
How does your role help BYA accomplish its mission?
My role helps BYA accomplish its mission by implementing effective human capital strategies that attract and retain top talent, ensuring we have the right people in place to drive our initiatives forward. By fostering a diverse and inclusive culture and using data-driven insights to inform decision-making, I help create an environment where young people can develop their artistic and professional skills. This supports BYA's belief that the arts are a path towards personal liberation and self-sufficiency, positively impacting those facing incarceration and the broader community's perceptions.
What inspired you to become involved with the BYA?
My inspiration to become involved with BYA stems from my deep-rooted connection as an immensely proud 3rd generation Baltimorean and my early introduction to education & career development through my mother and grandmother, who were each BCPS educators for more than 30 years. Their dedication to building community and empowering students ignited my passion for helping others achieve their professional goals, which aligns perfectly with BYA's mission of using the arts to engage youth and build long-lasting mentoring relationships.
What would you consider some of the organization's most significant achievements in recent years?
As the premiere art-entrepreneurial program in Baltimore focused on our youth. BYA’s most significant achievements in recent years include the successful implementation of various community outreach programs that have positively impacted the lives of countless young people in Baltimore. The organization's focus on culture, access, entrepreneurship, and wellness has fostered a more supportive and empowering environment, helping young people involved in the justice system and beyond gain the skills needed to become leaders in their communities.
What are some of your goals for the organization in the upcoming years?
In the upcoming years, my goals for BYA include expanding our outreach efforts to reach more young people in the community, enhancing our talent acquisition strategies to build a more robust and diverse team, and leveraging technology to streamline operations and improve program effectiveness. Additionally, I aim to strengthen our partnerships with local businesses and organizations to create more opportunities for our members, supporting our vision of a world where all young people have equal access to opportunities that allow them to discover their purpose.
What advice would you give to someone looking to get involved in nonprofit work?
My advice for someone looking to get involved in nonprofit work is to find a cause you are passionate about and look for ways to leverage your skills and experience to make a meaningful impact. Build relationships with other professionals in the field, stay open to learning, and be adaptable to the unique challenges and opportunities that come with nonprofit work. Most importantly, remember that your dedication and efforts can make a significant difference in the lives of others. This aligns with BYA's values of hope, connection, trust, inquiry, and risk, emphasizing the importance of personal and creative growth.
Joy Davis
What is your role on BYA Board?
Board Member
How does your role help BYA accomplish its mission?
Support infrastructure
What inspired you to become involved with the BYA?
The mission and the efforts of the young people involved to build BYA into a strong advocate for youth.
What would you consider some of the organization's most significant achievements in recent years?
Surviving an incredible move and stabilizing as an organization.
What are some of your goals for the organization in the upcoming years?
Structure, strengthening board support, and having fun!
What advice would you give to someone looking to get involved in nonprofit work?
Be prepared to work and advocate for the organizations values and your own.