Dr. Natalie Hopkinson—Community Connector Dr. Natalie Hopkinson is a writer, cultural advocate and Associate Professor of Media, Democracy and Society at the American University. Previously, she was staff editor, writer, and columnist at The Washington Post, The Root and Huffington Post. Her books, including, “A Mouth is Always Muzzled,” “Go-Go Live” and “Deconstructing Tyrone,” have … Read more
Susan Feller—Community Connector Susan Feller is the founding President/CEO of the Association of Tribal Archives, Libraries, and Museums where she directs its national professional development programs, special projects, and advocacy efforts. Susan serves on numerous national committees and commissions and advises government agencies and Congressional members on matters relating to indigenous cultural institutions. Susan’s current … Read more
Adrianna Abarca—Community Connector Adrianna is the founder and Board Chair of the Latino Cultural Arts Center of Colorado located in Denver. She has long dreamed of creating numerous institutions where the local and statewide Latino communities are confident that their history and artistic expressions are accurately represented. Her community interests, volunteer time, and resources have … Read more
Peter Strong—Community Connector Peter is the director and co-founder of Racing Magpie, a Native arts hub located in mniluzahan (Rapid City, South Dakota), where he is dedicated to supporting Native artists, arts, culture, and communities through creativity and being a good relative. He has held leadership positions at The Heritage Center at Red Cloud Indian … Read more
Pedro Adorno Irizarry—Community Connector Pedro Adorno Irizarry is founder and artistic director of Agua, Sol y Sereno (ASYS). He is a film and theater director, actor, plastic artist and cultural manager. He began his career in the eighties with the group Los Teatreros Ambulantes de Cayey, directed by the renowned theater artist Rosa Luisa Márquez … Read more
Emily Edenshaw—Community Connector With roots in Emmonak, Alaska, Keneggnarkayaaggaq Emily Edenshaw (Yup’ik/Iñupiaq) is the President and CEO of the Alaska Native Heritage Center (ANHC), a renowned, statewide living cultural center located in Anchorage, Alaska. In 2020, Emily was named Vice President of the Alaska Travel Industry Association (ATIA) Arts, Cultural and Heritage Statewide Chapter Board, … Read more
Corey Travis—Community Connector Corey Travis is a regionally known community activist, business owner, educator, graphic designer, hospitality specialist, and professional musician with mixed performance ability in percussion, keyboards/piano, and vocals. Corey began his performing arts journey in the 1st grade taking piano lessons and soon learning other instruments which lead to playing marching percussion. He … Read more