A native New Yorker of Caribbean heritage, Rasu brings more than 15 years of experience advocating for the Brooklyn cultural and creative community to the organization. Most recently, Rasu applied his dynamic cross-cultural curatorial skills as the Cultural Network Curator at Lambent Foundation, where he translated Lambent’s core values and organizational practice to foster collaboration and exchange among grant partners in New York City, New Orleans, and Nairobi, Kenya. Prior to Lambent, he served as Director of Recruitment and Community Engagement for the New Museum’s art and tech incubator, NEW INC, where he built a professional network of artists, designers, technologists, and entrepreneurs into a cohesive workspace that reflects New York’s diverse and multi-faceted artists. Rasu is also a reputable facilitator in the cultural sector, the founder of Coup d’état BROOKLYN and Coup d’état Arts, and was a producer for Afropunk.

Why do you work for BAC?

“I recently came across this quote that perfectly captures my why: ‘The most radical act in a sick society is to heal yourself then gently help others heal too.’ - I believe the arts are the catalyst for this transformational healing and see Brooklyn Arts Council as being a creative conduit and connective tissue of this healing throughout Brooklyn and beyond; supporting this work is exactly where I want to be, where I know I am meant to be, and why I feel so lucky to be part of the incredible BAC team!”

What Brooklyn neighborhood(s) do you feel most connected to and why?

“Fort Greene and Clinton Hill have been my home for the past 10 years, and while there have been a few short moments of living elsewhere, I can confidently say there is no other place that has felt like home quite like Brooklyn. My father grew up in Sheepshead Bay after immigrating from Cuba and trips to Brooklyn visiting family from my childhood home just outside of the city are potent memories of my upbringing. Moreover, my parents met and had their first date in Downtown Brooklyn (Junior’s!) and Bensonhurst was their first home together; where I lived for the first 6-months of my life. All that to say, for me, there is truly no other home than Brooklyn!”

Bio

Melissa Caballero (she/her) is a Native New Yorker, arts administrator, and operational contriver whose work is anchored in her firm belief that radical introspection of mind, body, and soul are interdependent components vital to reimagining more equitable, prosperous, and healthy communities. She is captivated by the cultural influence that institutional design has in shaping our society and the interconnectedness of community, business, and the arts. Bridging her previous experiences in Media Buying Activation for Proctor and Gamble with Publicis Media and Operations and Client Experience at Barry’s LLC, with her personal experiences as a hospice caretaker and a second-generation immigrant of Cuban descent, she seeks to heed her inner calling to participate in unraveling the social injustices embedded in our society and facilitate collective community healing through the power of the arts. Melissa graduated from Baruch College in December 2022 with an MA in Arts Administration where she subsequently went on to work as the Administrative Assistant at Downtown Brooklyn Arts Alliance. She also holds a BA in Economics from Binghamton University and is a certified Reiki Healer.

Why do you work for BAC?

“I have always believed in the role the arts has to play in shaping and enriching communities and I have been fortunate to have spent my entire career in public service, seeking out opportunities in which I can support this important work. You will hear me say time and time again, there is nowhere quite like Brooklyn and it is an honor and a privilege to be able to serve the artists and communities of Brooklyn through my role at Brooklyn Arts Council.”

What Brooklyn neighborhood(s) do you feel most connected to and why?

“It was love at first sight for this Northern British girl. From my first visit to Brooklyn in 2006, (a very different DUMBO) to moving to Bed Stuy in 2021, this vibrant, energetic, full of life, crazy borough captured a piece of my heart that can never be replaced. It is no coincidence that Brooklyn Arts Council was my first port of call when I arrived from the UK and I will be forever grateful to this borough for the career, community and forever friends it has given me. There really is nowhere quite like Brooklyn!”

Bio

Emma Cookson is an arts manager and cultural programmer with over 13 years of experience leading and influencing local, national and international cultural programs and policies. With a BA (First Class Hons) in Drama and English and a Diploma in Leadership & Management, Emma started her career in the British Council's Arts Team, before spending 8 years at an outer London borough arts service where she worked with artists & creative practitioners, community organizations, development agencies and civic leaders to develop and deliver high quality and innovative cultural programs and projects with the aim of increasing and improving access to arts and culture.

Underpinning all of Emma's work is the belief that arts & culture should be available to everyone. She is committed to advocating for artists & the arts and excited by the role they have to play in improving and enriching people, place and community.

Originally from the north of England, New York City is one of Emma's lifelong passions. Others include food, travel, books, running and her rescue pup Delilah.

Why do you work for BAC?

“I work for the BAC because I am inspired by the mission and in the transformative power of the arts to inspire, connect, and uplift communities. The team’s dedication to fostering artistic expression and cultural enrichment resonates deeply with me both personally and professionally. By contributing my skills and passion to BAC, I see myself playing a meaningful role in nurturing Brooklyn's vibrant creative ecosystem and making the arts more accessible to all.”

What Brooklyn neighborhood(s) do you feel most connected to and why?

“Maybe a cop-out answer, but all of them! I have a story or experience in just about every corner of Brooklyn that has influenced me so much in life. I grew up around Flatlands and went to schools in Midwood, Park Slope, and Downtown Brooklyn. I also worked in Greenpoint, Williamsburg, and Crown Heights. I have spent time with friends everywhere from East New York, to Dumbo, to Bay Ridge, and to Coney Island. But if I had to pick one, I’d say Flatbush for the culture, vibrancy, and community.”

Bio

Stanley Delva is an artist and arts administrator who believes deeply in building equitable communities and offering resources to strengthen underserved communities. He is passionate about supporting emerging filmmakers, visual artists, and small businesses through his freelance fundraising work. He has previously worked in Fundraising and Development with arts non profits like Haiti Cultural Exchange, El Museo del Barrio, and Cool Culture. Stanley has been a supporter of getting the arts funded through his grant writing as well as previously serving as a grant panelist for the New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA), New York City’s Department for Cultural Affairs (DCLA), the Brooklyn Arts Council (BAC), and the Awesome Foundation New York City’s chapter. A Brooklyn bred, native New Yorker of Haitian descent, Stanley cherishes the Caribbean heritage seen across the city. He has received a Bachelor's degree in English and African American Studies from Brooklyn College and a Master’s degree in Museum Studies from CUNY School of Professional Studies.

Mai-Elka Prado Gil is the creator of the Afro Latino Festival of New York. The Festival is one of the most genuine and influencing spaces for culture and community in NY. As a cultural organizer, her work is focused on developing platforms and content curations that unite multicultural audiences. Mai-Elka works closely with activists, culture producers, non-profit organizations, musicians and institutional leaders in the U.S., Panamá, Colombia and Perú; to raise the visibility of Black communities from Latin America and their diasporas. Her work has been an integral part of the representation and conversation about Afrolatinidad in the US since 2011. 

Allie Marotta (she/her) is a NYC-based arts educator, administrator, and collaborative theatre maker specializing in immersive, experiential, and devised theatre. Allie has presented work at NYC venues Teatro SEA, FringeNYC, Theater for the New City, Dixon Place, Theatre Row, and HERE Arts Center, and internationally in Ecuador, Greece, Argentina, and throughout the U.K. Allie has taught for various arts organizations throughout NYC and NJ including Marquis Studios, Queens Theatre, Jamaica Center for Arts and Learning, Wingspan Arts, Falconworks Theatre, George Street Playhouse, and more. She is a NYC staff correspondent for No Proscenium and a founding creator of experiential theatre company You&I. Allie is also a healthcare and disability patient advocate. She works with grassroots organizations NY #insulin4all, Mutual Aid Diabetes, and the Campaign for NY Health. Education: MA Contemporary Performance Practices (RHUL), BA Acting, BA Directing (Pace University). www.allie-marotta.com

Taeesha Muhammad (she/her) is an international artist and educator whose works inspire dialog about the power of language related to the Africans in the Americas from all Diasporas. Taeesha is a native New Yorker and has taught at various locations in and around Brooklyn, including Brooklyn Museum, Brooklyn Public Library, Charter, Private, and Homeschool clusters. Internationally, she has conducted workshops in Morocco, Madrid, and Mexico. As a POC and a global citizen, her motivation is to seek opportunities that create dialog, understanding, and connections of cultural norms. It is our nuances that create our culture. Taeesha is the Co-Director of GAMA, Gathering All Muslim Artists, a Teaching Fellow at Arts Westchester, Visual Storyteller, Culture Bearer, and Curator.

Why do you work for BAC?

“As a South African that was born during Apartheid, I am driven by the value of the arts to humanity. The arts and creativity are the lifeblood of my country of birth, this can be clearly seen in any form of protest that we employ. I grew up in a household where we didn’t always know what was for dinner, if there was dinner, but our love of music and dance kept us fed and nourished beyond the flesh. There is no way for me to separate myself and what makes life rich from the arts and the contributions of artists. I consider this work part of my calling. Artists give so much in seen and unseen ways, and I consider myself truly fortunate and wealthy for being in a role that allows me to support artists and arts organizations in little and big ways daily. It is an honor.”

What Brooklyn neighborhood(s) do you feel most connected to and why?

“Bedstuy – it is the first place I called home when I moved to New York.  The memories of braais, gardening in the pocket park, dancing in the street, exchanging music recommendations, giving and receiving care packages are still vivid. The bond I share with those neighbors has remained despite many moves. 

Bayridge – Brooklyn’s best kept secret. 

Dumbo – I've always dreamt of having a cozy-chic apartment there.”

Bio

Didintle Ntsie, a Project Manager, Arts Administrator, dot-connector, writer and educator, originally hails from Ga-Rankuwa, South Africa. She embodies a commitment to creativity and the radical act of reimagining as tools for fostering spaces of safety and joy, particularly for marginalized individuals. With over 15 years of experience in the non-profit sector, Didintle has seamlessly blended her roles as a project manager, co-founder, consultant, course designer, and facilitator to contribute to the intersection of arts administration, placemaking, and public scholarship. 

With a background deeply rooted in the South African philosophy of Botho (Ubuntu - "I am because you are"), Didintle brings a unique perspective to her work in New York. This philosophy, emphasizing interconnectedness and shared humanity, is woven into her endeavors as she actively advocates for care as a central component of individual and community wellness. Her professional journey has taken her across the globe, including Bolivia, South Africa, the UK, and Sweden, showcasing her adaptability and collaborative spirit. 

As a consultant at Afronaut Connective, Didintle played a pivotal role in offering pro bono consulting services to artists and grassroots organizations. Her work extended to managing multiple projects simultaneously, including collaborations with clients such as the British Council, Kingdom of the Netherlands, Black Filmmakers Film Festival, Western Cape Economic Development Partnership, Arts & Culture Trust, African Arts Institute (AFAI), Encounters International Documentary Film Festival, and more. In her work with Cape Town Partnership, she spearheaded a 22-month long experiment-turned template for using under-used public spaces to invite artists and arts organizations to bring spaces alive. 

In addition to her consulting work, Didintle co-founded 100in1day Cape Town, a citizen-driven festival of doing. Where her leadership and role as public relations ambassador contributed to the festival's success. This collaborative initiative showcased her ability to engage communities in innovative ways.  

Her experience as a course designer and contributor at the Youth Initiative Program in Sweden underscore her dedication to empowering young change-makers globally. Didintle's role involved conceptualizing, designing, and implementing the first-ever course on the relationship between power, privilege, and oppression, offered to young change-makers from diverse parts of the world. 

In her role as a Digital Literacy Instructor at University Settlement, Didintle designed and implemented engaging, developmentally appropriate digital literacy curricula. Her empathetic approach extended to supporting neurodiverse individuals during classes and countering the impact of anti-Asian hate crimes and Covid-19-related isolation through artistic initiatives using music, film and dance.  

Didintle has also worked with Van Alen Institute on urban enhancement and relationship building projects in blighted communities in Albany, New York. 

She is a current participant in the New York Foundation for the Arts Emerging Leaders Program and is in current training to become a Local and State Crisis Analysis and Mitigation coach through the National Coalition for Arts’ Preparedness and Emergency Response (NCAPER) and AIR Collaborative Training program. 

Beyond her professional pursuits she can be found cooking for loved ones old and new, spending time in nature or deeply engrossed in a basketball game!

Why do you work for BAC?

“There are so many reasons! Having grown up in NYC, with both parents hailing from Brooklyn, my roots are deeply embedded in this vibrant borough. I've also been a visual artist from a very young age and have witnessed, time and time again, the power of the arts to inspire, bring people together, and shape communities. Working for BAC has allowed me to immerse myself in the creative world I love so much, support other artists, and play a part in impacting the creative future of a place I will always call home."

What Brooklyn neighborhood(s) do you feel most connected to and why?

“Bushwick is the neighborhood I feel most connected to. I love everything about it—the food, the art, the nightlife, the weirdness, the list goes on. Spending time there has also made me cross paths with the most inspiring, driven, supportive, creative, out-of-the-box, people; many of whom now feel more like family than friends.”

Bio

Marie Szalkiewicz (she/her) is an arts administrator and artist by way of New York City. She holds a B.A. in Art History and a B.A. in Communication Studies from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) and went on to receive her M.A. in Arts Administration from Columbia University. Marie has a long-lived passion for the arts and its power to bring people together, shape communities, and provide opportunities for exploration, inspiration, and understanding. She is an experienced Communications Manager specializing in the intersection of arts and culture. She is skilled in branding, content creation, graphic design, social media marketing, digital marketing, print marketing, strategic planning, and editing.

M’Kina Tapscott’s fifteen year career in arts education, access, and curation. Tapscott’s career is dedicated to art advocacy, striving to connect community, culture, and creativity through the arts. Beginning with her work as Director of Education and Programs at Project Row Houses, an art and social service development in Houston, TX, and continuing through education and outreach positions at the Whitney Museum of American Art, the Museum of Fine Arts Houston, and various community-based art organizations throughout the US. Tapscott has championed the primacy of art in building community and advancing social change.  Concurrent with her curatorial and administrative work, Tapscott has taught art history and studio art at all levels.  A practicing artist, she holds an MFA from the University of Houston and a BFA from Texas State University.

Emmy Weissman is an arts educator and administrator based in NYC. She currently serves as the grants associate at Brooklyn Arts Council, following her previous role as the arts in education administrative assistant. As a teaching artist, she has worked with the Children’s Museum of Manhattan, Classic Stage Company, Arts Connection, Girl Be Heard, NYC Children's Theater, The 92nd Street Y, Rattlestick Playwrights Theater, and SOUL Sisters Leadership Collective. She hopes to empower her students and fellow artists to lead vibrant, compassionate lives.

Advance NYC is a leader in meeting the flexible, on-demand needs of non-profits. Their creative team of experts has helped advance the work of dozens of mission-based organizations through a combination of big picture strategy and on-the-ground, tactical execution.