Education & Community Engagement > Community Advisory Group

Alexandra Manuel

Brian Guy

As the dad of an autistic young adult, Brian Guy has been advocating for inclusion for over 20 years. Brian is co-founder of Neurodiversity Allies (ndallies.org), a non-profit focused on helping more theatres bring Sensory Accessibility to neurodivergent community members. Brian personally helped ACT Theatre plan for its first ever Sensory-Friendly show, A Christmas Carol, in December 2023. Brian also participated in The 5th Avenue Theatre's first-ever Sensory-Inclusive show, Disney's The Little Mermaid in October 2023. Brian is active with multiple community theatres helping them establish Sensory Guides and Sensory-Friendly performances. Brian is also on the boards of Bainbridge Island Special Needs Foundation (aka The Stephen's House) and Ovation! Performing Arts Northwest. Brian is grateful for Seattle Theatre Group's leadership in DEIA and is excited to return to the Community Advisory Group.

Jesse Higman

I am a quadriplegic in a wheelchair with an injury to my neck at the C-5, C-6 vertebrae from a car accident as a teenager when I swerved to miss a squirrel that ran into the road. I am paralyzed from the chest down. Some of the muscles in my arms and all of the muscles in my hands have also been affected. I have an incomplete injury, meaning that some of the ascending nerves which carry feeling are still intact. I am an artist. While my disability it is not the subject of my art, limits have inspired my systems of painting, from working with gravity to social collaborations enabling larger art. I appreciate the dynamic that disability imposes on relationship through tensions, awkwardness, and revelations to reconsider how we relate to and with other people, objects, the world and ourselves. I began a creative career painting imagery in the 1990s for Seattle’s rock bands. I received the Mayor’s Arts Award in 2009. My work has been presented by MTV, Lollapalooza, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Experience Music Project, The Smithsonian Museum, and Kennedy Center for the Performing arts.

Karen Okonkwo

Karen Okonkwo is a first-generation Nigerian-American entrepreneur owning several businesses in the online sector. Her latest business venture,TONL, is a stock photography business that aims to provide diverse images of people all around the world while also trying to tell their stories. Karen considers herself a social entrepreneur and has made it her mission to empower her community. She has been honored for her great work in many ways over the years including making it on the Inc 30 Under 30 List, being featured in Forbes, POPSUGAR, Adweek and more. Her expertise centers around business development, marketing and event planning. Community and philanthropy are what drives Karen. She believes that representation matters and has visited companies and conferences like REI, Goodby Silverstein & Partners, Women In Digital, University of Washington and more to speak on the importance of diversity & inclusion on and offline.

Queen Sheba aka Lateefah Johnson

I am honored to be a part of this advisory group. I've spent most of my life in Washington state and have seen changes that are both glorious as well as heartbreaking. I'm looking forward to elevating the presence of STG within the community for all walks of life. I'm also known by Queen Sheba, and I enjoy being creative in various ways. I look forward to meeting and working with this year's group and creating harmonious adventures for all of humanity.

Louis Mendoza

Louis is the recently retired Director of the Washington State Fathers Network, husband, and father to two adult children. The early part of his career was spent in the corporate world, primarily as a supervisor and manager trainer. He left that career path to become a stay at home dad, which he did for over 10 years before rejoining the workforce as a special education paraeducator. From there he joined United Way of King County in Seattle, WA to manage Project LEAD, a program to train people of color to serve on the boards of non-profit organizations. Until recently he served as Director of the Washington State Fathers Network. The Network has 3 focus areas: Connecting men who have a child in their life with a disability; raising the voices of these men so their stories are heard; and advocating for equitable access to the community for those with a disability. He has worked with numerous organizations across the country to advocate for fathers, especially those who have children with disabilities. And, he is the founder of an informal group of men, called Organizations Supporting Special Dads International, who currently support or have interest in supporting dads of children with disabilities. He retired in October of 2022 but plans to continue supporting the disability community.

Lulu Carpenter

Luzviminda Uzuri “Lulu” Carpenter (aka Ms. Lulu or LuluNation) - she/her pronouns - is a Media Justice Advocate, Educator, and Organizer. Currently, she is the Station Manager of KVRU 105.7 FM in SouthEnd Seattle; a Performance & Media Arts Teacher and Equity Team Director at Seattle Girls’ School, a social justice and STEAM middle school; Founder of Alphabet Alliance of Color (AAoC), a grassroots organizing alliance for Queer and Trans Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (QTBIPOC); Teacher Advisory Board Member at MoPop Museum; Community Advisory Board Member at Seattle Theatre Group (STG) and member of Washington State Advisory Board to the U.S. Civil Rights Commission. She has worked and performed for over 17 years in Seattle with community organizations that helped to form her analysis around youth and intergenerational work, gender-based violence, media justice, art, and cultural work: Washington Hall, Ladies First Project of Communities Against Rape and Abuse (CARA), VoicesRising, Asian Pacific Islander Women and Family Safety Center (now APIChaya), Pinay sa Seattle (now GABRIELA-Seattle), OnTheBoards, the Service Board (tSB), YouthSpeaks, and as as a former Commissioner and Co-Chair of the City of Seattle LGBT Commission, and worked as a consultant at organizations such as Roots Young Adult Shelter, YouthSource (Department of Community & Human Services), and YouthCare.

Marcel Sanders

In the entertainment business, a mentor is an essential tool in paving your way through an ever changing industry, and at the prime age of 15, Marcel Sanders was fortunate enough to be mentored by the production mastery of industry icons Terry Lewis and Jimmy Jam. Under the tutelage of arguably one of music’s most dynamic duos, he developed the tools that would prove to be instrumental in his future success becoming a noted producer in his own right. Blessed to have the guidance of not only his mentors, but, also legendary vocalist Ms. Natalie Cole who introduced him to esteemed vocal coach to the stars Seth Riggs. Sanders had the fortune of being surrounded by music royalty including Dr. Funkenstein George Clinton who during an all night recording session gave him his funky nick name Delic Vibe.

Born and raised in Seattle, Washington, Sanders began playing instruments as a child and by the time he was in his teens was quite accomplished at keyboards, lead/ rhythm guitar, bass guitar, drums, as well as being a skilled vocalist. Honing his musical skills and implementing the lessons of his mentors, he began producing, writing and recording for local rappers, singers and other musicians and by age 17 decided it was time for his own music to be heard. Marcel delivered his first 3 song self produced EP record through a Canadian Label called Imperial Records. The response from that record put his artistry on the radar and gained the respect of recording groups like Tease, Lakeside, Bootsy Collins, Georgio, Atlantic Starr, Mastering legend Bernie Grundman, Magazine publishers Steven Ivory, Graham Armstrong, Belma Johnson, songwriter Thea Austin, Seth Riggs, and Entertainment Attorney Curtis Shaw.

Radio was a fan of the new producer’s fresh sound as he quickly found success with the release of his follow up projects by way of the single "Two Faces" and later followed by "Lay Your Pretty Head Down", garnering Top 5 status on various Urban and Pop Stations around the country. In 1989, Sanders teamed up with his childhood friend Ishmael Butler (Butterfly of the group Digable Planets) to demo 4 songs that were instrumental in leading Butler to his connecting with Mecca and creating the group Digable Planets. Keeping himself busy as a musician and producer he began collaborating with fellow Producer DJ Skill, to lay the guitar work for C-Bo's "Straight Killa", as well as guitar work on the remix of Bay Area rap group 415's "Gaffled Like That" (feat.Tupac Shakur and Richie Rich). In 1996, he collaborated with fellow Producer Kevin Gardner creating the guitar work for B-Legit's "Gotta Buy Dope From Us" (feat. Lil Bruce) and the unreleased "Ain't No Joke". In 1997 he re-connected with Butterfly to co-produced a solo album titled “Ishmael Since 1999(The 10 Commercials)” which was released thru Red Ant Records, as well as producing and recording the demo for Cherrywine, Butterfly’s band, which secured the deal with D-cide. Their magnetic grooves caught the ear of actress Nia Long and prompted her to want to join them in the studio and ad her verbal spice to the track “In Here”. Soon after, 2001 found Cherrywine 12" single release of "16th Minute" / "In Here" becoming #1 seller at www.sandboxautomatic.com. Incidentally it was this same body of work that left footprints in the memory of super producer Teddy Riley at a chance meeting between the two, encouraging efforts to collaborate on Riley’s solo record.

The multi-talented musician’s most recognized work came in 2003, when he and Grammy Award winning engineer Dave Darlington, co-founded NYC based smooth jazz group D>Tour. The accomplished producer recorded and wrote 5 tracks for D>Tour’s debut album “Leave A Message”. The album was released in 2005 and debuted at #2 on CD Universe. Staying in the Top 5 for the summer.

The young producer’s grasp of musical themes and concepts allows him to orchestrate the perfect stream of melodies and harmonies into a systematic flow and just when you think you’ve arrived at the perfect groove he switches it up and takes you higher. He meaningfully marries generations of jazz and funk and hip-hop into a relevant composite of contemporary music. His vast knowledge of instrumentation has allowed him to join forces with Open labs. “I’m Blessed! My NeKo LX5 is the quickest access point to my rawest ideas.” Currently the producer/songwriter is creating new music for licensing in film and television

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As a musician and film director, Mindie has grabbed attention in Seattle and beyond. She's been named City Arts Magazine Artist of the Year, one of Seattle Magazine’s 50 Best Artists, and shared a stage with Lena Dunham, Ben Folds, and a headline with Cindy Lauper. Through her music and videos, Mindie Lind is using Crip Culture to create stronger visibility and more variance of the stories we hear or see in the media.

Aaron Reader

Aaron is now STG’s Full Time Director of DEIA (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Access)! https://www.stgpresents.org/about/staff

Dallas Pinkham

Dallas Pinkham (Yakama and Southern Cheyenne) is a Freelance Filmmaker. Dallas has accomplished youth mentoring through filmmaking, theatre, stop motion animation, and storytelling. Throughout his career, he has magnified his attention to self-teaching, spiritual development, artist expression, and passing on stories to others.

Jackie Mena

Jackie Mena grew up in Seattle’s Beacon Hill neighborhood soaking in food, customs, and cultures from all around the world. The daughter of immigrants from Nicaragua, she inherited strong values rooted in community and has dedicated her life to being a community builder and organizer. Jackie currently lives in White Center with her beloved dog, Lupe and spends her free time gardening, traveling, and jamming out to playlists that include the "best of 2000s" music.

Jesse Higman

Jesse Higman began his creative career by painting album cover and poster imagery for Seattle’s rock bands, including Heart, Mother Love Bone, Pearl Jam, Soundgarden, Alice In Chains and Blind Melon. Higman’s work has been presented by MTV, Lollapalooza, The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Experience Music Project, The Smithsonian Museum, and Kennedy Center For The Performing Arts. Having innovated his own system of painting, pouring minerals over elaborate arrangements of understructure, he received the Seattle Mayor's Arts Award in 2009. Higman has received numerous grants supporting his public paint pours throughout King County, including 4Culture’s Art Artist Fellowship, 2019, and the CityArtist 2020 award from Seattle’s Office of Arts & Culture. 

Kessiah Gordon

Kessiah (she/her) is a freelance multi-instrumentalist, music producer, audio engineer, and tour manager living in Seattle, WA. She has toured nationally and internationally mixing live sound for bands including Cold War Kids, Jay Som, Frankie Cosmos, and Chastity Belt. When not on tour or working on her own music, Kessiah offers production, recording, sound design, post production, and audio consulting services.

As a queer, mixed-race woman of color, Kessiah believes in actively confronting the systems of oppression that exist within the music industry. At the core of her work is an unwavering commitment to meaning making, cultivating community through mutual aid, and centering the experiences of BIPOC communities.

King Khazm

King Khazm is a multifaceted artist, educator and community organizer who has become a prominent figure in the Hip-Hop community within Seattle and around the world. His work to engage and empower communities is demonstrated through over 25 years of art and community service.

Khazm serves as a board member of paralysis support organization The Here & Now Project, commissioner of the Seattle Commission for People with disAbilities, board member of King County arts funding agency 4Culture, manager of the historic venue/community space Washington Hall, and executive director of community organization 206 Zulu. 

Kyle Danielson

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Louis Mendoza

Louis came to Washington by way of Louisiana, Texas, Colorado and California. He spent the early part of his career as a corporate trainer and then spent 10 years as a stay-at-home dad. He returned to the workplace as a paraeducator in a special needs classroom before working at United Way managing a program called Project LEAD, which trains people of color to serve on the boards of non-profits. He currently manages the WA State Fathers Network, working to support men who have a child in their life with special health care needs. He has served on multiple boards and currently serves on several advisory and steering committees.

Luzviminda Carpenter

Luzviminda Uzuri "Lulu" Carpenter (aka Ms. Lulu or LuluNation) - she/her pronouns -  is a Media Justice Advocate, Educator, and Organizer.  Currently, she is the Station Manager of KVRU 105.7 FM in SouthEnd Seattle; a Performance & Media Arts Teacher at Seattle Girls’ School, a social justice and STEAM middle school; Director of Alphabet Alliance of Color (AAoC), a grassroots organizing alliance for Queer and Trans Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (QTBIPOC); Teacher Advisory Board Member at MoPop Museum; Community Advisory Board Member at Seattle Theatre Group (STG) and member of  Washington State Advisory Board to the U.S. Civil Rights Commission. She has worked and performed for over 15 years in Seattle with community organizations that helped to form her analysis around youth and intergenerational work, gender-based violence, media justice, art, and cultural work:  Washington Hall, Ladies First Project of Communities Against Rape and Abuse (CARA), VoicesRising, Asian Pacific Islander Women and Family Safety Center (now APIChaya), Pinay sa Seattle (now GABRIELA-Seattle), OnTheBoards, the Service Board (tSB), YouthSpeaks, and as as a former Commissioner and Co-Chair of the City of Seattle LGBT Commission, and worked as a consultant at organizations such as Roots Young Adult Shelter, YouthSource, and YouthCare. 

Marcel Sanders

Marcel Sanders, Producer, Writer, Musician with strong ties to the Pacific Northwest. Marcel has produced, written and collaborated alongside such Artist as: Ishmael Butler, D>Tour, Teddy Riley, Warren G., B-Legit, C-Bo, Richie Rich, Tupac Shakur, George Clinton. In 1998, Marcel and Butler teamed up to co-produce "Ishmael Since 1999", Butler's (unreleased) debut solo album. Marcel along with Grammy Award winning engineer Dave Darlington co-founded NYC based Smooth Jazz group D>Tour. He recorded and wrote 5 tracks for D>Tour's debut album "Leave A Message". The album was released in 2005 and debuted at #2 on CD Universe. Staying in the Top 5 for the summer.

Mindie Lind

As a musician, Mindie Lind's Southern gothic sounds have grabbed attention in Seattle and beyond. She's been named City Arts Magazine Artist of the Year, one of Seattle Magazine’s 50 Best Artists, and shared a stage with Lena Dunham, Ben Folds, and a headline with Cindy Lauper. Through her music and music videos, Mindie Lind is using Crip Culture to create stronger visibility and more variance of the stories we hear or see in the media.

Mona Lake Jones

Mona Lake Jones is an African American poet, author, performer and retired educator. She is excited about celebrating our diverse cultures through the arts.

Noelle Price

Noelle Price is contemporary creator originally from Detroit MI. Price received her Bachelor of Arts in Dance from Western Michigan University (WMU) where she established the Art for Change Scholarship through the Black Arts and Cultural Center, and developed thePLATFORM, an annual show presenting community art works.

Since relocating to Seattle WA in 2015, Noelle has performed with Karin Stevens Dance Company 2016-17, set work in festivals Full Tilt (Evoke Productions), Men in Dance Adjudicating Showcase, Tint Dance Festival and performed for the 2018 premier of Beautiful Carcass, a Maya Soto and Nico Tower collaborative project among other things. 2019 her evening length work Remember Me Young received a Seattle Dance Crush Award for its commitment to advocacy. 

Noelle currently finds fulfillment as the founder and Artist Director of PRICEarts (www.pricearts.co) a multidisciplinary arts organization, in addition to teaching at eXitSPACE School of Dance (Seattle WA) and Washington School of Dance (Bothell WA)

Omari Salisbury

Omari Salisbury is a multi-talented media professional and the driving force behind Converge Media. The “Global Citizen”, Salisbury has traveled to 60 countries and brings a broad perspective and unrivaled dedication to his team. Founded by Seattle Central District natives Omari Salisbury and Erik Kalligraphy, from day one, Converge Media has been a platform to amplify not only our own original content but also the content of independent African-American creators throughout the region, providing them with access to our engaged audience that is interested in their voices and perspectives.

Patty Liang

Patty Liang is the Executive Director of Deaf Spotlight, which oversees artistic and cultural programming to support Deaf artists and their work. Throughout her career, Patty has pursued opportunities that encourage the Deaf community to embrace and celebrate the arts. She believes that everyone has the ability to create and express their story through art. 

Rhonda Cochran

As an avid theater patron and participant, Rhonda Cochran enjoys an endearment to the Arts. As an actress, a Deaf interpreter and ASL (American Sign Language) Coach, she is passionate that both her cultures (Black/BlackDeaf) are represented in the work that she brings forth. Rhonda is looking forward to working with the Community Advisory Group in the endeavor.

Sue Ann Huang

Sue Ann Huang (she/her), is an Asian American woman, dancer, activist, educator. She works in higher education and completed her dissertation exploring the experiences of contemporary dance choreographers of color in the PNW. She is the co-founder and co-producer of the Tint Dance Festival, which centers dancers and choreographers of color.

Tomo Nakayama

Tomo Nakayama is a critically acclaimed singer/songwriter/producer based in Seattle, Washington. He has released 3 solo albums as well as fronting PNW favorites Grand Hallway and Asahi. He has also worked as curator and producer for Forterra, served as Artist in Residence at Town Hall, and acted and performed in the Lynn Shelton film "Touchy Feely".