Education & Community Engagement > ELEVATE

Anderson Williams

This 14 year old high honor roll student of Seattle Academy enjoys traveling, sports, and building original creations with Legos. Anderson has played on his school's basketball team for two years. He has learned to play the Steel Pans and the Trombone. Mr. Williams was cast as the lead role in his elementary school production of, “The Life of Richard Wright.” He also performed in the Seattle Parks Dept, Teen Summer Musical’s, “Peter Pan.”

Anderson would like to have a career in sports after he graduates college.

Deasia Gordon

Deasia Gordon is an 11 year old 6th grade native of Seattle who attends Rainier Valley Leadership Academy. She is on the Principle Honor Roll with a 4.0 GPA and is involved in the Scholar Huddle Program. Deasia has participated in elementary school plays, talent shows and is currently involved in gymnastics at the Seattle Gymnastic Academy. This young lady attends church weekly, participating in youth activities, choir, feeding the homeless, and clothing drives.

Miss Gordon has danced the last 6 years with NW Tap Connection, participating in two shows each year. Her dance styles include: Tap, House, Hip Hop, Modern, and Jazz. She has performed in the Grovement Show by Shakiah Danielson, and Chloe & Maude’s Tap Into Empowerment virtual program, which is based in Los Angeles. Deasia has a positive attitude and plans to attend and graduate college after high school.

Denasia Gordon

Denasia Gordon is a 14 year old 9th grade Seattle native who attends Rainier Valley Leadership Academy. She is currently on the Principle Honor Roll with a 4.0 GPA, and is involved with the Student Council. Miss Gordon has participated in school plays, talent shows, and danced for her school’s Black History assembly and Dance Team. She leads youth activities, and sings in the choir at her church.

Denasia has danced with NW Tap Connection for six years and is a current member of their Totally Tap Kids program. Her dance styles include: Tap, House, Hip Hop, Modern, Jazz, and Afro Brazilian. She has performed in Orlando, Florida, in STG's DANCE This at the Moore Theatre, in AileyCamp and the final showcase, Seattle Center’s FolkLife Festival, Central Area Umoja Fest, The Grovement Shows by Shakiah Danielson, and Chloe & Maude;s Tap Into Empowerment virtual program based in Los Angeles.

This ambitious young lady plans to pursue a college degree in Business, and continue dance through teaching or performing professionally.

Emmanuel Brannon

I am Emmanuel Brannon, a Junior at Franklin High School. I play basketball for my school and am very involved in my community. My non-profit organization, Colour of Code, I founded when I was 12 years old. I conduct programs with kids of color to help people who look like me with resources that aren't that accessible: youth workshops for coding, summer youth internships, and young parenting courses. 

For four years I performed in the Teen Summer Musical. All of the acting, dancing and singing helped build character and confidence in me. 

In my free time, I enjoy writing, being involved in the Principal's Cabinet, and other leadership groups.

Estrella Gonzales-Sanders

Estrella Gonzales-Sanders is an award-winning dancer and entertainer. At 12 years of age, she is a dynamic, well-versed performer whose infectious energy can mesmerize and captivate an audience!  She is a featured dancer on Netflix’s Original Dance Dreams: Hot Chocolate Nutcracker. She was recently featured on Evening Magazine as an up-and-coming force in the dance and entertainment industry. She is a National Hip-Hop dance winner, a 10-time scholarship winner in the field of Tap and Hip-Hop, and a two-time Junior Seahawks Dancer. At age 9, Estrella has been mentored by and trained directly with Emmy and Golden Globe winner Debbie Allen and Tony award-winning Savion Glover. Since the age of 2, Estrella has trained and studied with Northwest Tap Connection under the direction of Melba Ayco.

Gianni Johnson

Gianni Johnson is a 2020 graduate from Franklin High School and is currently attending Seattle Central Community College. Outside of school, Gianni is very passionate about performance arts, whether that be through acting, dancing, or even original works of his music or spoken word pieces. Gianni is someone who seeks to inspire people to pursue their dreams and remind people that they are not alone.

Harlem Yarbrough

Harlem Naché Yarbrough is a talented 12 year old artist and dancer. Named after the Harlem Renaissance, her family knew early she would have a passion for the arts. Born and raised in Seattle, WA, Harlem began dancing with local dance studios, and would eventually become a member of Northwest Tap Connection, where she honed her skills in hip-hop, ballet-modern, and tap. She has participated and performed in a number of showcases, festivals, and even in Seattle’s Teen Summer Musical, “Uncle Willie’s Chocolate Factory. “ Her most recent dance affiliation is with “In The Kut Studios,” where she was a company member of “First Klass.” In late 2018, Harlem was diagnosed with type 1 Diabetes, she has used her passion to persevere and stay healthy despite her medical conditions. In addition to being a skilled dancer, Harlem enjoys cooking, writing, and painting. She is an exceptional student, currently a 7th grader at SAAS (Seattle Academy of Arts and Sciences). She is the oldest of two little sisters, and loves spending time with friends and family. Harlem loves all things related to Science; she hopes to either attend Howard or Harvard and to one day be a chemist.

Harmony Dexheimer

My name is Harmony Dexheimer. I am in the Ninth grade. I found my passion for theatre at a young age. I have been a part of STG since I attended the Ailey Camp. I first auditioned and was accepted in the program when I was 11 and again at age 13. I am grateful I have the opportunity to be a part of Elevate.

Jaci Graise

Hello my name is Jaci Graise, I live in Browns Point/Northeast Tacoma. I go to Meeker Middle School. I’m on my school's basketball team and play AAU basketball and softball. I’ve played the violin since I was 5. I am classically trained and have also been blessed to be able to play by ear. In the last few years I have started to play the Djembe, which I love! I enjoy roller skating, writing bars and spending time with my family in Mississippi.

Jazzmin Barrett

I am a 9th grader at Seattle Middle College on the University of Washington campus where I am an honor roll student. I participated in the Alvin Ailey Dance camp in 2016 and performed at the Moore Theater in downtown Seattle. I also was a participant in the Teen Summer Musical in 2019 where I performed at the Benaroya Hall in downtown Seattle.

In 2019 I had the pleasure of dancing with N The Kutt dance studio which premiered it's Massacre show at the historic Langston Hughes Theater in the Central District of Seattle. Out of 300 of my peers, I, with one other student, was chosen to write a poem to be published in a book called, " Breathe the Truth Back In," in 2018.

I am passionate about Performing Arts and activism.

Madison Bryant

Madison Bryant has been dancing for 11.5 years. She is currently enrolled at Spectrum Dance Center and Northwest Tap. Madison started dance at age 3, attending Rainier Dance Center. Then from ages 10-12 she joined the Rainier Dance Center’s Dance Team. At age 11 she competed at Dupree Dance convention, with a tap solo and received first overall of the entire competition and a judge’s award. Madison uses dance to express her emotions and it will forever be a part of her life.

Maya Michelle Russell

The 12 year old most recently made her Book-It Theatre debut in the audio production of Childfinder. Prior to this, she performed in the 5th Avenue Theatre’s production of Annie and appeared as a principal in a National Powerade Commercial. For Seattle’s Little’s Performers, she played the role of “Simba” in The Lion King; and “Mike TV” in Broadway Bound’s production of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.

Maya is also a proud participant in Seattle’s Teen Summer Musical program. In addition to performing, Maya loves learning new instruments and writing new songs. When she isn’t busy on the piano or guitar, she spends her time on the soccer field with Seattle United’s Elite Clubs National League Team. Maya is a 7th grader at Lake Washington Girl’s Middle School.

Nyshae Griffin

Nyshae Griffin is a 14 year-old Seattle native who is an aspiring entertainer. She is an honor roll scholar at Rainier Valley Leadership Academy. Miss. Griffin was a cast member in the Teen Summer Musical's play "Uncle Willie's Chocolate Factory." She is a member of Kutt'N'Up, a hip-hop dance organization led by "Koach" Tyrone Crosby. You may have also seen Nyshae singing at several community events, most recently the MLK Day Celebration at the historic Garfield High School.

Rahma Mohammed

Rahma Mohammed is an 18 year old Iraqi high school senior at Chief sealth international high school. Poet and co-president of Youth Activists for Systematic Change (YASC) youth council and one of the organizers for “The Seattle Children’s March”.

David Allen

Jamaican born and raised, Mr. Allen left his country with his young family during the 1970’s political unrest. He was first introduced to the Paramount Theatre over 41 years ago through the band Third World, a Jamaican fusion band formed in the early 70’s, by the band’s personal manager and part owner of the Paramount, Eulysses Lewis, of The West Coast Theatre Corporation.

Mr. Allen has extensive experience in the financial world, experience he started at the early age of 7 when his father, a CPA, forced his son to help with his clients' financial audits on weekends. This was something he did not enjoy but had to do out of respect for his father and not having a choice. Because of this early start, over the years he developed strengths in managing the financial side of businesses, eventually landing him a job with the British bank, Barclays, where he was the youngest banker ever hired in the history of the company.

Mr. Allen has been involved with the taking care of the Paramount since the late 70’s and has helped in the restoration of all of STG's venues. He says, “It’s been a pleasure to see things work again," and recognizes his hands as his “gift.” He credits his knowledge to curiosity, taking time to ask questions and manually learning how to fix things.

There is no better staff member that knows STG venues and history. He can attest to ghost stories and shares memorable moments and shows such as Starlight Express and The Phantom of the Opera (the Raoul tour). People that have influenced him are Marcus Garvey, B.B. King and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Mr. Allen held the role of Chief Operating Officer for STG until a few months ago. It was a title he proudly held for almost 2 decades. He is one of the first Black IATSE Local 15 Stage Journeymen.

George Northcroft

George Northcroft has served on the STG Board for seven years. He is a business and civic leader with experience in financial management; marketing and operations in Fortune 500 companies; pension management; county, state and federal government administration. In addition to serving on the STG Board, George serves on the Boards of the University of Washington’s Consulting & Business Development Center; The Breakfast Group; and University of Washington-Bothell.

George retired in 2017 as the Regional Administrator of the Northwest/Arctic Region of the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA). He was appointed to this position by President Barack Obama. George oversaw all of GSA’s operations in Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, and Washington; including management of federal real estate and information technology. At that time the Northwest/Arctic Region had an inventory of 647 owned and leased buildings, more than 460 employees, and an annual budget of more than $462 million.

Previously, George served as the Director-Business Relations & Economic Development for King County. He had the responsibility for the retention, expansion and recruitment of businesses. He served on the Boards of enterprise Seattle; the Trade Development Alliance; the Seattle-King County Workforce Development Council; Seattle Chamber Commerce’s Urban Enterprise Center. His career experiences also include Nordstrom’s Director of Treasury and Cash Management; Director of the State of Washington’s pension system; a banker with both First Interstate Bank of Washington and CitiBank of New York; a general partner/owner of KUJ/K96 radio stations(Walla Walla); a marketing representative with both IBM and General Electric.

George has also served as Co-Chair of the Bellevue Economic Roundtable; Treasurer-The Group Health Foundation; Board of Directors-Labor Ready; Vice Chair-Bellevue Convention Center Authority; Vice-Chair-Washington State Investment Board; Board of Directors-Bellevue Chamber of Commerce; Regional Vice-President of the National Association of State Retirement Administrators; President-Pacific Northwest Bankers Association; Chairman-Bellevue Community College; Board of Trustees- the Consumers Union; Board of Directors-Seattle Urban League. George received his BBA and MBA from St. John's University. He is also a graduate of Pacific Coast Banking School and Harvard University's John F. Kennedy School of Government.

George and his wife Gloria have been residents of Bellevue, WA since they moved from New York City in 1981 with their daughter, Dara and son, Marty. In 1999 they were both honored as Citizens of the Year for the City of Bellevue. Gloria retired as a Senior Clinical Specialist with Genentech, a biotech company. They have been happily married for 54 years. They have three grandchildren, Caleb, Brayden & Maya.

Larry Gossett

The former King County Councilman was the founder of the Black Student Union of the UW campus. He helped to organize nearly a dozen high school and middle school Black Student Unions throughout Seattle. As a student activist, Larry was instrumental in bringing about the UW's Educational Opportunity Program, which focused on recruitment and admissions for people of color. He also served as a member of the Seattle Chapter, Black Panther Party. On March 29th, 1968, Mr. Gossett was arrested for unlawful assembly during a sit-in at Franklin High School. Ironically, his jail cell was in the same location as his King County Courthouse office. Larry Gossett was the Representative of District 2 1993-2019 and held as Chairman of the Council 2007 & 2013.

Dr. Mona Lake Jones

Dr. Jones is an author, educator and community activist. She was named Poet Laureate for the City of Seattle and Martin Luther King County. She travels extensively throughout the country speaking on issues of culture and diversity. Her published works include the Color of Culture Series , Unleashing the Power of a Sister and Nectar from Grandhoney. She has been a teacher at the elementary, college and university level and was Director of Communications for the Seattle Community College District. Her community activities include serving as president of Seattle Black Child Development Institute and the Washington State Community College Black Educators. She was vice president of the National Council on Black American Affairs and the local Seattle Chapter of Links where she chaired the Services to Youth program. She is a former member of the Seattle Youth Commission, Langston Hughes Board and the Joint Advisory Commission on Education. Dr. Jones conducted Effective Black Parenting classes graduating over 200 parents; provided SAT preparation classes for high school students attempting to gain college entrance and was a founder and director of Mt. Zion Ethnic School. She is an active member of the YWCA Women of Color Advisory Council.

Alpha Kappa Alpha recognized her with the “Talented Tenth Award.” Mona Lake Jones was featured as one of twelve women on the National Distinguished Black Women calendar and chosen by the Ford Foundation to be a United States Freedom Sister. Dr. Jones is now listed in the national “History Makers” register. The local Medium Newspaper designated her to be a “Trail Blazer” and the Seattle National Council of Negro Women as a “Community Pillar.”

Stephanie Johnson-Toliver

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Maya Michelle Russell

This is Maya Russell's 2nd year participating in Elevate! The 14-year-old is a proud artist and athlete, who loves singing, songwriting and playing many sports. Theatre credits include Book-It Theatre (Childfinder), 5th Avenue Theatre (Annie), and Seattle's Teen Summer Musical. You can also spot her playing a young Crystal Dunn in a Powerade Commercial. When she's not busy performing, Maya plays soccer for Washington Premier's Elite Clubs National League. She will attend Holy Names Academy this fall.

Rahma Mohammed

Rahma Mohammed who goes by the poets name R.M (Instagram: @R.M_POETRY_) is from Iraq and she is a public speaker and a poet as well as an activist. Rahma has worked with and preformed at multiple theaters in Seattle as well as social justice events. She writes and teaches poetry and she is also an advisor for YASC (Youth Activists for Systemic Change) youth council.

Chase Roberts

Chase what any teacher would call the finest example of a model student. He is always on time, ready to learn, takes ownership of his work, and is a leader among students. He is an aspiring entrepreneur and young go getter at heart. He is a 3-time consecutive award-winning Stem Expo Champion. Chase has a passion for writing and is sought out among his peers for his impactful speeches that empower students to be the best version of themselves. His writing is sobering with a genuine flare that many in his age group can relate to. Chase has accepted the challenge to excel in all things and elevate.

John Dawson

My name is John Dawson. I am in middle school. I have three little sisters. I like to play video games. At church, I help with the media.

Harlem Yarbrough

Harlem Naché Yarbrough is a talented 12 year old artist and dancer. Named after the Harlem Renaissance, her family knew early she would have a passion for the arts. Born and raised in Seattle, WA, Harlem began dancing with local dance studios, and would eventually become a member of Northwest Tap Connection, where she honed her skills in hip-hop, ballet-modern, and tap. She has participated and performed in a number of showcases, festivals, and even in Seattle’s Teen Summer Musical, “Uncle Willie’s Chocolate Factory. “ Her most recent dance affiliation is with “In The Kut Studios,” where she was a company member of “First Klass.” In late 2018, Harlem was diagnosed with type 1 Diabetes, she has used her passion to persevere and stay healthy despite her medical conditions. In addition to being a skilled dancer, Harlem enjoys cooking, writing, and painting. She is an exceptional student, currently a 7th grader at SAAS (Seattle Academy of Arts and Sciences). She is the oldest of two little sisters, and loves spending time with friends and family. Harlem loves all things related to Science; she hopes to either attend Howard or Harvard and to one day be a chemist.

Jazzmin Barrett

I am a 10th grader at Seattle Middle College High school on the University of Washington campus where I am an honor roll student. I participated in the Alvin Ailey Dance camp in 2016 and performed at the Moore Theater in downtown Seattle. I also was a participant in the Teen Summer Musical in 2019 where I performed at the Benaroya Hall in downtown Seattle.

In 2019 I had the pleasure of dancing with N The Kutt dance studio which premiered it's Massacre show at the historic Langston Hughes Theater in the Central District of Seattle. Out of 300 of my peers, I, with one other student, was chosen to write a poem to be published in a book called, " Breathe the Truth Back In," in 2018.

I am passionate about Performing Arts and activism

Jeliyah Sherman

My name is Jeliyah Sherman, I am 17 years old. Some of my hobbies include walking, cooking, and watching crime shows. I have one sister who is a preschool teacher. I go to Roosevelt high school. Some of my strengths are leadership, dedication, perseverance, self-advocacy, and kindness

Grace Hanson

Grace is a 12-year-old who is thankful to be participating in Elevate for the first time this year. She is looking forward to learning how to project her voice, create spoken word pieces, and step outside of her comfort zone. Grace enjoys soccer, art, being creative in the kitchen, and hanging out with her friends.

Harlem Naché Yarbrough

Harlem Naché Yarbrough is a talented 13 year old artist and dancer. Named after the Harlem Renaissance, her family knew early she would have a passion for the arts. Born and raised in Seattle, WA, Harlem began dancing with local studios, and would eventually become a member of Northwest Tap Connection, where she honed her skills in hip-hop, ballet-modern, and tap. She has participated and performed in a number of showcases, festivals, and even in Seattle’s Teen Summer Musical, “Uncle Willie’s Chocolate Factory. She has also been a recurring poet for the Seattle Theater Group ELLEVATE Youth Spoken word program, as well as the 2022 Alvin Ailey Camp “ Her most recent dance affiliation is with “In The Kut Studios,” where she was a company member of “First Klass.” In late 2018, Harlem was diagnosed with type 1 Diabetes; she has used her passion to persevere and stay healthy despite her medical conditions. In addition to being a skilled dancer, Harlem enjoys cooking, writing, and painting. She is an exceptional student, currently a 8th grader at SAAS (Seattle Academy of Arts and Sciences). Harlem is a student leader, and social justice advocate. She is e member of the student senate, and founder of the Black Girl Magic Club. She is the oldest of two little sisters, and loves spending time with friends and family. Harlem loves all things related to Science; she hopes to either attend Howard or Harvard and to one day be a chemist.

Joshua Rodes

This is Joshua’s first time performing with ELEVATE. Participating in school plays sparked his desire for acting at a young age. A participant of the Seattle Rep’s Next Narrative Monologue Competition, he advanced to the regional finals in 2023. Locally, Josh has taken acting and theatre classes at the Seattle Children’s theatre and most recently Acts on Stage. An Army brat, Josh grew up around the world and now considers Seattle home. He is a Sophomore at Why Not You Academy and hopes to attend the Howard University Chadwick Boseman School of Fine Arts upon graduating high school in 2025.

Laela

Laela is part of the STG family and has been part of ELEVATE 2022 and DANCE this CAMP. Laela is a great dancer. She is a sophomore and homeschooled.

Maya Russell

Maya Michelle Russell is excited to be making a return to Elevate! In addition to spoken word, the 15-year-old loves singing, songwriting, and playing instruments. Credits include Moore Music @ the Moore 2023, Book-It Theatre (Childfinder), 5th Avenue Theatre (Annie), and Seattle's Teen Summer Musical. When she's not busy performing, Maya plays soccer for Washington Premier's Elite Clubs National League. She is currently a freshman at Holy Names Academy. IG @mayamichellerussell

Mikayla Sullivan

Mikayla is a freshman at Ballard High School. She is no stranger to STG as she has participated in STG’s AileyCamp. She is an amateur boxer.

Yaasameen Waqo

Yaasameen Waqo attends Truman academy and is joining the STG family via ELEVATE. STG has helped me become a better writer and a better person. Yaasameen is so grateful to be a part of the spoken word community and hopes to continue growing physically and mentally.

Zion Montgomery

Zion is 12 years old and lives in Silverlake, WA. Zion took their first acting camp in 1st grade and has been hooked ever since. Zion loves to sing and perform on stage and joined their first musical production, A Million Dreams last year. Zion loves Improv class and finds being funny at the drop of dime a key to life! Zion is excited and looking forward to being part of STG.

Elijah Mbute

Elijah is a senior at Truman High School in Federal Way. He has experience of writing and dancing. This will be his first year performing for ELEVATE.