PROJECTS
EXPLORING CREATIVE FUTURES @ LEAP
Exploring Creative Futures was established at LEAP (www.leapnyc.org) under Jennifer's leadership as Chief Program Officer from 2017-2024. Developed in response to the lack of equal access to career and learning opportunities in the creative field, this dynamic initiative addresses young people's crucial need to build professional skills and networks beyond their school communities.
The program empowers youth by nurturing their creative talents and connecting them to career opportunities in the creative arts sector. Currently integrated into LEAP's afterschool and summer model, Exploring Creative Futures offers a comprehensive experience for nearly 1,000 middle and upper elementary students in both a five-week summer camp and afterschool format. Students engage in masterclasses across various art forms, participate in culminating events, and benefit from structured classroom follow-up activities supported by detailed curricula.
(Special thanks to Karina Lynch-Graham, Taylor Valentine, Danhy Clermont, Guerdley Cajus, and all of the Teaching Artists who brought this to life!)
LINK NYC @ YANY
Developed to connect NYC high school students interested in media creation with industry professionals, the program flourished through key partnerships with AMC Networks, Facebook, and other prominent organizations established by the YANY Board Directors. Link NYC was established at Young Audiences New York (YANY) under Jennifer's leadership as Chief Program Officer from 2014-2017.
This intensive program operated as a semester-long afterschool experience, meeting twice weekly. Students participated in bi-monthly field trips to their mentors' workplaces, where they gained hands-on experience with state-of-the-art equipment and received ongoing feedback on their projects. Link NYC culminated in a prestigious showcase event where students presented their finished work to an audience of peers, family members, Teaching Artists, and industry mentors, with outstanding achievements recognized through awards.
Check out the program here: https://www.yany.org/linknyc
(With gratitude to Brian 'Wojo' Womack, Mtume Gant, and Jasmin Foreman for setting the inaugural sail.)
#ARTS MATTER @ MATTEL
As Vice President of the Program Department at Urban Arts Partnership (www.urbanarts.org) from 2009 to 2014, Jennifer led a small team through the organization’s expansion from New York City to Los Angeles. The team’s work garnered support from the LA Fund, and Urban Arts was selected as the partner organization for Mattel Toy Company during the #ArtsMatter campaign.
The partnership with Mattel, spearheaded with Greg Ayres and Kaya Chwals, funded multiple in-school residencies led by Urban Arts Teaching Artists and offered professional creators from Mattel a chance to volunteer directly with students. Through these collaborative art-making experiences, Mattel volunteers shared real-world skills and creativity with young people—corporate volunteerism at its finest!
PUBLIC ART YOUTH EMPLOYMENT PROGRAM @ CAW
As an Artist Volunteer in the mid-90s, Jennifer launched the Public Art Youth Employment Program at Creative Art Works in NYC (https://www.creativeartworks.org/programs).
The program employed young people as professional artists, paying them to create murals while also offering visits to community artist studios, guided mural walks, and project critiques with Spanish Harlem muralist James De La Vega. Over 30 years later, this impactful program is still going strong!