Our Board
Founder, President, and CFO
Ronda Brown holds the title of Founder-President-CFO, and is a Museum Collected Artist, and former Lead Teacher of the Art Program at Crenshaw High for nearly a decade. Over her extensive 25-year career dedicated to educating disenfranchised Youth from New York to Los Angeles, Ronda has achieved remarkable milestones. She guided her Visual Art students to secure full scholarships and numerous prestigious awards, notably the Congressional Art Award, leading to the display of her students' work in the White House on multiple occasions.
Throughout her Art Education Career, Ronda has authored curricula for various organizations and established after-school Programs for LAUSD and the Urban League. A staunch advocate for the arts and her community, she played a pivotal role as the Vice Chair of the United Teacher Los Angeles Union Arts department. Additionally, she chaired the SEL inclusion initiative for Common Core, contributing significantly to advancing arts education. Ronda has been actively involved in writing, providing Art curriculum, and advocating for the arts in collaboration with organizations across Los Angeles.
Beyond her educational contributions, Ronda has served multiple terms on her Neighborhood Council, demonstrating her commitment to fostering positive change within her community.
Vice-President
Malaika boasts a rich professional background spanning over two decades in corporate and nonprofit sectors, primarily focusing on education and community development. Over the past five years, she has been an integral part of Pearson Education, a British-owned education publishing company, contributing her expertise as a valued member of the Global Procurement Team. Currently serving as the Procurement Category Manager for the North America Supply Chain, Malaika leverages her extensive experience to cultivate meaningful partnerships with suppliers, enabling Pearson to deliver high-quality products to customers and learners throughout North America.
Before joining Pearson, Malaika accumulated diverse experiences reflecting her dedication to uplifting Youth and communities. In Los Angeles, CA, she served as a youth facilitator and adult trainer for the Educare Foundation, a prominent youth development organization. She successfully led the Achievement and Commitment to Excellence (ACE) program, a transformative initiative benefiting over 5,000 middle- and high-school students. Earlier in her career, Malaika was Executive Director at the Sound Body Sound Mind Foundation in LA, a fitness-focused organization positively impacting 25,000 middle- and high-school students in Los Angeles County. Her contributions extended to Atlanta, GA, where she played a pivotal role as the start-up Director for a statewide $42 million grant-making program housed in the Department of Human Services. In this capacity, she spearheaded the Program's marketing, launch, and growth, overseeing 200 sites impacting more than 19,000 youth annually. Additionally, Malaika successfully expanded a teen employment program, benefiting over 500 youth, with a particular focus on those in foster care.
Malaika's early career experiences were grounded in youth development and program coordination with the Algebra Project and the Young People's Project, two leading nonprofits utilizing mathematics literacy and education to create opportunity structures for underserved children.
Furthermore, Malaika's extensive financial background includes roles as an analyst supporting Community Development Financial Institutions, completion of the Bank'sBank's Corporate Banker Program (a comprehensive credit training program), and serving as a Small Business lender overseeing a $5.9 million portfolio of small business relationships. She also played a crucial role in originating and underwriting new loans.
CEO
David E. Fossett, a seasoned professional with a diverse skill set, has made significant contributions across both private and government sectors, with nearly two decades of service in various roles within the City of Los Angeles. His extensive experience ranges from leading airfield maintenance crews at LAX to overseeing traffic sign installations at DOT and guiding water service operations at LADWP. David's managerial and interpersonal skills have been pivotal to his successful career.
Outside his public service, David has also excelled in the arts, particularly in music, dance, and choreography, drawing from early influences in hip hop and house music to perform with icons like MC Lyte and launch his tracks on social media platforms. His passion for the arts extends into his community work, where he has devoted time to mentor youth in South L.A., continuing efforts initiated with Ronda Brown to expose students to creative pursuits through afterschool programs.
David's commitment to community service shines through his work with Gold Standard Medical Clinic, where he focuses on educating Black men about prostate health. A Gary, Indiana native who relocated to Los Angeles during his adolescence, David has pursued education across multiple institutions, further enhancing his diverse capabilities and underscoring his dedication to personal and community growth.
Board Member
Richard, a renowned Photographer and Filmmaker based in New York City with a global reach, hails from Costa Rica, where he was born and raised. A graduate of the School of Visual Arts in New York City, he embarked on his professional photography career, accumulating over 18 years of experience working with esteemed publications such as The New York Times, Oprah Magazine, Forbes, Elle, and Vogue. Additionally, he collaborated with corporate clients like Coca-Cola, Lance, Marriott, and North Face.
Having established himself in photography, he sought new challenges and expanded his creative vision by venturing into filmmaking. He successfully launched a film company, www.timewilltellfilms.com, which provides client services and has expanded its reach to offer film services in Europe. The company has partnered with established clients in London, including Oberoi hotels, NPeaL, and BBC UK.
Beyond his professional pursuits, he is dedicated to community service and volunteers his time at the youth after-school program at PS 11 in Chelsea, New York. In this role, he imparts his knowledge to young minds, teaching them the intricacies of using cameras and expanding their perspectives from still frames to the dynamic world of moving images.
Board Member & Secretary
Jamaal Hasef Tolbert, a distinguished Visual Artist and Professor based in Los Angeles brings a wealth of expertise to the board. He obtained his BA in Sociology and Art from California State University, Bakersfield, and furthered his education with a certification in Art and Marketing from Sotheby's in London. His commitment to artistic excellence led him to Claremont Graduate University, where he earned his MFA in Studio Art.
In Los Angeles, Hasef has established himself as a prominent artist and dedicated himself to the education of aspiring artists and those new to the art world. Beyond his creative pursuits, he is deeply passionate about sharing the transformative power of art through teaching. At his Art Studio in South Los Angeles, Hasef nurtures the next generation of artists and extends his reach to art novices, providing them with valuable insights into the world of art.
Moreover, Hasef is involved in art consulting services, leveraging his vast knowledge and experience to guide individuals and organizations in navigating the art landscape. In addition to his contributions to the art community, he extends his commitment to education by offering financial literacy programs from his Art Studio. This dual focus on art and financial literacy reflects Hasef's dedication to empowering individuals with creative and practical skills.
As the Board Secretary, Hasef brings a unique blend of artistic vision, educational passion, and financial insight. His multifaceted background enriches the board's perspective and underscores his commitment to fostering a vibrant and informed community through the arts.
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