The People on the Council
We are grateful to our advisors for the quality and far reaching scope of the vision that they bring to the table.
Zumbi Soweto is our Head of Advisory Council as we are developing a Board. Zumbi has a background in Administrative Development, is a Rites of Passage Director and is an African drumming instructor. Zumbi's interest in Youth development and African culture are his reasons for taking the position.
Dr. Nicole Monteiro is a Psychologist specializing in youth and substance abuse. Dr. Monteiro brings her experience with African culture, dance therapy, and youth. Dr. Nicole is interested in overseeing development of our curriculum for our rites of passage program and a readiness test for our trip to Africa.
Yogi Ackles is a Dance Therapist, health practitioner, and over 30+ years experience as a practitioner of African dance.
Aziz Ahmed is a master drummer of 40+ years experience in African culture, specializing in masquerade performance and youth development.
Julani Ghana has lead various Rites of Passage groups & tours to Ghana with an interest in assisting the company.
Angela Watson is the Executive Director/Founder & Artistic Director, is our primary African dance instructor, with a background in Dance Therapy.
Joslyn Laddner is our film & documentary specialist with a love of youth development.
Jill-St. James is a dance therapist and dance instructor, bringing her 2 years experience of living in Guinea in the Peace Corp.
Najuma Lagbaja is our African spirit based instructor and dance instructor.
Xavier Flemming is our African diaspora musical instructor.
El Ha Gahn is our craft specialist, instructor for woods survival, herbalist, culinary arts, and building of traditional houses and apropiate technologies.
Nzinga Metzger is our Yoruba dance instructor & linguist.
The People on the Council