DEI Statement
I am passionate about creating artistic and educational workspaces that promote and value diversity, inclusion, and equity. I believe that when artists feel their whole identity is respected and included, they can be more creative, innovative, and successful. My commitment to these values is unwavering across all my work and is central to the impact I hope to have with my fellow collaborators.
The two main factors that have given me access to work as a costume designer have been mentorship and community. Yes, there is plenty of hard work expected at La Mama and on Broadway, pure grit needed to design for dance, theatre and commercial events, and a great deal of dedication required to build a national and international reputation. But it is individuals who guided me, and the communities that accepted me, that made it possible for me — a poor, brown, gay child of a single immigrant mother from Queens with limited access to arts education and professional theater — to build a career in this field.
I recently shared my experience as a BIPOC theatrical designer with the Fellows of the Theatrical Workforce Development Program of the Roundabout Theatre Company. I was glad to tell them about my journey, reflect with them on their challenges, and listen to their anxieties. Much as my own mentors have done for me, I offered some frank advance and some words of encouragement. This group of young theater practitioners — each person at the very beginning of their careers and coming from all different backgrounds — prompted me to see that I am at a point in my journey where I can be a source of mentorship and community for another generation.
Whether in the traditional classroom format, as a designer on a production, or as an advisor to independent or interdisciplinary work, I would set out to foster enriching experiences with fellow theater artists. Especially as my own mentors welcomed all parts of my identity and saw my whole self as a valued asset to my work, I commit to inviting, making a brave space for, and harnessing all aspects of co-creator’s identities in the design process. I am excited to engage dynamically with others committed to the work of diversity, equity, and inclusion.
ADVOCACY WORK
Accountability Committee, Member, University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre, and Dance
Made up of both students and faculty, we are developing a new system for holding each other accountable to issues including but not limited to anti-racism and setting the foundations for innovation, communication, and change in the department.
Queer Faculty Affinity Space, Co-Founder, University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre, and Dance
Co-founded a queer affinity space for faculty in the School of Music, Theatre, and Dance
Queer Student Affinity Space, Co-Founder, University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre, and Dance
Co-founded a queer affinity space for students in the design & production area
Advocacy Taskforce, Chair, Metropolitan NY Synod
Organizing efforts in the areas of anti-racism, environmental sustainability, LGBTQIA+ issues, hunger issues, and immigration advocacy focuses on unaccompanied migrant minors in the metro NY area.
AMMPARO/Sanctuary Youth Group, Founder
Providing unaccompanied migrant minors in detention in New York City with regular recreational, artistic, cultural, and educational outings.
Gotham Knights Rugby Football Club, Starting Prop
The premier queer-inclusive rugby football club in New York City committed to breaking boundaries creating space for all through rugby.
AWARDS
Outstanding Friends of Immigrants Award, Seafarers International House, 2020
Social Justice Award, New Your State Council of Churches, 2020
The Order of the Blue Dragon, Gotham Knights Rugby Football Club, 2020
The Order of the Golden Dragon, Gotham Knights Rugby Football Club, 2022
