our team

Our mission is powered by a dedicated team of passionate individuals who bring their expertise, creativity, and unwavering commitment to provide access to the arts for NYC children in foster care. 

EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP

  • Executive Director

    Susan has 13 years of experience with Culture for One as a volunteer, CFO’s first Program Director, and, as of 2020, Executive Director. Susan led the launch of our CFO’s Arts Scholarship and Creative Workshop Programs and facilitated its early connections with foster care agencies and cultural partners. Susan’s priorities have been to guide the organization in its efforts to raise awareness about the mission of CFO and facilitate the growth of its programs and operations with a keen focus on changing lives, one child at a time. Prior to joining CFO, Susan was an arts educator, including serving as co-president of the Irvington Education Foundation, which funded and advocated for programs in the arts and sciences for children in grades K-12. Susan holds a Master’s degree in Education from the University of Maryland.  

  • Director of Development

    Randi volunteered at Culture for One for several years before joining the staff in 2020. Randi’s professional background is in Academic Publishing where she was a science editor for 40 years, first at McGraw-Hill and then at MacMillan Learning. Randi has also volunteered as a Chemistry Regents Exam tutor for Destination College, a non-profit tutoring organization based in lower Westchester County. Randi has her degree in Biology from Syracuse University. During Randi's tenure as Director of Development and CFO grant writer, revenue from foundations and government agencies increased 200 percent and revenue from individual donors increased 75 percent.  

  • Program Director

    Robin joined Culture for One in 2016 as an early childhood arts educator. Robin has worked with CFO as a volunteer, Teaching Artist, manager of Workshops and Arts Scholarships, and currently oversees CFO’s Excursions, Arts Scholarship and Workshop Program. Robin has grown CFO’s Arts Scholarships Program to 111 scholarships, serving 77 children. As Program Director, she has helped to expand the Workshop program by 75 percent, and tripled the number of CFO’s agency partnerships in the last two years. Robin studied dance at Tisch School of the Arts and theatre with Sanford Meisner at Neighborhood Playhouse. Prior to joining CFO, Robin taught acting and musical theater for nursery and elementary school children at Sleepy Hollow Performing Artists and Clocktower Players in Westchester County. Robin studied dance at The Tisch School of the Arts, and with Sanford Meisner at Neighborhood Playhouse. Robin is a National Amateur Ballroom Champion. 

  • Program & Communications

    Morgan joined the Culture for One team in January 2024. Previously, she worked as a senior account executive at a public relations agency focusing  consumer goods in the food and wellness spaces. Prior to that she worked at a non-profit throughout her college career. Morgan holds a Bachelor's degree in Public Relations and Global Studies from UNC Chapel Hill. As a former dancer, painter, and avid theater-goer, she's thrilled to be combining her passion for the arts with CFO's mission. In her brief tenure with CFO, she’s revamped the volunteer training process, and has been essential in coordinating and planning the organization’s events.

  • Program & Operations

    Lorena joined the Culture for One team in September 2022. Originally from Costa Rica, she immigrated to the USA 26 years ago and has over 20 years of management experience. A strong supporter of arts education in NYC public schools, she holds a Master's degree in Public Service Management from The Colin Powell School for Civic & Global Leadership at City College of New York. Her first notable contribution at CFO was successfully implementing a centralized workplace platform for program management, integrating databases, and improving the tracking and evaluation of all CFO programs while streamlining data collection, analysis, and reporting processes. Lorena has been instrumental in expanding the Cultural Excursions Program and creating the Culture Club for our art-loving youth. 

  • Digital Communications

    Jennyhas over five years of experience in non-profit administration. Prior to her position at Culture for One, she served at the Children’s Rights advocacy organization and Yo Voi a Ti, a social service agency in Bolivia. Over the past seven years at Culture for One, Jenny has spearheaded innovative cross-channel social media campaigns and boosted follower engagement by 90 percent. She has also successfully produced digital and print materials for fundraising events, each attracting over 250 attendees and raising more than $350,000 per event. Jenny holds a Master’s degree in Public Administration from The Marxe School of Public and International Affairs at Baruch College. 

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Our board of directors is comprised of professionals who bring their experience, expertise, and passion to Culture for One. Together, they provide invaluable leadership, driving our mission forward and making a lasting impact on the lives of the young people we serve.

  • Founder and President Emerita

    Linn founded Culture for One in 2010 with the mission to directly support, inspire, and help to heal youth struggling in foster care system. In doing so, she brought together her strategic business background, extensive network, successful fundraising initiatives, creativity, and a talent for connecting with individual youth. Linn partnered with forward-looking, innovative social service leaders seeking to free urban children from the cycle of foster care, poverty, and homelessness.

    Culture for One’s programs remain based on Linn’s vision that the arts provide youth in foster care with vital opportunities for healthy development, community, and future success as independent adults. She is an advocate for children in need, including access to the arts, community youth development, and education equity.

    Linn is a former communications and strategic marketing executive, highly regarded for her work with prestigious brands, musicians, and business leaders in the fields of luxury, beauty, fashion, entertainment, and publishing.

    Linn has worked with other leading New York charitable organizations including the Spence-Chapin agency, where she volunteered as a temporary “Interim Care” provider for infants before they are adopted or returned to their birth mothers. She also produced numerous events and programming for prominent brands and charitable organizations.

  • Board Chair

    Mara is a dedicated parent, community member, and volunteer with a long-standing commitment to Culture for One. Mara’s passion for children’s welfare led her to join the board of Culture for One in 2021 and was nominated as board chair in 2024.

    Through her volunteer work and leadership, she has helped raise awareness, fundraise, and expand Culture for One’s initiatives, ensuring that more children in foster care have access to the arts.

    In addition to her role at CFO, Mara is an active volunteer in various community-based initiatives, focusing on education and child advocacy. Mara holds a Bachelor of Science in Human Development from Virginia Tech.

  • Vice Chair

    Daryl was born and raised in New York City and is a dedicated community member with a sincere commitment to Culture for One. Daryl has significant professional experience in New York City government and nonprofit service provision to children and families, specifically in the child and family welfare sectors. Daryl’s previous positions include Senior Vice President at Seamen's Society for Children and Families and Director at the NYC Administration for Children's Services. 

    Daryl’s passion for the arts, particularly music, and appreciation for how these can positively impact children and youth led him to join the board of Culture for One in 2019, acting as Board Chair from 2020 to 2024 and currently as Vice-Chair.

  • Secretary

    Nancy joined the Board in March 2022, and became a member of the Executive Committee as Secretary one year later. 

    With a background in communications and development at Burson-Marsteller, Ralph Lauren, The Costume Institute at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, and now at NAC Consulting, her strategic communications firm, Nancy brings her passion for the arts and their impact on the lives of children to the fore. Her wide network and background in marketing and communications have helped increase awareness and support for Culture for One.  

    Nancy also serves on the board of the American Friends of Sarabande, Alexander McQueen’s foundation, which provides support for emerging artists.

  • Director

    Bethany has dedicated her career to the nonprofit sector, with a focus on community engagement and fundraising for national and local family service organizations. 

    Since 2024, Bethany has served as the Director of Development at the Children's Museum of Manhattan, where she leads their annual fundraising efforts. Prior to this role, Bethany spent a decade at Room to Grow as the Senior Director of External Engagement. During her tenure, she built and nurtured strategic corporate partnerships and oversaw Room to Grow’s volunteer program, engaging thousands of individuals each year. 

    Earlier in her career, Bethany worked at Forestdale, a foster care and child welfare agency in Queens, where she was first introduced to Culture for One. A dedicated Culture for One volunteer since 2010, she has also served on the organization’s Board of Directors since 2019. Bethany is a graduate of the University of Michigan and an alumna of the We Are All New York Fellowship Program with the JCRC-NY.

  • Director

    Stacey joined Culture for One in 2022, having learned about CFO through an employee engagement event at Bergdorf Goodman where she is Vice-President of Women’s Selling.

    Stacey has held leadership positions at Bergdorf Goodman for over eight years, bringing diligence, optimism, and a deep appreciation for the company’s storied history. Stacey’s leadership has been instrumental in achieving record-setting business results and championing employee recognition initiatives.

    Stacey extends her passion for community impact as a Board Member of Culture for One, where she helps shape the organization's future and strengthen its partnership with Bergdorf Goodman. Outside of work, Stacey enjoys spending time with her family and cheering on her son, Jack, at his soccer games.

  • Director

    Nigel, born and raised in The Bronx, New York, is a graduate of The Juilliard School. Nigel has danced professionally at the Metropolitan Opera Ballet, the GöteborgsOperans Danskompani, Gibney Company, the Saarlandisches Staatstheater, Luna Negra Dance Theater, Kyle Abraham’s A.I.M, and Sidra Bell Dance New York.

    In 2015, Nigel co-founded MOVE|NYC| alongside his partner, Chanel DaSilva, who is a Culture for One Arts Ambassador. MOVE|NYC|’s mission is to cultivate greater diversity and equity in the dance field and beyond. Nigel’s participation as a Culture for One Board Member aligns perfectly with his passion to make the arts accessible to all young people.

    Nigel served as Gibney Company Director and subsequently as the inaugural Artistic Director of Gibney Center. He currently sits on the Artistic Advisory Board of the Princess Grace Foundation and is an adjunct faculty at The Juilliard School. Nigel is the recipient of a 2019 Martha Hill Mid-Career Award, and a 2011 Princess Grace Award. He is a National YoungArts Award winner, a NAACP ACT-SO Gold Medalist, and a 2004 Presidential Scholar in the Arts. At 17, Nigel was featured on the National PBS documentary American Talent.

  • Director

    Eleanor’s passion to help children explore and learn the vistas of this city and beyond led her to become a licensed foster parent in 2011. The transformation in the lives of the children she fostered, and their parents, has been very rewarding. Especially since being accepted into the family of Culture for One and the many opportunities they provide to the children in care. 

    Over the years she has been actively involved with the Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA) and several school's Parent Teachers Association (PTA) focusing on goals for students such as fundraising for sports teams, clubs, and musical instruments. 

    As a Culture for One Board member, Eleanor bridges the gap and connects with foster families to highlight and impart to them the many benefits that come through the power of the arts.  She enjoys most genres of music, theater, reading, visiting museums, ‘being a beach bum’ and exploring all cities she visits.

  •  Director

    James joined the Culture for One Board in 2024 after serving as the organization’s bookkeeper for several years. Born and raised in Brooklyn, NY, James has always maintained a strong belief in the transformative power of the arts and the positive impact it can have on one’s life. In Culture for One, he saw a mission aligned organization committed to impacting children’s lives through its programs.

    James is currently a Director at Merrill where he leads business operations and strategy execution in the Private Wealth Management division. Throughout his 25+ years of corporate business experience, he has held various finance and business management positions in financial services.

    In addition to serving on the Culture for One Board, James serves on the boards of Brilla Public Charter Schools and is the endowment treasurer of Prospect Presbyterian Church in Maplewood NJ where he resides with his wife Salma and daughter, Jessica.

  • Director

    Sumiko joined the Board in 2023. She is currently Director and Bank Regulatory Legal Counsel for Société Générale, one of Europe’s leading financial services groups headquartered in Paris, France.  She is a member of New York State Bar and the U.S. Supreme Court Bar and has over 25 years of hands-on experience in managing legal, regulatory and compliance affairs of foreign banking organizations’ US operation.  She is also Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist.

    Originally from Tokyo, Japan, Sumiko holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration and a master’s degree in international relations from Boston University, and juris doctoral degree from Pace University School of Law. 

    Sumiko’s previous experience includes dealing with board of directors as General Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer in the private banking sector. She is passionate about leveraging her skillset to contribute to Culture for One’s board governance which serves as a foundation for CFO’s future growth and strategic vision. 

  • Former Chair

    Harold is a volunteer whose initial commitment to Culture for One began when he became a mentor through its partnership with the Good Shepherd Marian Hall Residence.  He has been CFO’s Board Chair during its organizational transition and currently serves as Co-Chair on its Governance and Nominating Committee. Harold’s museum career, first as Director of the Edward C. Blum Design Laboratory and later as curatorial head of The Costume Institute at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, underscored the opportunity to engage with the arts as an important element of personal enrichment and development.

    Outside of Culture for One, Harold is a mentor at Apex for Youth and a supporter of LGBTQ organizations, most notably the Gay and Lesbian Review. In addition to currently working on a novel, Harold is beginning to explore the potential of AI to merge his painting, photography, and literary interests.

  • Director

    Matthew served as the Events Chair on the Young Professionals Board from January 2023 until he joined the Board of Directors in June 2024. He is the founder of Artishouse, a co-working art studio and members’ club in New York City. He graduated from Tulane University in 2017 with a Master of Accounting and Bachelor of Science and Management in Marketing. 

    Driven by his deep love for theatre arts, he actively engages with organizations dedicated to supporting the arts community. CFO’s mission has resonated with Matthew tremendously and he’s excited to bring his unique experience in both the arts and non-profit work to Culture for One.

  • Director

    Tashi is the Executive Director and Co-Head of the New York Mortgage Solutions Practice at J.P. Morgan’s Private Bank. Prior to her tenure at J.P. Morgan, Tashi adeptly navigated full market cycles at major institutions such as Citi and J.P. Morgan, particularly within boutique wealth management businesses.

    Tashi is deeply committed to empowering women in the workforce and fostering the development of today's youth for a brighter future, including making significant contributions to the Leadership Committee of the Girl Scouts of Greater New York. Tashi’s commitment to empowering young people, particularly from underserved communities, extends to her service on the Culture for One Board.

    Tashi graduated Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science, along with minors in Mathematics and Finance, from Adelphi University. During her time there, she was a dedicated tennis player, earning a full scholarship for both sports and academics. She currently resides in Long Island, New York, with her family.

  • Former Secretary

    Eileen discovered Culture for One after moving back to NYC fifteen years ago. Looking to combine her career in Television and Theatre with her lifelong commitment to community and families, she brought her skills as a broadcast producer, initially through work on the CFO website, and then never left. Born in Ohio and raised by parents who welcomed, (through the Big Brother/Sister organization), at risk children to their home each weekend to experience life in a family setting, she has always been focused on shining a light on the experiences that will help children and families find and attain their lifelong goals. 

    Through her work on the Board, as a past secretary and now co-chair of the governance/nominating committee, Eileen hopes to help ensure the work and mission of CFO will continue for generations to come.

  • Director

    Travis is a dedicated and loyal Board Member with a deep commitment to Culture for One. Since joining in 2016, after his own personal journey through foster care, Travis has been actively involved in the organization, including serving as Executive Chair of the Young Professional Board. His experience in the foster care system drives his passion for giving back and providing the support he once needed. 

    As a current Board Member, Travis is focused on advancing the mission and fostering the growth of Culture for One. Outside of his work with the organization, he enjoys theater, live music, fitness, and spending time with friends. He brings a unique blend of creativity, empathy, and a strong desire to listen and learn to the board.

    Travis holds a Bachelor’s degree from Edgewood University. 

     

  • Director

    Suzanne joined the Board of Culture for One in 2022, drawn to its mission of inspiring and empowering youth in foster care through the arts. Her professional experience—particularly her work in philanthropy and at New York City’s Administration for Children’s Services, and her dedication to addressing the needs of vulnerable youth—aligns closely with Culture for One’s vision of fostering creativity, self-expression, and opportunities for success among foster youth. 

    She brings exceptional collaboration and relationship-building skills, with a proven track record of fostering connections between community-based organizations, funders, and stakeholders.

    Outside of Culture for One, Suzanne enjoys hiking, traveling, and reading history and biographies while enjoying a dram of whiskey.

    Suzanne holds a Bachelor of Arts in Art History and Geography from Rutgers University and a Master’s Degree in Public Policy and Management from The New School University.

  • Director

    Suzanne has 35 years of event experience with an emphasis on entertainment. Having produced over 500 events including 25 TONY award galas, 300 plus Broadway opening nights, and over 100 not for profit galas she understands both the power of the arts and the joy of philanthropy. Suzanne’s mother was a member of the Kindertransport, and therefore the mission of Culture for One has a personal connection for her and an opportunity to acknowledge the impact of supporting our youth in challenging circumstances.


    Suzanne has served on the board of the Stage Directors and Choreographers Foundation, is a member of the Biz Bash Hall of Fame, and has been profiled in numerous publications, including The New York Times.

Young professionals board

The Young Professionals Board plays a vital role in supporting Culture for one’s mission. This dynamic group of leaders brings energy, innovation, and advocacy to our work, helping us reach more young people through the arts.

tyler swift

max mccormack

ali chilton

stephen kolka

kymberli smith

emma kasarsky

sarah kasarsky

ABBEY FRANK

SHELBY PICKelNY

STEPHANIE MCCABE

ARTS AMBASSADORS

Culture for One Arts Ambassadors are esteemed artists who exemplify the transformative power of the arts. They raise awareness of our programs and inspire children in foster care to pursue their creative passions.

Anj Smith
artist

chanel dasilva
Co-Founder, MOVENYC

Christopher Wheeldon OBE Director & Choreographer 

manuela wirth Chairwoman and President, Hauser & Wirth

mark bradford artist

ross rayburn
Yoga, Meditation Expert & Author

teaching artists

  • jane abbott

    Jane is a NYC-based performing artist and teacher. Jane holds a BA in Dance from Columbia University and additional training from The Ailey School Scholarship Division and The School at Jacob’s Pillow. Professionally, she has worked with the Mark Morris Dance Group, The Chase Brock Experience, Diavolo: Architecture in Motion, General Mischief Dance Theatre and more. She has performed and worked as an associate choreographer in many Off-Broadway productions including Cabaret, West Side Story, The Music Man, and Legally Blonde: The Musical. Jane is a visiting teaching artist at Culture for One, offering private dance lessons, group fitness workshops, and Creative Storytime for ages 2-6 at the ACS Children’s Center and more.

  • Adrian Baidoo

    Adrian is from Ghana, Africa by way of Pittsburgh. As an actor in New York, he has had the good fortune of working on a range of projects, including his work on Broadway, Off-Broadway, and Screen. It's an absolute pleasure for him to share his experience with all of the talented kids he meets through Culture for One. 

  • Jhulenty Delossantos

    Jhulenty is a SAG-AFTRA actor featured on shows such as The Equalizer (CBS), East New York (CBS) Uncoupled (Netflix/Showtime) and FBI: Most Wanted (CBS). He was raised in the Dominican Republic and came to the US in 2014. His goal is to show children how to express themselves through acting and creative writing so they can realize that what they have to say matters.

  • Tishawn Gonsalves

    Tishawn is a visual arts educator and Master Teaching artist with over 10 years of experience working in NYC schools and alternative educational spaces. She is a graduate of Pratt Institute and has extensive experience teaching and developing adaptive multi-sensory arts curriculum. Currently working at Culture for One, with families at the Abbott House, her teaching practice is centered around student accessibility, community engagement and addressing the diverse learning modalities of students.

  • sonja killebrew

    Sonja is a professor, writer, and content engineer from Queens. She graduated from Smith College with a degree in Spanish literature and holds two master's degrees: M.S. in Education from Walden University and an MFA in creative writing from City College of New York. She has published 11 books under pen names and over 200 articles. Her essay "Waiting" about teaching in-person during the pandemic was nominated for a Pushcart Prize by TriQuarterly Magazine. She loves to teach writing to students through Culture for One. In her free time she listens to podcasts, cat-sits for friends, and visits friends in the various 50 states.

  • jack lazarus

    Jack has been dancing since he was 10 years old and has a mission to share it with everyone he can. Specializing in improvisation and hip-hop, Jack teaches dance in the form of a therapy. Through movement games, Jack teaches the ability to grow an identity for each of his students, along with interpersonal skills, and the muscle of expression. Jack Lazarus is a self-taught dancer, and prize winner pop and lock performer. Jack has been a Culture for One teaching artist on the JCCA/Pleasantville residential campus for six years and is beloved by staff and children. Jack is a mentor, teacher, friend and an integral part of the services offered to the children of JCCA/Pleasantville.

  • jean marie mckee

    Jean Marie is an Artistic Director originally from rural Virginia and moved to NYC on her own as a teenager. Discovered while working as a cashier at a drugstore, she began modeling and acting. She has appeared in numerous commercials, indie movies, music videos, and in Blake Edward’s movie, Skin Deep. In 1986, she helped found Naked Angels, writing and creative arts programs for NYC youth. In 2011, inspired by her teenage daughters, she created Naked Angels’ 3T Writing Workshops for public high school students. The workshops have expanded to include youth in foster care, young adults facing incarceration and all public school grades. Her work with 3T led to her being named as Artistic Director of Naked Angels in 2017. She is a proud member of SAG/AFTRA.

  • ingrid mellor

    Ingrid is a licensed creative arts therapist who has worked with Culture for One since 2015. Ingrid has worked in a multitude of settings with youth ages 3-21 and has spearheaded multiple pilot programs within Culture for One, most recently a therapeutic art workshop series for adolescents in residence at Good Shepherd Services. Ingrid specializes in teaching young people how to tap into their innate creativity to express themselves through art making.

  • brian mcqueen

    Brian is an operatic bass and voice instructor based in NYC. They have performed with On SIte Opera, Tapestry Opera, The NY Opera Festival, Janiec Opera, and was recently seen at Harlem Stage in the title role of the new work "Swann" by composer Tamar-kali Brown. In addition to serving on the voice faculty at The Harlem School for the Arts, they are a Teaching Artist with Lincoln Center, the Bronx Arts Ensemble, and have proudly served as a TA for Culture for One the past three years.

  • stacey scott

    Stacey is a native of South Carolina and is a proud graduate of The Juilliard School where she earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree. She is a working actress and Director of Education at The Classical Theater of Harlem. She also has a successful acting and performance coaching business called ‘Setting Your Stage,’ where she supports artists with high school and college auditions, and overall general study of acting in practice. She uses her skills from Setting Your Stage to support the artists in Culture for One. She currently resides in Brooklyn.oes here

  • deanna tarraza

    Hailing from Boston, Deanna discovered her passion for acting at age 7 and now calls Brooklyn home, where she relentlessly pursues her craft. She has had the privilege of contributing to notable projects such as Growing Pains and the Hallmark film Letters to Santa (2023), with another feature film set for release by the end of 2024. Deanna is especially thrilled to work with Culture for One in their 3T Program, finding immense joy in witnessing the creativity and excitement students experience through the program.