Issue link: http://maconmagazine.uberflip.com/i/1538147
Tell us about your calling. What brought you to your career field? Educators brought me to my career field. Kathy and Bob Carroll. Sandy Oliver. Bonnie and Dan Marshall. Denise Davis. Jessie Smith. Jenny Morris. Tim McGraw. Brenda May-Ito. Kim Garcia. Steve Graver. Paul Hampton. Frank Pruet. Merrill Cheyne. Sarah Stoffle. Tim McDonald. Marty Johnson. Cindy Ripley. Gai Jones. Jim Crisp. Shelley Kuhen. Cherri Engen. Each of these individuals – whether high school educators, college professors, or professional peers – guided me into new phases of life I never imagined possible. Phases I did not know existed, let alone believed were within reach for someone like me. From something as life- changing as encouraging me to attend college, to shaping the path that led me to become the executive and artistic director of Theatre Macon, and eventually president of the board of directors of a national organization. These are the people who led me, walked beside me, and sometimes gave me the necessary push forward. Every day, I strive to walk in their footsteps and stand on their shoulders – working to be for others what they were for me. What other activities are you involved in where you contribute to your community? Especially mention what you're most excited about. We have several exciting opportunities on the horizon! This October, Theatre Macon will partner with the Piedmont Grand Opera House and the Douglass Theatre to host the Georgia Theatre Conference, returning to Macon for the first time in over 20 years. This event will bring more than 2,000 theatre professionals from across the state to participate in workshops, attend performances, and engage with our vibrant community. I am also thrilled about new partnerships with both the Piedmont Grand Opera House and the Hay House. While I cannot share all the details just yet, these collaborations promise exciting, immersive experiences that will allow us to connect with new audiences in fresh and meaningful ways. As you look to the future, what are your professional and personal goals? That is a great question. When getting ready to graduate high school, I thought I had my whole life mapped out: graduate college by 22, land a job teaching theatre, get married by 25, and have three kids by 30. I laugh now because not a single one of those things actually happened. I share that to say – life is at its best when you leave room for change. When you plan for transformation. When you understand that your opportunities are only as limited as the boundaries you place on yourself. Some of the most meaningful experiences in my life came from stepping outside my comfort zone and saying "yes" to something new, different, even scary. That includes my journey with Theatre Macon. Kelly Clarkson said it best: "Take a risk, take a chance, make a change." And I have found that every leap has led me somewhere worth going. What do you consider your greatest achievement? Two moments stand out as especially meaningful in my journey. The first was being hired as the artistic director of Theatre Macon – a place that has become both a creative home and a platform for community connection. The second was being elected as the first Black president of the board of directorss for the Educational Theatre Association, the national organization for school theatre. Both milestones represent not only personal achievements, but also a commitment to service, representation, and the transformative power of the arts. What are you personally committed to accomplishing in Macon and why? I am deeply committed to fostering a safe and inclusive environment – not just within the walls of Theatre Macon, but throughout our broader community. My goal is to continue creating spaces where individuals feel seen, heard, and empowered to live as their most authentic selves. When people are recognized and valued for their individuality, they are more willing—and more able—to contribute meaningfully to the collective. We cannot expect anyone to invest in a community that does not invest in them in return. The relationship must be symbiotic. It must be intentional. August/September 2025 | maconmagazine.com 49 "Some of the most meaningful experiences in my life came from stepping outside my comfort zone and saying 'yes' to something new, different, even scary. That includes my journey with Theatre Macon." O N E N C O U R A G I N G P R O G R E S S Arts and culture are the foundation of any thriving, forward-moving community. By continuing to invest in theatre and dance—alongside our community's strong tradition of support for music and visual arts—we expand the possibilities for growth, connection, and opportunity. Engagement is essential. As Macon grows, it is through active community involvement that the great momentum not only continues, but flourishes.