Arts Experiences

Korma Aguh-Stuckmayer: With a master?s degree in business administration, Aguh-Stuckmayer proudly leads Afrocontigbo, an African dance and wellness company that fosters cultural enrichment and well-being through dance. Her dedication extends beyond her company's endeavors, as she has committed five years of service to the Little Africa board. In her role as a program coordinator for the African Global Roots Organization, she has actively contributed to the development and execution of initiatives that connect communities worldwide through the celebration of African culture. ; Ren Stokesbary: Stokesbary is a senior at the Minneapolis College of Art and Design with a concentration in Web and multimedia arts. Previously, he has volunteered with Forecast Public Art as a grant application panelist. He has also volunteered for the annual Minneapolis Eyeo Festival as a student AV technician, which allowed him to later work with the Minneapolis Parks and Recreation Board as a music and movies sound technician.; Maurice Ward: Ward is a social justice activist for Justice Impacted, a podcast host, and a journalist with a passion for advocating on behalf of those who have been marginalized and oppressed. He graduated from Bemidji State University with an applied engineering major and construction management minor. Ward is a Navy veteran and a formerly incarcerated African American male who is working towards ending elite control and helping other formerly incarcerated individuals reach their full potential. His podcast, igotsomethangtasay, has garnered over a million views and likes and has reached audiences in Minnesota and beyond. ; Elayna Waxse: Waxse is a Minneapolis based choreographer who prioritizes storytelling, emotional attunement, identity, and risk taking in their work. They facilitate an environment of empathy, compassion, and witnessing in which artists feel empowered to bring their full social and cultural identity to the work. Waxse has been commissioned by Minnesota Dance Theatre, University of Minnesota, Threads Dance Project, and Saint Paul Conservatory for Performing Artists among others. As a performer, Waxse has worked with TU Dance, Minnesota Dance Theatre, Black Label Movement, and Cie. Ismael Ivo at ImPulsTanz - Vienna International Dance Festival. They were part of the original creation team of Come Through, a collaboration between TU Dance and Grammy award winning musical group Bon Iver, which was performed at the Hollywood Bowl and the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. Waxse is a 2019 recipient of a McKnight Fellowship in dance.; Shawna Weaver: Weaver is the program director for the Duluth Armory, where she runs the music resource center. She has a PhD in sustainability with a concentration in nonprofit management and growth. She has more than ten years of experience in nonprofit leadership including program development and grant management. She is also a professional musician and an author.