ABOUT THE FOUNDATION
Our Story.
Our Mission in Motion
The Visionary Behind the Soul.
SoulLife Foundation was born from a clear and urgent truth: access shapes opportunity. What began as a commitment to create space for honest artistic expression has grown into a platform that opens doors for underserved communities, meeting talent with real resources, guidance, and pathways forward. Rooted in Washington, DC, SoulLife delivers enriching, hands on experiences across music, theater, film, and interdisciplinary arts practice. This is not passive learning. Participants are actively creating: writing, producing, performing, and presenting within a living creative ecosystem that mirrors the professional world. Beyond the coasts, in cities where creative industries are still taking root, it is essential that these ecosystems are built by and populated with people of color, who remain underrepresented in arts leadership, ownership, and infrastructure. SoulLife exists to change that equation. The Foundation reinforces a critical principle for today's creative economy: ownership and self direction. Through a strong DIY ethos, artists are equipped not just to create, but to sustain. They learn how to move ideas from concept to execution, navigate the business of their work, and build careers with intention and independence. SoulLife sits at the intersection of access, artistry, and entrepreneurship, preserving cultural expression while preparing the next generation to shape it on their own terms.
The Standard
Artistic Excellence.
We champion creators who push boundaries and redefine soul through uncompromising quality and innovation.
Cultural Enrichment.
The Vision
Arts serves as the heartbeat of Washington, DC, bridging deep-rooted history with modern contemporary movements.
The Mission
Community Empowerment.
Equipping the next generation of creatives with tools, mentorship, and opportunities to thrive in the arts ecosystem.
THE FOUNDATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Russell "Rt!" Taylor
Founder & Executive Director
Russell is a passionate, creative team leader with 20+ years of experience at the intersection of music, education, film, and emerging media. Utilizing the rare perspective of the artist, client & agency roles, Russell has successfully led multi-national creative teams from project ideation to completion, communicating authentic brand message while delivering essential KPIs. A natural-born storyteller with strong communication and interpersonal talents replete with an international network of relationships and resources spanning multiple industries, Russell’s most innovative, unmatched skill is ‘getting to the heart of the matter.’
Board of Directors 2025–2027
Our board members bring diverse expertise and a shared passion for artistic excellence and community empowerment, guiding the SoulLife Foundation toward a sustainable future.
Erica Edwards O'Neal
Board Member
Erica Edwards-O'Neal, Esq. is an attorney and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) strategist with over 25 years of experience in legal advocacy, corporate governance, and social impact. She currently serves as Chief Diversity Officer at New York Road Runners (NYRR), leading initiatives to foster inclusion and social responsibility. A dedicated champion for equitable access to the arts and humanities, Erica has served on multiple boards, including Girls Inc. of Long Island and the New York State Bar Association’s Committee on Diversity and Inclusion. She brings a wealth of expertise in legal strategy, DEI leadership, and nonprofit governance to the board, strengthening its mission to promote cultural enrichment and community engagement.
A. Ryan Butler
Board Member
A. Ryan Butler is a visionary leader dedicated to advancing culture, social impact, and equity. As former Vice President of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion at the Recording Academy, he led transformative DEI initiatives and launched the Black Music Collective, which honored icons like Dr. Dre, Missy Elliott, and Sylvia Rhone, while awarding scholarships to students at HBCUs and beyond. He also served as Deputy Director of Entertainment & Culture for Harris for President, helping shape national cultural strategy. With deep experience championing marginalized communities, Butler brings strategic insight, passion, and purpose to every space he enters—making him a powerful asset for any organization committed to equity.
Genelle Brooks Petty
Board Member
Genelle Brooks-Petty is the principal designer of BPC Interior Design, a Los Angeles-based firm serving both contract and residential clients. After a successful fashion career, her clients inspired her transition into interiors, where she now uses design as a tool for community development. A Howard University alumna, Genelle holds a Master of Interior Architecture from the UCLA Extension/Cal Poly Pomona joint program. She is a member of SoCal NOMA, an associate member of AIA (formerly Co-Chair of its JEDI Committee), and serves on the boards of SCOPE-LA and BOO CLT. She also sits on the Destination Crenshaw Creative Economy Council. Genelle is the founder of All Chill, a hip-hop ice cream shop rooted in culture, community, and cream.
Michael Wyche
Board Member
Michael J. Wyche brings a wealth of experience and dedication to his role as a secondary school educator and advocate for students of color and social justice. A proud graduate of Boston University and a member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., Mike is committed to creating inclusive, equitable learning environments. Beyond the classroom, he has served as a campaign manager for state and local community development initiatives, and has done extensive advocacy work around voter registration and with the NAACP. His collaboration with city council members and public policymakers highlights his expertise at the intersection of law, education, and civic engagement—particularly in advancing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) efforts. Mike’s leadership and deep passion for empowering marginalized communities make him a valuable asset to any organization or board.
Folayan Knight
Board Member
Folayan Knight is the creator of Baby and the Beat—a children’s brand offering fun, culturally rich educational materials, home décor, and apparel for the kids of Hip Hop lovers. With a music industry career spanning over 25 years, Folayan has worked with legends like Method Man, DMX, and Sean 'P. Diddy' Combs. Deeply rooted in Hip Hop culture, she infuses her industry experience into her brand to help shape the next generation of smart, confident, and culturally connected kids. In addition to her work in entertainment and entrepreneurship, Folayan is a dedicated community advocate for underrepresented populations in Potomac, Maryland, championing access, visibility, and empowerment at the local level.
Marisa Summers
Board Member
Marisa Summers is a seasoned arts advocate with over 15 years of experience in nonprofit leadership, board governance, and executive administration. She currently serves as Assistant to the President and Director of Executive and Board Affairs at the National Assembly of State Arts Agencies (NASAA), where she manages board relations, member engagement, and strategic initiatives that strengthen arts advocacy nationwide. Prior to NASAA, she held key roles at Conservation International, the Girl Scouts Council of the Nation’s Capital, and the Freedom Forum Newseum, developing programs that promote cultural education and civic engagement. A dedicated champion for the arts and humanities, Marisa brings deep expertise in board service, executive operations, and public policy to the foundation’s mission.
Mona Lisa Cheeks
Board Member
Mona Lisa Cheeks is a dedicated educator and educational consultant with decades of experience at the intersection of instruction, leadership, and community engagement. She currently serves as an Elementary Educator with Fairfax County Public Schools, where she designs and facilitates standards-based, culturally responsive learning environments that support both academic achievement and social-emotional development. Mona has also worked as an Educational Consultant, developing curriculum and course materials for professional learning programs, and brings a strong track record of collaboration, team leadership, and relationship building across diverse communities. Her commitment to education, equity, and student-centered learning makes her a valuable contributor to the foundation’s mission.