Board of Directors
2025-2027

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.” 

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 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 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 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 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 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.