Meet the Directors
Terri Cann
The Arts Empowerment group was started by Terri Cann-Adofo as a way to bring a pure arts program to youth all over New York City and the surrounding areas who may not be able to afford a conservatory or training of the like. Terri has served in the Department of Education for 15 years now. Along with being a former vocal music teacher, she is a gospel recording artist, professional vocal coach, writer, actress, fashion designer, and entrepreneur.
She holds an undergraduate degree in Communication Arts and a Master's degree in Education Administration from St. John's University in addition to a second Master's Degree in Public Relations from Iona College.
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With all of her education, skills, and experience Terri decided to break away from her day job to create an impactful arts experience that a young person will never forget. "To see the looks on their faces when they have accomplished a challenging song, or to see the tears of joy roll down their faces after learning something new lead to my conclusion that when a child hones their skill it leads to EMPOWERMENT, an increase in self-esteem, confidence, keeps them out of trouble, and takes them to a place of happiness that nothing else can.
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Her God-given talents have opened many doors for the young and ambitious artist, including opportunities to perform in mainstream productions on and off Broadway productions including Dreamgirls, A Raisin in the Sun, and Born to Sing, just to name a few. Her performing arts resume is extensive including acting, dance, choreography, writing, and singing background for other artists. She is also a recipient of the coveted Tiffany Award for "Best Lead Actress in a Gospel Play.” Her greatest accomplishment thus far was writing, producing, and starring in the web series “The First Lady” which won her the SITA award for best new web series.
Her innovative fashion sense and keen business mind propelled her to open Image of RoyalT Consulting Services in 2010, offering image and performance services to artist as well as the start of her own clothing line, “RoyalT Wear.”
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She has proven that through the integration of drama, music, dance and other creative activities, youth experience more self-confidence, self-control and self-identity.
Multiple studies have shown that students that learn music develop stronger academic skills, and in general, enjoy a higher quality of life than peers who do not study music. Scientists have found that music stimulates more parts of the brain than any other human function. That's why she sees so much potential in music's power to change the brain and affect the way it works.
The Arts Empowerment Group nurtures meaningful relationships between industry professionals and communities of underserved children that build a foundation of confidence, creativity and self-discipline to create successful individuals.
Tiffany Tucker-Pryor
Mrs. Tiffany A. Tucker-Pryor is a shining example of leadership in her community. Disheartened by her high school’s lack of support and encouragement for its failing students, at the age of nineteen, she organized a meeting with family and friends that gave birth to Redemption, Inc.
Redemption, Inc. is a community-based 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Redemption strives to increase the educational advancement of adolescents ages 13-19 in Brooklyn, NY, enabling them to excel academically and become leaders
in their community.
In addition to Redemption, Tiffany has worked and volunteered with a number of causes, including: Special Assistant to an Assistant Commissioner at the New York City Administration for Children Services (ACS); the Anti-Defamation League, The Global Youth Action Network and GEAR UP at Bronx Community College.
Ms. Pryor has been a recipient of numerous awards including: Senator John Sampson's 2011 Women of Valor Award; the Kings County District Attorney's 2008 Brooklyn's Extraordinary Women Award; the 2007 winner of the 1010WINS Tomorrow Newsmakers Award in Public Service; the Louis Burgess Youth Award of the 67th Precinct; Adelphi University's Presidential Leadership Award for Academic Achievement and Community Involvement in 2004; and the Ms. NAACP Scholarship Award in 2002. Tiffany is a mother to Sean Vincent Pryor and Thomas Anthony Pryor, two of her most recent and greatest accomplishments!
Tiffany continues to hold a full-time career while volunteering for Redemption. Currently Tiffany is the Deputy Director of the Community Partnerships Unit at the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office. She was also a Parent Coordinator at a middle school, and during her time at the Kings County District Attorney's Office, she worked on various projects in the Crime Prevention Unit, serving as: co-host and Acting Producer for the Brooklyn District Attorney’s live weekly radio show "Ask the DA"; the Teen Programs Coordinator; and a Community Specialist.
Tiffany’s work is far from being done. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Adelphi University; a Certificate in Creating Collaborative Solutions: Innovation in Governance from Harvard University's Kennedy School; and her Masters degree in Education Leadership, Management, and Policy from Seton Hall University.
Mrs. Tiffany Tucker-Pryor thrives on providing sustainable service to strengthen her community. She understands and believes in young people; their collective power to advance each other and overall ability to make our community stronger.
Tiffany is committed to learning new and diverse approaches to create long-term solutions and not recreate legacy problems.
Meet the Team
Taylor Lovett
dance
Taylor Lovett is a Brooklyn native who started her Dancing career with Creative Outlet Dance Theatre of Brooklyn.She attended Professional Performing Arts School and then went to LaGuardia high school for performing arts ,majoring in dance. During this time she also attended Alvin Ailey Dance School for 4 years. She went on to Dance with major artist such as Lil mama and Teyana Taylor. After attending Morgan State University where she was a band dancer and choreographer,she decided to pursue her career as an teaching artist. She has traveled as a teaching artist with her mentor and renowned choreographer Jona Biddle. She has created contemporary and hip hop pieces for various school and major competitions while also a tumble instructor.
Ashely Robin Gill
Ashley Gill is a singer-songwriter, and recording artist native to New York City. From a young age, she possessed a love for singing and making up songs, and took every opportunity to sing at church and at home with her music-loving family. Over the years, that love of music turned to passion and purpose as she discovered her desire to make and teach music for the rest of her life. She teaches vocal technique to private students, as well as large choirs, always leaving them in better vocal shape and with greater vocal confidence than she found them. In addition to teaching, she continues to write, arrange, and produce her own music. Ashley received her Bachelor’s Degree in Classical Performance from the College of Staten Island, where the graduated with honors in 2013. She then earned a Master's Degree in Jazz Performance from Queens College in 2015. She is also a 2009 graduate of LaGuardia High School of Music and Art and Performing Arts.
MoBrown Suga
stage performance
​Entertainer Mo Brown Suga is a Host, Actress, Voice-Over & Recording Artist, Film Director/Producer for Suga Productions as well as a Content Creator. and Screen Writer. Mo Brown can be found on stage, on television, in commercials, music videos, on radio broadcasts and has toured with The Classical Theater Of Harlem with versatility being one of her greatest strengths. As a multi-media entertainer Mo Brown has worked with a variety of industry leading brands including Essence, Samsung, HBO, Black Enterprise, Cinemax, Pretty Big Movement, Trojan, Covergirl, Mic Check Wednesdays, WeTV, Black Sports Network and has most recently launched a natural skin & health care brand, Mo Body Butter.
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Shadenia Davis
spoken word/rap/poetry
Shadenia Davis is an Actress, published poet and songwriter, whose spoken word performances and poetry are infused with a love of hip hop combined with social justice and activism. Her powerful and thought-provoking pieces are inspired in part by her own life experiences.
A protégé of Rev Rhonda and Tony Award-winning director/Choreographer George Faison
Shadenia’s most notable achievements include writing for NTWRX’s LeBron James 16 x campaign, performing in the National Black Theatre Festival, speaking at The United Nations, Walking and writing for NYFW and winning a double 1st place victory at The World-Famous Apollo theater. Influenced by the late Maya Angelou as well as the rappers Missy Elliot and DMX and the late great singer Nina Simone, Shadenia's profound performances, word craft, intense delivery, and depth of feeling and perception will leave you shaken, stirred, and wanting more.
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Antoine L. Smith
Antoine L. Smith is an Emmy Award Winner. Last seen on Broadway in the Tony Nominated Best Revival of a Musical Carousel as (Timony /u.s. Billy Bigelow). Other Broadway credits include; The 2016 Grammy, and Tony Award Winning Best Revival of a Musical) The Color Purple. Playing Opposite Oscar and Grammy Winner Jennifer Hudson. As well as Tony, Grammy and Emmy Winner. And 2 time Oscar Nominee Cynthia Erivo as(Grady/u.s.Harpo); Miss Saigon(Shultz /u.s. John); and Memphis(Wailin’ Joe). And the upcoming Broadway Production of MJ The Musical! Broadway Tours include Cinderella (Lord Pinkleton); and CATS. Other Notable Credits:OKLAHOMA(Curly); Memphis(Delray); Les Miserables(Javert); RENT(Tom Collins); Big River(Jim); Ragtime(Booker T. Washington).
Latoya.Herbert
Vocal
LaToya is an international inspirational
artist that has been singing professionally since 2009. She also founded her music company, LTJ Music Group,
LLC in 2009. LaToya has been afforded opportunities to perform in multiple West Indian Islands; Savsjo,
Sweden; as well as, on countless USA stages. LaToya released her first EP entitled “Fresh Wind” in 2010.
In addition to pursuing her music career as an independent artist, in 2014 LaToya began to build a
program from the ground up, geared towards reaching the youth through the power of performing arts entitiled
"Young Artist Development Program." (YADP)
LaToya continues to travel both near and far as an artist while successfully running LTJ Music Group,
LaToya is scheduled to release her next music project entitled "Transition" in 2020.
Sherell Haskins
cosmetology
Influencer/ youth educator in beauty. Sherell born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, founded Your Pretty Beauty Services in 2017. A brand that was constructed from volunteering as a mentor to young girls from the local neighborhood out of a hair salon she rented a booth at. Sherell knew how important it was to have mentors growing up in neighborhoods where there were huge misconceptions of what beauty was. she wanted young girls to know they didn’t have to fall victim of what society or social media considered pretty and acceptable. After deciding to explore into the makeup field full time Sherell was hired as a artist at M.A.C. Cosmetics where she knew she now had a way of attracting a bigger crowd. Your Pretty Beauty Services grew from hosting 3-5 girls monthly to hosting huge teen summits in schools all over NYC. We travel all over hosting makeup classes at high schools for girls who are not only comfortable wearing makeup but for those who stray away due to lack of self esteem. The mission is to empower, encourage, and evolve. Through makeup we inspire growth on every level. Young women will leave this program with not only a greater understanding and appreciation for makeup application, but also for self care, how to cast down outside opinions of what must be done to fit in, career building, and talent seeking. I am more than honored to embark on this journey with you, knowing that in the end we all will be “Our Pretty.”
Lakeia Shaneen
Lakeia Shaneen wears many hats! As
A creative, and musician, style has come very easy, as she learned that to present your best self, you have to feel like your best self. She’s styled many people ranging from international artist on tours to styling virtually on her website and social media platforms.
Patrice Waite
meditation/
yoga
Patrice Waite is a freelance Video Producer based in NYC. She is the founder of PDW Media, LLC and has worked for a variety of lifestyle and news publications from Hearst Digital to Arise News. Currently, Patrice is building a wellness platform to enhance the physical and emotional well-being of others through guided meditation and holistic healing.
vocal
fashion
Drama
Andrew Owens
MARTIAL ARTS
Kru Andrew Lazarus Owens is a Muay Thai and Self Defense instructor. He has been training in Muay Thai for well over 18 years. He studied under the Maisonets Brothers, Kru Hamza and Kru Esteban whose lineage extends from the Sityodtong Camp in Thai land. Kru Lazarus has equipped many of his student with the tools to be better in character as well as prep them for any outside altercation. Kru Lazarus is known for his attention to detail, unorthodox striking and his awesome clinch work. He can help anyone, beginner or expert drastically improve their skill as well as their reaction time. Before going away to college Kru Lazaus had a semi pro record of 3 wins and 1 loss. Since graduating college Kru Lazarus has combined different arts to make an effective self defense system.
Yonette Odessa Hall
Young women
empowerment
Yonette Odessa (my stage name is Y.O.). I am a Christian singer, songwriter
and recording artist. Born in Guyana, South America. I migrated to the U.S.A. with my
parents and siblings when I was 14 years old.
My gift of singing was discovered and nurtured by my mother, with whom my siblings
and I spent countless hours rehearsing. Ah, those were some of the most amusing
times of my life as a kid!
I also express my passion for music and the arts by directing the worship
and dance department at my local church. As if those endeavors were not time
consuming enough, I still find the time to be a devoted wife to my dear husband of
almost 12 years, and a fulltime mother to my four beautiful children.
As a singer/songwriter I bring a unique musical flare to my generation. Although my
roots are confidently placed in contemporary gospel, my style has been compared to
several of my musical inspirations: Cece Winans, Yolanda Adams, Mandisa, and
Jennifer Hudson.
In 2012 I released my freshman album titled "Free," I was then overwhelmed with joy to
have released my sophomore project, “The Climb”, in 2017 which was nominated for a
Steeple and a Rhythm of Gospel award. In 2018 I released a single titled “For My Good”
which charted on the Nielsen BDS’s Gospel most added. In 2019 I released two singles,
“It Will Work”, and “Hallelujah”, which featured my daughter Jolie.
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Julius McNeil
PUBLIC SPEAKING/
YOUNG MEN'S EMPOWERMENT
Julius “J.U” Jones is a Keynote Speaker, Announcer, and an Education and Nonprofit Management Administrator. Using his story of being labeled as an “at-risk” student during his adolescence and a first-generation undergraduate student, J.U has sat on various panels and keynoted a myriad of speeches dedicated to helping people move forward and live life using their personal journeys as a guide.
Known for his short stature and bigger than life stage persona and speaking voice, J.U is a HBCU Grad (North Carolina Central University) whose career spans over a decade.
From hosting a myriad of Pan-Hellenic step shows, moderating community talks, and motivating parents and students through information sessions about education and life, J.U attributes his successes to Upward Bound; a federally funded educational program that helps low-income and first generation high school students strive towards the mark of achievement and success within their urban environments.
From previously serving as a Board Co-Chair on the New York Urban League Young Professionals Board and managing two large college-readiness assessments to educating students and parents in various states and consulting for and with nonprofits and education entities, J.U is a firm believer that each person can use their magic to move their community, City, and State forward through leadership and public speaking skills.
Destiny Christopher
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CAMP COUNSELOR
Hello, My name is Destiny Christopher. I’m a upcoming freshman at Adelphi University majoring in nursing to become a pediatric nurse. I worked with kids of many different ages for the past Three summers at summer camps and daycares. Also I loved to dance, cook, and do hair on my free time.
Kennedy Davis-Nealy
CAMP COUNSELOR
Kennedy T. Davis-Nealy is a rising sophomore at Queens College, majoring in Psychology with the current GPA of 3.94. She also has membership in the Youth NAACP and Queen College’s Black Student Union. In the spring of 2020, she became a member of Sigma Gamma Rho, Sorority Incorporated., which focuses on scholarship, sisterhood, and service. When Kennedy is not working on her studies, she is actively doing community service with her sorority sisters. Kennedy has worked as an after school counselor in Flushing, Queens, supporting elementary school students with academics, the arts, and enrichment activities. She is a former National speech champion, President of Student Government, and a member of National Honors Society. She is looking forward to sharing her time and talents to supporting the youth.
Perth Phillip
PIANO
Originally from Trinidad and Tobago, is an educator, playwright and music producer. He launched Perth Performing Arts ten years ago with a desire to produce original and inspiring works of art. “Neverlasting Love” (2017) is his third stage production after “Finding Joy” (2013 and 2014) and “Home for the Holidays” (2009). Perth worked as an Assistant Musical Director on Off-Broadway production “Go Back Get God” (2005), and St. John’s University’s revivals of “The Color Purple” (2012), “Dreamgirls” (2013) and “The Wiz” (2019). Perth is also an accomplished pianist, songwriter and producer. He has served as the Assistant Musical Director for St. John’s University Voices of Victory gospel choir for the past twenty years and a Minister of Music for various churches in the tri-state area, currently serving as MD for Evergreen Baptist Church. Perth has worked extensively with music programs in the inner-city with goals to positively impact the next generation of artists and leaders. He is currently serving as the Founding Music Teacher at Kings Collegiate Charter School for their 5-8 wind ensemble program.
Odane Whilby
GUITAR
Odane Whilby is a Bronx, NYC based teaching artist. He has over 10 years of experience as a private instructor, and 7 years of experience in the NYC public school system. His passion is to help students fine their musical language because music is the medium where the unspeakable is spoken.