Some of the best moments at ALNW happen when we get to introduce you to the people choosing to invest their time, expertise, and heart in this work. This month, we're thrilled to welcome four new members to our Board of Directors — each bringing a different lens, but the same conviction: that every kid deserves access to the arts.

Jill Giedt is a dancer, choreographer, and teaching artist who founded Ballet the Black Way, a Portland organization expanding access and representation in ballet. After 25+ years using the arts to build connection and confidence in young people, she joins our board with a simple, deeply held belief: that the arts build belonging, and belonging changes lives.

Dr. Jon Pede spent his career as a school administrator, including years as a principal working directly with programs like The Right Brain Initiative. He watched, firsthand, what arts integration did for his Pre-K–8th grade students. Now retired, he's joining our board to keep doing that work from a new seat at the table. "I see arts as a way to make schools more inclusive and equitable," he told us. "It provides a way for students to express themselves."

Rashelle Chase-Miller brings a career of innovation in early education and children's literacy, with deep expertise in DEI, coaching, and both student and adult learning. As an artist, educator, and PPS school board member, she's seen up close how much arts access matters — and she's joining us to help make sure more students get it.

Rene Acosta brings a decade of experience managing nonprofit investments through U.S. Bank's Charitable Services Group, where he's helped organizations like ours build the financial footing to do their work well. His expertise will be a real asset as we steward ALNW's resources with the same care we bring to our programs.

Four new board members. One shared belief: that kids deserve the chance to imagine, create, and find their voice.

That belief is exactly what's carried us through this spring. 35,000 kids had access to the arts this year because educators, teaching artists, and friends like you refused to let go of something essential — even when arts education was being asked, again and again, to justify its place. Our spring giving campaign closes soon, and every gift right now helps make sure that access isn't the exception next year.

Welcoming four champions for kids, and a chance for you to be one too before spring closes out — together, that's how we grow our creative future.

In gratitude,
Briana

p.s. If your gift is still on your list — now's the moment. And if you know someone who'd bring board-level energy to this work, we'd love an introduction.