MEET THE BOARD

Dinahsta “Miss Kiane” Thomas is an author, performer and safe space facilitator graduated from Morgan State University with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology. She continued her studies and graduated with a Master's of Social Work degree from Howard University.   As a Licensed Graduate Social Worker, Dinahsta seeks to meld her profession and her passion to help others access healing, empowerment and growth through the power of poetry, reflective writing and creative expression.  As a result, in 2019, Dinahsta established a non-profit called The InkWELL.

Laura Di Franco is the owner of Brave Healer Productions where she’ll help you share your story, build your business, and change the world. Laura is a multiple-time Amazon bestselling author with three decades of expertise in holistic physical therapy, a third-degree black belt, and 50+ published books. She has a clear preference for being badass but she’s also the champion of entrepreneurs who want to grow their health-based practices.

J. Joy “Sistah Joy” Matthews Alford is Poet Laureate of Prince George’s County, Maryland since September, 2018 and will serve a 3-year term supporting and promoting poetry as well as cultural and literary arts in Prince George’s County. She is an author, arts advocate, and produces and has hosts the award-winning poetry-based cable television show Sojourn with Words. 

Ife is a DC native who began her journey as a poet during childhood before emerging as a multidisciplinary artist and event curator in 2022. In 2024, she self-published her first collection of poetry and celebrated 2 years of Love Iconic, which she founded in December 2022. She is an activist for social-emotional learning and educational equity for melanated people of all ages, leading this charge through workshop facilitation and more.

Patrick Washington, a teaching artist at heart, founded the arts education company, Dialect of Prince George's County and with it, created the county’s Youth Poet Laureate program, giving young people the opportunity to collaborate with city officials & serve as poetic ambassadors for their community.

Ms. Rashida George has more than 20 years of experience serving families and youth. She studied social work at Columbia University School of Social Work and later at the Gestalt Center for Psychotherapy and Training. Ms. George is a registered yoga therapist and nationally certified restorative justice practitioner. She prioritizes her clients' needs and creates a safe space for authenticity and respect so that they may use their innate strengths to accomplish their goals.

Janique Muckelvene is a teaching artist, poet and host.  She teaches visual art classes for the community in Prince George's County.  She is also the co- author of two books;  Getting Lost, and The Very Awesome Adventures of RuRu & Rudy. In addition she hosts monthly open mic events where local artists can share their passion.