Mentor Sessions

curation / project management

Juana Williams is a curator and writer whose work explores modern and contemporary art from Africa and its diasporas through the lenses of cultural memory, identity, and intellectual history. She has held curatorial and academic roles with organizations including the Detroit Institute of Arts, Library Street Collective, Wayne State University, and the Urban Institute for Contemporary Art, and has presented projects and lectures at institutions across the U.S. and France.

creative economy / artist support / community development

Laura Zabel is Executive Director of Springboard for the Arts in St. Paul, a nationally recognized organization supporting artists through community development, creative placemaking, and cross-sector collaboration. Under her leadership, Springboard’s programs now serve more than 20,000 artists annually and have helped shape national models for artist support and creative community investment.

arts ecosystems / cultural policy / leadership

Omari Rush is Executive Director of CultureSource in Detroit and a statewide and national leader in strengthening arts ecosystems and advancing equitable investment in creativity. His civic leadership includes service on the Michigan Arts and Culture Council—appointed by three governors and twice elected chair—and as Board Chair of the National Assembly of State Arts Agencies.

art business / licensing / contemporary art

Katherine Corden Bellisario is a contemporary artist based in Traverse City, Michigan. Known for her bold shapes and harmonious color, her work blends her artistic upbringing with a background in anatomy and physical therapy. Held in private and public collections nationwide, her work has been featured in Architectural Digest, licensed by brands like Anthropologie, and includes a permanent mural at Bryant Park.

grant writing & management / public-private partnerships

Julie has written, reported on, and managed millions of dollars in state and federal grants for businesses, municipalities, and agencies. Her technical expertise extends into the municipal realm, where she helps clients navigate zoning, tax abatements, land use issues, and funding opportunities.

data / evaluation / process

Sam is the Associate Vice Provost of Education Operations, Research and Technology at Interlochen Center for the Arts, where she oversees educational technology systems, research initiatives, and operational strategy. With a background in operations, data, and technology, she specializes in using information and systems to support strategic planning and continuous improvement. A lifelong arts enthusiast with a minor in visual arts, Sam is passionate about strengthening arts organizations and believes deeply in the arts as a catalyst for vibrant, inclusive communities.

tax & accounting / audit & 990 / quickbooks online

Jamie has over 15+ years experience in both private and public accounting. Working with small and large non-profits and businesses, as well as individuals for all accounting and tax needs.

partnerships / civic leadership / tourism

Whitney Waara is the COO of Traverse City Tourism and a lifelong nonprofit leader with a passion for building strong, creative community partnerships. Before returning home to Michigan, she served as a Vice President at the Corporation for Public Broadcasting and later led the Traverse City Chamber. Most recently, she helped bring Traverse City Food & Wine to life. She lives in Traverse City with her three sons.

festivals / event planning / operations

Amy is a native Michigander, a graduate of Alma College, the University of Vermont and has a 40+ year career in sport and event management including positions with the Kansas City Chiefs. She managed her own event management company for 15+ years with national, regional and local clients. She is now in her 10th year as Executive Director of the Festival.

fine art / illustration / arts ed / art business

Glenn Wolff grew up in Traverse City and earned an AA degree from Northwestern Michigan College and a BFA from the Minneapolis College of Art and Design. He spent a decade in New York City working with publishers and organizations including The New York Times, Village Voice, The Wall Street Journal, the Central Park Conservancy, the Bronx Zoo, Simon & Schuster, and HarperCollins. He returned to Traverse City in 1987 to pursue fine art, book illustration, and music, and has frequently collaborated with northern Michigan environmental organizations. Wolff recently retired from the art faculty at Northwestern Michigan College.

donor relations / stewardship / fundraising

As Associate Director of Stewardship and Events, Cindy helps Interlochen cultivate lasting and meaningful donor relationships.

creative entrepreneurship / collaboration / project execution

Kristina is a business strategist and community builder with more than 30 years of experience in marketing, communications, and organizational leadership, including senior roles at Fortune 500 companies such as Dow and Goodyear. After stepping away from corporate leadership in 2019 to pursue a slower, more community-centered life, she founded Green Door Folk School, creating a space where traditional skills, hands-on learning, and local collaboration can flourish. Kristina now combines her background in strategy and communications with a passion for craft, sustainability, and building strong creative communities.