Creative Mamas Unplugged

Renae Williams Niles, Part 2: A Journey of Career, Caregiving, and Community

“I just hope that I can still be of value and make an impact”
 
A continued, inspired conversation with Renae Williams Niles. In this episode, Renae shares her experience and advice on the reality of being in the “sandwich generation” as she cares for her parents (2:00), travel and work as a mother (12:00), and co-producing the nation’s Juneteenth celebration at the Hollywood Bowl (20:00).
 
Hosts: Cherice Barton and Shelly Hutchinson
Guest: Renae Williams Niles
Producer: Jessica O’Keefe, Breatheasy Productions
 
Follow Renae
Consulting Website http://renaewnconsulting.com/
USC Website https://kaufman.usc.edu/board/renae-williams-niles/
 
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More about Renae Williams Niles:
For three decades, Renae Williams Niles has worked within the nonprofit sector in many capacities including executive director of an education foundation, chief operating officer/diversity liaison for a university dance school, touring dance company manager, grantmaker for Los Angeles County, vice president of programming/dance presenter, chief content and engagement officer, adjunct professor for a graduate arts management program, and as a consultant/guest curator and moderator. Renae’s career has allowed her to work with/advise/present/commission new work by over 100 different dance companies, choreographers, directors and also moderate conversations with acclaimed dance, music, literary and film trailblazers. 
Early in her career, she worked with the Lula Washington Dance Theatre as an apprentice dancer and eventually company manager overseeing national touring of the professional company. Renae worked as the marketing/special projects manager for Grand Performances (formerly California Plaza Presents), a free outdoor presenting organization. She also served as director of grant programs for the Los Angeles County Arts Commission, where she devised the Commission’s first economic impact report and participated in the selection of artists for the Ford Amphitheatre. Renae was the first chief operating officer/associate dean of administration for the University of Southern California Kaufman School of Dance, and also authored their equity plan and co-led diversity and inclusion efforts. She also served as the executive director for the Culver City Education Foundation, funding district-wide essential programs and priorities for one of the most diverse K-12 public school districts in the state of California. For three years, Renae was adjunct faculty for Claremont Graduate University’s Arts Management program. Most recently, she was the chief content and engagement officer, overseeing five departments of the Los Angeles Philharmonic including all programming across all venues, marketing/communications, learning/Youth Orchestra of Los Angeles and government and community engagement. While with the LA Phil, Renae oversaw the collaboration with Live Nation Urban in co-producing the nation’s Juneteenth Celebration at the Hollywood Bowl, aired live on CNN for millions around the world.
For over 11 years, Renae worked for The Music Center eventually becoming vice president of programming. In addition to guiding all facets of the dance series, she curated the presentation of over 50 internationally-acclaimed ballet and contemporary companies, created the highly-regarded programs BalletNOW and Moves After Dark and also commissioned the world debut of the now famed LA Dance Project. While at The Music Center, she collaborated with the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, American Ballet Theatre, The Apollo Theater, Center Theatre Group, Dance Camera West, LA Opera, LA Phil, Live Nation, REDCAT and others. 
Renae guest curates and has worked with the LA Phil, within both Walt Disney Concert Hall and at the Hollywood Bowl and was invited to curate for The Joyce Theater’s American Dance Platform in New York. As a consultant/creative producer, she has guided projects and devised focused plans in several areas including equity and community engagement efforts, programming/artistic strategy, audience and donor cultivation/retention. Clients have included Ballet Hispanico, Jacob’s Pillow, the LA Phil and others. Renae also enjoys moderating conversations with renowned artists including the feature film La La Land’s entire creative team, award-winning choreographers such as Camille A. Brown and Sir Matthew Bourne, legendary artist Yo-Yo Ma, composer Kris Bowers and with artist/author Ben Folds to name a few.
Since 2014, Renae has been a Fellow with the Los Angeles Institute for the Humanities. She frequently serves on boards, as an advisor, grant review panelist, and as an anonymous nominator for national foundations. She has served as a panelist for the Entertainment Industry Foundation, the James Irvine Foundation, the National Endowment for the Arts, United States Artists, and the W.M. Keck Foundation among many others. Renae served as board president of the Western Arts Alliance (WAA), on the board of trustees for Dance/USA and as a three-year advisor for the New England Foundation for the Arts’ National Dance Project. Within the Los Angeles area, she has served on the Dance Resource Center board, as a founding member of Emerging Arts Leaders, founding member of the Culver City Cultural Affairs Foundation, founding member of USC Kaufman’s Board of Advisors, Host Committee Co-Chair for the 2018 Dance/USA national conference, and currently serves as an advisor to BODYTRAFFIC and an unofficial advisor for many artists and dance companies. She is the immediate past board chair of the Association of Performing Arts Professionals, a national/international leader in the touring performing arts for the U.S. Renae received the 2017 WAA Service to the Field Award and in 2021, she was recognized as an Unsung Hero by the State of California Legislative Black Caucus. 
In addition to being an alum of USC, Renae more recently completed an executive education program with the USC Marshall School of Business. She holds a certificate in Diversity and Inclusion from Cornell University and participated in the inaugural USC Racial Equity Leadership Academy. She is a proud mother of three and with her husband, resides within greater Los Angeles.

Part 1, Artistry, Motherhood and Commitment to Integrity: Finding Balance with Laurie Kanyok

“Listening is the biggest gift you can give yourself”
In this inspiring Part 1, Laurie Kanyok opens up about the challenges and triumphs of being a single mother to her talented 12-year-old daughter while leading a one-of-a-kind arts program (2:05) She shares the story of her departure to performing (7:53) the love of dance she shares with her daughter (15:09) and the joys of teaching and helping new generations of dancers (21:04).
Hosts: Cherice Barton and Shelly Hutchinson  Guest: Laurie Kanyok 
Producer: Jessica O’Keefe, Breatheasy Productions 
 
Follow Laurie:
Instagram     @lkanyok  and     @kanyokartsinitiative
Website https://kanyokartsinitiative.com/
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Extended Summary:
Join us on this inspiring episode as we sit down with the incredibly strong, honest, and passionate Laurie Kanyok. A dedicated mother to her talented 12-year-old daughter, Laurie is not only a nurturing parent but also a program director who created a unique program celebrating the diverse talents and interests of her students.
In this heartfelt conversation, we delve into the complexities of navigating sensitive discussions with our kids and the profound impact of technology on family dynamics. Laurie shares her journey as a single mother and reflects on the lessons learned through her own experiences—like the challenge of returning to performance after a hiatus, including the remarkable moment she leapt off the stage, capturing the essence of artistry that she believes should be cherished and celebrated.
Laurie's candid stories open a valuable dialogue about societal shifts in the workplace and the importance of self-forgiveness, especially for new moms balancing their artistic passions with motherhood. Together with Cher and Shelly, Laurie emphasizes the significance of integrity, kindness, and creativity, not just within the walls of her beautiful, intimate dance program but as vital life values that nurture all children and artists alike.
Tune in to hear Laurie’s heartfelt insights about celebrating life through art, supporting her daughter’s diverse interests in singing and painting, and her deep admiration for the late Quincy Jones . This episode promises a blend of laughter, empathy, and encouragement for parents and artists navigating the beautiful yet challenging journey of life. Join us as we explore the intersection of motherhood, artistic instruction and artistry with the remarkable Laurie Kanyok!  

Cher, Shelly and Producer Jess on Flow, Purpose and Sending Love

“By the act of sending the love and repeating your purpose, you are able to stay at a higher frequency of happiness.“ 
 
Cher and Shelly share the origin story of bringing Jess on as Creative Mamas Producer (1:50) a discussion about what it takes to carve out time in our schedules for our creativity (4:41) Jess shares about this idea of purpose [that she first learned about from Bob Proctor in "Change Your Paradigm, Change Your Life”] and how she uses this to focus her creativity and also to encourage her children to be themselves (6:23) how the mantra of “sending love” does take us to a higher, kinder consciousness that has the domino effect of creating good, and often serendipitous, interactions with others (14:47).
Hosts: Cherice Barton and Shelly Hutchinson  
Producer: Jessica O’Keefe, Breatheasy Productions  
 
Follow Jessica O’Keefe
Instagram @jessicargokeefe 
Alliance of Women Directors: https://www.allianceofwomendirectors.org/find-a-director/director/jessica-okeefe/
Website: https://breatheasyproductions.com/ 
 
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Extended Summary
Cher and Shelly are joined by Jess, Creative Mamas Unplugged’s Producer and a Multimedia Artist, Director, Editor and Writer. 
Cher, Shelly and Jess discuss themes like finding time for creativity amidst parenthood, the importance of staying in "the flow," and using tools like purpose statements for personal growth and teaching children resilience and self-expression. The three also reflect upon personal experiences with self-awareness, gratitude, and maintaining a positive mindset. As well as how our thoughts affect our interactions with the world.
 
"Change Your Paradigm, Change Your Life” Purpose Template: 
"I am happy and grateful that my purpose is living and working in a prosperous environment where I improve and transform the service I render to my family, community, and the world through [list your passions, profession, area of expertise, etc]. All good things are possible."

A Conversation about the Los Angeles County Fires: Shelly interviews Cher and Lindsey Casey

“I’m focusing on the kids’ mental health, trying to keep things light. It broke my heart last Thursday to see my youngest pack her emergency bag full of stuffed animals instead of clothes, and hearing their terror as we evacuated is something I will never forget.“
 
Cher shares her and her girls’ experiences in Los Angeles on the day Los Angeles County caught on fire (2:57) Lindsey shares her experiences from the Woolsey Fire to these current fires (13:20) Lindsey discusses the very real fears of wind, our children’s post traumatic stress, managing work during all this and preparing for the future with resilience (32:48).
 
 
Hosts: Cherice Barton and Shelly Hutchinson 
Guest: Lindsey Casey
Producer: Jessica O’Keefe, Breatheasy Productions  
 
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Jamie Denbo, Part 1: Actress, Writer, and Showrunner of “American Princess,” Co-EP of “Grey's Anatomy,” and Creative Force Behind Showtime, FX, and Disney Projects

"I believe in us. I don't think we need all of this noise. We must empower ourselves to listen to our own beliefs."
 
Jamie, Cher and Shelly chat about the joy of knowing fellow creative parents, and how being a creative parent influences your parenting (1:40) Jame shares her journey from comedy to Executive Producer on Grey’s Anatomy and how her career has grown with her children who are now teenager (4:52) Jamie shares experiences at Los Angeles schools and embracing the phases your children go through (14:12) trusting your instincts about what your child needs, trusting yourself to know what your child needs, listening to them, rather than looking online for answers (26:55).
 
Hosts: Cherice Barton and Shelly Hutchinson  
Guest: Jamie Denbo
Producer: Jessica O’Keefe, Breatheasy Productions  
 
 
Follow Jamie
Instagram: @jamiedenbo
Website: https://www.beverlylive.com/
Read Jamie's HuffPost Article "Just a Phase"  @ https://www.huffpost.com/entry/just-a-phase_b_8025182
 
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Extended Summary:  
 
In this insightful and entertaining Part 1 of Creative Mamas Unplugged, we’re thrilled to welcome the brilliantly talented Jamie Denbo. Currently serving as Co-Executive Producer on the 21st season of ABC’s smash hit Grey’s Anatomy, Jamie brings a wealth of experience as a writer, showrunner, and performer to this heartfelt conversation.
Jamie, Cher, and Shelly explore the highs and lows of balancing a creative career with motherhood. Jamie shares her journey from improv comedy to creating and showrunning Lifetime’s American Princess—a series inspired by her real-life experiences—and offers a candid look at navigating the entertainment industry while raising a family.
They delve into the challenges of the education system, the influence of technology on parenting, and the importance of trusting your instincts as a mom. Jamie’s humor, honesty, and perspective as a seasoned creative and parent make this episode a must-listen.
With over 100 acting and voice credits, as well as writing and developing projects for networks like Showtime, FX, and Disney, Jamie’s story is as inspiring as it is relatable. Tune in to hear how her improv background, parenting instincts, and boundless creativity have shaped her life and work.
Don’t miss this engaging and relatable conversation with the unstoppable Jamie Denbo!
 

Lori Getz M.A., Educational Technologist, Mother, Author and Internet Safety Expert

“When the big stuff happens, we want them to be able to come to us.”
 
How our system of today is different and helps us connect to our children in way that is helpful (1:37), there is no such thing as full parental control and we need our kids to teach us the things we should know (12:34), over-parenting in the physical world VS under-parenting in virtual world (19:50), Lori shares about her book “Like Ability: The Truth About Popularity” (33:57), Lori shares about her work in schools (38:49).
Hosts: Cherice Barton and Shelly Hutchinson  
Guest: Lori Getz
Producer: Jessica O’Keefe, Breatheasy Productions  
 
Follow Lori
Website: www.lorigetz.com
Book: “Like Ability: The Truth About Popularity”
Book: “The Tech Savvy User’s Guide to the Digital World”
And Contact Lori here
 
 
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Extended Summary:  
Lori discusses our constant accessibility and how our children feel that pull, but also how our system of today helps us connect to our children in way that is helpful (1:37), children enjoy reading Lori’s books which connect kids with their parents, and how kids have a different relationship with their technology (4:34), there is no such thing as full parental control, what we really need to be doing is asking more questions, our kids will always know more about technology than we do and we need them to teach us the things we should know (12:34), if you want to build trust, we must give our children trust, and a discussion of over-parenting in the physical versus under-parenting in virtual world (19:50), Lori shares about her book “Like Ability: The Truth About Popularity” (33:57), Lori shares about her work in schools (38:49).
In this episode of Creative Mamas Unplugged, we’re thrilled to welcome Lori Getz, M.A.—Educational Technologist, author, and renowned Internet safety expert. With over 20 years of experience working with schools, corporations, and communities, Lori has dedicated her career to helping families navigate the digital world responsibly and ethically.
We explore:
How technology shapes our schedules, accessibility, and personal connections.
Empowering kids to navigate online safety while building trust and open communication.
Balancing monitoring with respecting privacy in the digital age.
Practical tips for using built-in device features over third-party apps.
The value of face-to-face interactions and flexible tech boundaries at home.
Lori also shares highlights from her career, including authoring The Tech Savvy User’s Guide to the Digital World and Like Ability: The Truth About Popularity, and appearing on platforms like Today, GMA, and local news. Her mission? Facilitating better conversations about kids, technology, and the digital world.
Packed with expert advice and heartfelt stories, this episode offers tools and inspiration for parenting with curiosity, confidence, and connection in the digital age.

Erika Shannon-Hathaway, Part 2: "Navigating Perimenopause: Real Talk, Myths Debunked, and Empowering the Next Chapter"

"Chances are it's menopause [or perimenopause]." [see resources below]
 
Erika, Cher, Shelly share laughter and stories about car-sits (1:23), Erika shares about 10-day menopause crash course discussing why we gain weight, having fun while learning about perimenopause and menopause, using movement and dance to keep levity in your life (4:39), symptoms and solutions of perimenopause and menopause (8:22), Erika’s hormone replacement therapy experience [HRT) watching out for the bikini diagnosis, history of HRT, benefits of HRT (11:21), how symptoms of menopause even after menopause can last another 10 years (18:53).
 
Hosts: Cherice Barton and Shelly Hutchinson  
Guest: Erika Shannon-Hathaway
Producer: Jessica O’Keefe, Breatheasy Productions  
 
Follow Erika:
ErikaShannon.com
Instagram: @erikashannonmovement 
 
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Extended Summary:  
In this heartfelt and enlightening episode of Creative Mamas Unplugged, we dive into the often-overlooked topic of perimenopause with the incredible Erika Shannon Hathaway. 
 
The episode starts with some light-hearted laughs about parenting car sits and the quirks of social media. 
 
Erika and Shelly share a heartfelt conversation about personal growth, the importance of community, and embracing the next chapter in life. Erika also introduces her upcoming programs, including a 10-day menopause crash course and "Your Next Chapter," aimed at empowering women to thrive through midlife transitions.
 
Erika opens up about her personal journey through menopause, sharing insights on navigating symptoms, embracing self-discovery, and finding community.
 
The trio tackle everything from night sweats and itchy palms to mental health and hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Erika debunks myths surrounding HRT, highlighting its safety and effectiveness, while offering practical advice on finding certified menopause practitioners and telehealth options. 
 
References to resources like: 
https://menopause.org/, 
And tele-health doctors too via:
Winona https://bywinona.com/, Midi https://www.joinmidi.com/, Alloy https://www.myalloy.com/
 
This candid, funny, and informative conversation is a must-listen for anyone navigating perimenopause or simply curious about the journey.
 
Tune in and join the conversation!

Heather Lang, Part 2: “Moving Through Motherhood: Embracing Creativity and Connection

“I am so lucky”
 
Heather Lang talks about how moms have power in being able to hold space for multiple people at once (13:15), Heather gives advice to new moms and describes her flexibility in finding opportunities (17:00), Cher, Heather and Shelly talk the importance of dance parties with kids at home (32:35).
Hosts: Cherice Barton and Shelly Hutchinson  
Guest: Heather Lang
Producer: Jessica O’Keefe, Breatheasy Productions  
 
Follow Heather Lang:  
Instagram: @heatherblee
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Extended Summary:  
We are thrilled to welcome Heather Lang back to *Creative Mamas Unplugged* for PART TWO!! Heather is a multifaceted artist with over 24 years of professional experience across Broadway, film, TV, opera, and dance. As a dancer, choreographer, and director, Heather’s diverse creative career has been a powerful force in the arts, and she continues to develop projects that celebrate feminine power and joy.
 
In this conversation, Heather Lang shares her empowering insights on the power of motherhood and the ability to hold space for multiple people simultaneously. Heather offers invaluable advice to new moms, emphasizing the importance of flexibility in finding creative opportunities in everyday life.
Alongside co-hosts Cher and Shelly, Heather dives into the joy of spontaneity, revealing how recognizing simple, small moments in life can lead to more empowerment in mind and body for women  They discuss how to recognize the creative opportunities that are always within reach, how your village you create is right in front of you and why being adaptable is key to thriving as a mom. Heather also opens up about her deep love for dance, reflecting on her last Broadway show as an incredibly synergetic experience that holds a strong place in her life . Together, the trio illustrates how embracing creativity, both in motherhood and beyond, can lead to profound healing and joy and presence in life  
Tune in for an inspiring conversation that will remind us all to continue having honest conversations with each other and stay empowered as a community of mom creatives!

Cher and Shelly: Prep for Summer 2025

"Yes it’s my job as parent to nurture them, teach them, to be present with them but it is my job, equally, to inspire them."
Shelly chats how we find balance during summers when kiddos are out of school (3:35), Cher discusses summer joy in lack of schedule and also desire for structure (13:30), how you return to a more peaceful state with gratitude, staying present, being aware of human-ness, and appreciating that we continue to have new milestones at every age (25:13).  
 
Hosts: Cherice Barton and Shelly Hutchinson
Producer: Jessica O’Keefe, Breatheasy Productions
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Extended Summary:
 
Cher and Shelly discuss the joys and challenges and the creativity of thought needed for parents when it comes to summertime schedules with the kids. From wanting to absorb every minute knowing that there are so few summers all together ahead, to the frustrations of lack of schedule, the expense and added stress that comes with camps, to mom guilt, to the appreciation of the simpler things, and everything between… Tune into another episode of laughter and heartfelt conversation filled with insights and that feeling of “you are not alone!”

Renae Williams Niles, Part 1, Balancing Acts: Renee’s Journey of Career, Caregiving, and Community

“Balancing Acts: Renee’s Journey of Career, Caregiving, and Community"
Renee shares her incredible multifaceted career journey and the demands of presenting (3:10) she discusses the importance of demonstrating what giving back to your community looks like for her children (10:43), the reality of caretaking for parents while being a mom to three children (11:50), the surprise of how different children are even though they are raised in the same household (19:00), and how she has been able to prioritize her career because of the amazing support system that she has (24:12).
Hosts: Cherice Barton and Shelly Hutchinson
Guest: Renae Williams Niles
Producer: Jessica O’Keefe, Breatheasy Productions
Follow Renae
Instagram 
Consulting Website http://renaewnconsulting.com/
USC Website https://kaufman.usc.edu/board/renae-williams-niles/
 
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Extended Summary:
In this inspiring episode of Creative Mamas Unplugged, we sit down with the incredible Renae, a creative powerhouse who has uniquely balanced a flourishing career in the arts with parenting three children. Renae shares her journey, emphasizing the vital role of her strong support system that has allowed her to prioritize her career while championing diversity and inclusion in her field.
 
Throughout the conversation, Renae opens up about her commitment to supporting and mentoring women in the arts, especially fellow mothers navigating similar challenges. She discusses her aspirations to further impact her community and industry, all while managing the responsibility of caring for her aging parents.
 
Additionally, Renae reflects on the importance of sharing her experiences and insights with other women striving to harmonize their personal and professional lives. Cher and Shelly, our podcast hosts, join the discussion to underline their experiences with traveling for work and the impact of guilt on women, particularly mothers. Renae shares how she is an example for her children in seeing how to recognize our individual responsibility  to our community  and make a positive impact. Through her journey, Renae continues to serve as a role model, not only for her children but for the entire arts community. 
 
Tune in to hear Renae’s remarkable story of resilience, mentorship, and making a difference, all while nurturing her family's values and her passion for the arts.
More about Renae Williams Niles:
For three decades, Renae Williams Niles has worked within the nonprofit sector in many capacities including executive director of an education foundation, chief operating officer/diversity liaison for a university dance school, touring dance company manager, grantmaker for Los Angeles County, vice president of programming/dance presenter, chief content and engagement officer, adjunct professor for a graduate arts management program, and as a consultant/guest curator and moderator. Renae’s career has allowed her to work with/advise/present/commission new work by over 100 different dance companies, choreographers, directors and also moderate conversations with acclaimed dance, music, literary and film trailblazers. 
Early in her career, she worked with the Lula Washington Dance Theatre as an apprentice dancer and eventually company manager overseeing national touring of the professional company. Renae worked as the marketing/special projects manager for Grand Performances (formerly California Plaza Presents), a free outdoor presenting organization. She also served as director of grant programs for the Los Angeles County Arts Commission, where she devised the Commission’s first economic impact report and participated in the selection of artists for the Ford Amphitheatre. Renae was the first chief operating officer/associate dean of administration for the University of Southern California Kaufman School of Dance, and also authored their equity plan and co-led diversity and inclusion efforts. She also served as the executive director for the Culver City Education Foundation, funding district-wide essential programs and priorities for one of the most diverse K-12 public school districts in the state of California. For three years, Renae was adjunct faculty for Claremont Graduate University’s Arts Management program. Most recently, she was the chief content and engagement officer, overseeing five departments of the Los Angeles Philharmonic including all programming across all venues, marketing/communications, learning/Youth Orchestra of Los Angeles and government and community engagement. While with the LA Phil, Renae oversaw the collaboration with Live Nation Urban in co-producing the nation’s Juneteenth Celebration at the Hollywood Bowl, aired live on CNN for millions around the world.
For over 11 years, Renae worked for The Music Center eventually becoming vice president of programming. In addition to guiding all facets of the dance series, she curated the presentation of over 50 internationally-acclaimed ballet and contemporary companies, created the highly-regarded programs BalletNOW and Moves After Dark and also commissioned the world debut of the now famed LA Dance Project. While at The Music Center, she collaborated with the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, American Ballet Theatre, The Apollo Theater, Center Theatre Group, Dance Camera West, LA Opera, LA Phil, Live Nation, REDCAT and others. 
Renae guest curates and has worked with the LA Phil, within both Walt Disney Concert Hall and at the Hollywood Bowl and was invited to curate for The Joyce Theater’s American Dance Platform in New York. As a consultant/creative producer, she has guided projects and devised focused plans in several areas including equity and community engagement efforts, programming/artistic strategy, audience and donor cultivation/retention. Clients have included Ballet Hispanico, Jacob’s Pillow, the LA Phil and others. Renae also enjoys moderating conversations with renowned artists including the feature film La La Land’s entire creative team, award-winning choreographers such as Camille A. Brown and Sir Matthew Bourne, legendary artist Yo-Yo Ma, composer Kris Bowers and with artist/author Ben Folds to name a few.
Since 2014, Renae has been a Fellow with the Los Angeles Institute for the Humanities. She frequently serves on boards, as an advisor, grant review panelist, and as an anonymous nominator for national foundations. She has served as a panelist for the Entertainment Industry Foundation, the James Irvine Foundation, the National Endowment for the Arts, United States Artists, and the W.M. Keck Foundation among many others. Renae served as board president of the Western Arts Alliance (WAA), on the board of trustees for Dance/USA and as a three-year advisor for the New England Foundation for the Arts’ National Dance Project. Within the Los Angeles area, she has served on the Dance Resource Center board, as a founding member of Emerging Arts Leaders, founding member of the Culver City Cultural Affairs Foundation, founding member of USC Kaufman’s Board of Advisors, Host Committee Co-Chair for the 2018 Dance/USA national conference, and currently serves as an advisor to BODYTRAFFIC and an unofficial advisor for many artists and dance companies. She is the immediate past board chair of the Association of Performing Arts Professionals, a national/international leader in the touring performing arts for the U.S. Renae received the 2017 WAA Service to the Field Award and in 2021, she was recognized as an Unsung Hero by the State of California Legislative Black Caucus. 
In addition to being an alum of USC, Renae more recently completed an executive education program with the USC Marshall School of Business. She holds a certificate in Diversity and Inclusion from Cornell University and participated in the inaugural USC Racial Equity Leadership Academy. She is a proud mother of three and with her husband, resides within greater Los Angeles.