Our Team

Aidan Davis

Founder & Artistic Director
Liza Politi is a producer, director, teacher and performer. As a freelance producer, her documentary and narrative full-length feature films have won a prestigious HUGO award, toured the festival circuits, and have been broadcast nationwide on PBS. Liza has produced “Impact On The Gulf,” a multimedia, action-oriented human rights festival that debuted in NYC for the world-renowned Culture Project; and in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, her USO-style Gulf Coast tour, “Broadway on the Bayou”received national attention and was featured on MSNBC. For more than a decade, Liza worked with National Geographic and their legendary photographers, producing more than 125 expeditions and photography workshops in over 50 countries around the world.
She founded Statement Arts (2003), a New York City based non-profit that brings arts education and mentoring programs to marginalized urban youth. Designed to help them build the self-confidence and resiliency needed to realize their fullest potential, Statement Arts has received grants from Morgan Stanley, The Disney Corporation, The NY Department of Cultural Affairs, The Manhattan Borough President’s Office, The Rudin Foundation and has been featured on MSNBC, ABC News, and Fox 5. On January 2, 2025, The New York Stock Exchange honored Statement Arts and as Founder, invited Liza to ring the first Closing Bell of the new year.
With a strong background in crisis management, Liza spent nine months at Ground Zero as a volunteer rescue and relief worker with the American Red Cross and The Salvation Army. And in 2000, The Screen Actors Guild presented her with the Joseph P. Reilly Award in recognition for her efforts in resolving a national strike. Comfortable on both sides of the camera, she is also an award-winning actor and singer. Liza graduated with a BFA from NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts, winning the Lee Strasberg Award for acting in her final year. She spent 15 years working as an actress in New York City and was a spokesperson for Sensodyne, Volvo, Gerber’s, Olive Garden, and has appeared in Martha Stewart Living, O!The Oprah Magazine, Better Homes & Gardens, and Good Housekeeping. She also holds a Certificate in Women’s Entrepeneurship from Cornell University.
Associate Director
Aidan Davis is an educator, performer, and speaker. He earned a triple B.A. at Indiana Wesleyan in Voice Performance/Music Theory & Composition/Church Music, then his M.M. in Voice Performance/Pedagogy at the Cleveland Institute of Music and Penn State (WE ARE!).
As an actor and singer, Aidan has appeared off-Broadway in numerous operatic and musical theater productions including Rent, Footloose, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, Pirates of Penzance, Les ars florrisons, The Marriage of Figaro, and The Magic Flute. Aidan has also appeared in commercials for major brands like Axe and shows like Smash and Royal Pains.
Aidan has been teaching private voice for over ten years and enjoys working with students of all ages across multiple singing styles from pop to musical theater to opera. Aidan maintains a set of private students who sing on and off-Broadway, facilitates regular masterclasses, leads workshops on "Using Your Voice as a Differentiator" and "Emotional Intelligence," and serves as musical director for various musical theater non-profit programs, soloists, and theater companies throughout NYC. He is a founding member of Rooftop Musical Society, an immersive theater company that specializes in pop-up performances in non-traditional settings whose work has been featured in NYT, Broadway World, and the What Is New York TikTok/Instagram.
Aidan is thrilled to bring his diverse skill set to the team of Statement Arts as we prepare the next generation to change the world through arts education.
Program Coordinator
Lupe is a Latina woman who has called NYC home since 2001. She holds a BA in Liberal Arts and an MA in International Affairs from The New School University, where she focused her studies on urban poverty in the US and Latin America.
Since joining Statement Arts in 2023, Lupe has co-run the StART Young program in Washington Heights every July. She loves the vibrant, diverse culture of the neighborhood and has built lasting bonds with local families who return year after year.
A mom herself, Lupe loves working with children and is inspired by today’s youth and their drive to express themselves creatively. She is proud to be part of an organization that empowers them to reach their full potential.

Marketing & Media Manager
Nivea Green, a Mississippi native, is a multidisciplinary creative with a Bachelor's in Business Marketing from Jackson State University and a Master's in Digital Audience Strategy from Arizona State University. Born and raised in Jackson, Nivea's roots deeply influence her work, which spans marketing, digital strategy, and creativity. Beyond her professional pursuits, she finds joy in DIY projects, outdoor adventures, and exploring new destinations. However, her true passion lies in inspiring the next generation.
Nivea dedicates her time to empowering youth to dream big and reach their full potential. Whether through mentorship, community involvement, or creative projects, she is committed to making a positive impact on the lives of young people, fostering a future generation of leaders and innovators.
Social Worker & Writing Teacher
Valerie Jeannis is the visionary behind I DARE TO DREAM PROJECT, an empowerment brand and consultancy specializing in developing and facilitating leadership and confidence trainings for youth and leading girls’ schools, women colleges, organizations and programs.
After earning a master’s degree in Social Work, she has spent over a decade writing books and curricula. She is also a certified trainer in the Canfield Methodology, a pioneer in human potential training. Valerie partners with schools and organizations to find fun and unconventional ways to galvanize and train up young women and youth to be changemakers.
Because she aims to start conversations that lead to inspired actions, Valerie has authored several books including her latest release, What Do You Dare to Dream: A Call to Action and her forthcoming book for middle school girls, Hey Girl, Dream.
Her interactive presentations and down-to-earth speaking style are just some of the reasons students themselves arrange to have her brought in and that she is a sough-after speaker and consultant.
Whether it’s through her books, campaigns, talks or trainings, the content and experiences she creates inspire youth and those who empower them.
Design Strategist
Danielle Hernandez is a proud multiracial feminist and artist. She received her BFA in Graphic Design from Iowa State University and MFA in Design for Social Innovation from the School of Visual Arts, a graduate program that makes use of the design process to bring about positive social change. Prior to joining the Statement Arts team, Danielle was driven by a desire to address social issues and practiced as a graphic designer and art director in the advertising field. She is particularly passionate about issues faced by women and people of color. As the oldest of seven children, she has always been keenly aware of the need to design collaborative learning environments both with and for young students in order to prevent lost potential. In her free time, she keeps busy by crafting her own unique volunteer experiences and illustrating.

Teaching Artists

StART DREAMING TEACHING ARTISTS 2024

Ari Espay

Sheela Ramesh

Leon Glover

Jarius Miquel Cliett

Geraldine Anello

Teaching Artist & Documentary Photographer
Award-winning photographer, Ari Espay, splits his time between New York City and Santiago, Chile. Ari has shot documentary pieces, campaigns and editorial essays for magazines in the US and all over South America including; Architectural Digest, Vogue Latin America, Que Pasa, and ED. He has worked for Maybelline, Gillette, Corpbanca and Ferouch and has shot portraits for Presidents, internationally known actors, Emmy Award winning directors, Broadway performers, politicians and high profile business people.
With numerous gallery exhibitions, Ari’s most recent show, “A Glimpse of Southeast Asia” was featured at the Galleria d’Arte Moderna, a museum in Cento, Italy (2018 – 2019). Other exhibitions include; “Mingalabar Myanmar”(Rome and Bologna, Italy - 2016) and “The Faces of EB” in New York City (2015). In 2012, he was named as Artistic Director of International Projects for Galeria64, the only gallery in Chile exhibiting photography exclusively.
Ari has won Chile’s prestigious Fondart Grant, was a finalist in National Geographic’s Photo Competition, “Luces de America” and in 2018 he was a ‘CHOSEN Winner’ in Latin American AI-AP. Ari has published 3 books. As a photographer, his work can be seen in "Colors of San Miguel" and he was the editor for Erin Feinberg’s "Diehards" and “King for a Day” .
For 10 years, he taught photography workshops for National Geographic and their legendary photographers including, Joe McNally, Bob Sacha, Ira Block, VII's agency Ed Kashi and Magnum's David Alan Harvey. He has worked and traveled in more than 40 countries.
Ari speaks 3 languages and enjoys spending time in the mountains.
Music Director
Sheela Ramesh is a music director and composer with a personal mission to use art as a force for social justice. Professional highlights include Broadway (SIX, Almost Famous, Once Upon a One More Time, Merrily We Roll Along, Hells Kitchen); Off-Broadway (Lincoln Center Theater, New York Theatre Workshop, The York, Theatre Row); TV (NBC's Annie Live!); concert (Carnegie Hall, Kings Theater, Town Hall); regional and educational theater (A.C.T. of SF, Stanford University, Pace University); and works in development. She serves as an Artist Ambassador for the New York Civil Liberties Union and as a teaching artist with the Lincoln Center Theater Songwriting in the Schools Program. Sheela received undergraduate and graduate degrees in vocal performance at Carnegie Mellon University and the Royal College of Music. She also holds degrees in psychology/cognitive science (BS, Carnegie Mellon; MSc, University College London) and law (JD, Yale Law School), and has spent her nonmusical professional life working to ensure that all youth have opportunities to thrive.
StART Dreaming Choreographer
Leon Glover is performer and dance/fitness instructor based out of New York City. Originally from none other than Florida, the sunshine state itself, he is a proud to call himself an alum of the Theater Division of New World School of the Arts. Having worked with kids of all ages at French Woods Festival of the Performing Arts and Long Lake Camp for the Arts, he got the teaching bug and has worked with companies such as AfterWork Theater, Dance from Home and Broadway Arts Education (formerly Broadway’s Babies) just to name a few. A proud AEA member, he recently directed and choreographed AfterWork’s production of Disney’s Newsies which he hopes to resume once shows are allowed again. [@leonheartedboy] www.leonwglover.com
Vocal Teacher & Coach
Jarius Miquel Cliett is an multi-hyphenate artist from Atlanta, with current bases in both New York and Atlanta. He was recently seen touring North America as Middala as part of the Golden Plates national tour of The Book of Mormon. Jarius holds a Bachelors of Music in Vocal Performance from The University of Alabama. And a Masters of Music from Georgia State University. His theatrical portfolio features notable performances in productions such as Ragtime, The Wild Party, Once on this Island, 9 to 5: The Musical, and A Christmas Carol. Jarius is a member of the Omicron Phi chapter of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia Fraternity. Additionally, he co-hosts the podcast Black Table Read. Jarius is also the CEO & Executive Producer of JC3 Productions. Jarius is committed to exploring new avenues of artistic expression and continuing to inspire his community whether in the spotlight or behind the scene. For more on Jarius, visit his website at www.thejmc.art and follow him on all social platform @ohitsjmc
Music Director
Geraldine Anello is a music director, pianist, and conductor. She has conducted Kinky Boots and School of Rock on Broadway,The Fantasticks off-Broadway, and played in the orchestras of Broadway’s Aladdin,Bronx Tale, Aladdin, On the Town, City Center’s Bat Out of Hell, and An American in Paris at the Chatelet in Paris. Anello has also published a series of best-selling poetry collections: Naked, Power, and Truth. Her most recent publication is The Pulse of the Musician, a collection of conversations with top level musicians. MM: WMU. DMA: BU. geraldineanello.com

StART YOUNG TEACHING ARTISTS 2024

Ramón Guzman

James Woods

Angelika Anastasio

Mari Linder

StART Young Drama/Acting Teaching Artist
Ramón is a Brooklyn native who received his BFA in Acting/Musical Theater from Marymount Manhattan College and studied abroad for a summer at The British American Drama Academy. Ramón has been a Theater Educator for 6 years, predominantly in Harlem. Favorite acting credits include 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (Mitch Mahoney), Oliver! (Fagin), and Little Shop of Horrors (Audrey II).
Ramón is also a playwright, receiving awards for his writing at the New York Theater Fest. and a recipient of the Jeremy O. Harris Pet Project Grant.
In the classroom, Ramón stresses the importance of taking risks as well as collaboration with his young actors. Ramón is excited to be joining the Statement Arts team this summer!
StART Young Music Director
James Woods is a recent graduate of The Catholic University of America, earning a bachelor's degree in music composition. He has worked as a music director and accompanist for Young Artists of America at Strathmore Music Center, Monumental Theatre Company, and Nextstop Theatre Company, among other venues.
He also has worked as a teaching artist in Washington DC for Imagination Stage and The Theatre Lab. He most recently played keyboard in the pit for Show Way, a new musical that premiered at the Kennedy Center this Spring. He's very excited to be joining the Statement Arts family!
StART Young Acting Teacher
Angelika received her B.F.A. in Acting with a Musical Theater minor from Marymount Marymount Manhattan College. They are a proud mixed Latine artist and Jersey girl. Some of her theater credits include Nina in In The Heights at White Plains Performing Arts Center, Hannah in Blue Off-Broadway at Theater Row, Betsaida in La Egoista at Live and in Color, and Storyteller Woman 1 in Cuentos Del Arbol with the award winning educational touring children’s theater company Pushcart Players. Additionally, she had starred in a couple short films such as Cootie Catcher, Dystopia, and Wild Roses. The short film Wild Roses received accolades from several film festivals around the country such as The Student World Impact Festival, Seguin Film & Arts Festival, and more. Aside from her credits, Angelika enjoys working with students from the Paterson Public School District as well as being a teaching artist for arts organizations in New Jersey.
Music Director
Mari Linder is thrilled to be joining the Statement Arts team! She is a performing artist, arts educator, and media professional who is passionate about sharing her love of music and theatre. Mari has had the honor of working with students as a vocal and theatre coach for over 10 years, has served as a music enrichment teaching artist at Hoboken Montessori School, and has directed multiple high school musical theatre and children’s theatre productions. She has also performed in professional theatre shows including: The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe (Off-Broadway, Lucy/The White Witch Understudy), God Save Queen Pam (Off-Broadway, Lady Fenella de Deuil), Disenchanted (Cinderella), Hair (Crissy), Side by Side by Sondheim (Woman 1), Hysteria Repeats Itself (Orlando Fringe Festival). Mari holds a B.A. in Musical Theatre from the University of Tampa and a Master’s Degree in Digital Media Arts from Rutgers University.