Our Team

Liza Politi

Aidan Davis

Lupe Tomic

  • 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 fifteen 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.

Nivea Green

Valerie Jeannis

Danielle Hernandez

  • 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 2026

Ari Espay

Lynda DeFuria

Leon Glover

Alex Parrish

Leandra Torres Santiago

  • 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.

  • 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

  • StART Dreaming Voice Teacher

    Lynda DeFuria is a singer, songwriter, actress, director, teaching artist, and wearer of many artistic hats. Lynda was recently seen Off-Broadway as Pat in Kinky Boots, and as the Swing on the US/Canadian National tour. She has performed on “Showtime at the Apollo” (and did not get booed off stage!), Carnegie Hall, and has played with her band on iconic NY stages such as The Bitter End, Rockwood, and Webster Hall.

    As a songwriter, Lynda has been the recipient of BMI’s John Lennon Songwriting Award and had music featured on Netflix. Lynda’s catalog, including her 2023 album “Keeping Time (Deluxe),” is available on all music platforms.

    She is currently writing a TYA Christmas musical and in pre-production for her next album of pop bops with big feelings.

    When she’s not wearing her art-making hats, Lynda takes enthusiastic joy in her work as a teacher, coach, and mentor to artists of all ages. She has held residencies with: New York City Children’s Theater, Entertainment Community Fund, Greenwich House Music School, and Manhattan Youth, to name a few. Whether in the rehearsal room, onstage, or in the classroom, Lynda aims to create heartfelt and intentional art.

    Education: BM from Berklee College of Music in Professional Music, emphasis on Songwriting and Vocal Performance.

  • StART Dreaming Music Director

    Alex Parrish (he/him) is a music director and educator based in Washington Heights. He has music directed 70+ shows for RWS Global and Norwegian Cruise Line, as well as theatre productions for NYC venues including Ars Nova, Playwrights Horizons, The Public, Atlantic Acting School, 54 Below, and Fordham University, and regional venues including Summer Theatre of New Caanan (CT), Kitchen Theatre Company (NY), and Meadow Brook Theatre (MI). He has worked as a professional teaching artist in 100+ public, private, and magnet NYC schools with thousands of students of all grades through organizations including New York City Center Education, CO/LAB Theater Group, TADA! Youth Theatre, Wingspan Arts, The Arts Effect, and NexGen Theatre. Alex is a graduate of NYU Tisch School of the Arts and the associate artistic director of Forager Theatre Company.

  • StART Dreaming Stage Manager and Assistant Director

    Leandra Torres Santiago is an Afro-Boricua theater director from the Bronx whose work is rooted in collaboration, community, and the stories that challenge us to see one another more deeply. A graduate of SUNY Purchase, she earned a B.A. in Directing with a minor in Film.

    Her recent directing work includes The Monsters by Ngozi Anyanwu at the Portland Theater Festival, following her work as Associate Director for the Off-Broadway production at Manhattan Theatre Club in association with Two River Theater. Additional directing credits include Pietamima by Lorena Peralta (Pregones Theater and the Latinx Playwrights Writers' Intensive) and Lambs of the Bronx by Angela Reynoso (Brick Theater). She also served as Assistant Director for The Monsters during its development at New York Stage and Film.

    Beyond directing, Leandra has worked in theatrical marketing and production, contributing to Broadway campaigns at SpotCo for KPOP, Life of Pi, Fat Ham, and Dancin'. She has also collaborated with Broadcasting Director Jess Ryan on live recordings for Between Riverside and Crazy and MisCast 24.

    Leandra's mission as a director is to create theater that leaves audiences feeling seen, challenged, and connected. She is passionate about championing underrepresented voices and telling stories that embrace the complexity of identity, family, culture, and belonging. She believes the rehearsal room should be a space built on trust, curiosity, and generosity—where artists feel empowered to take risks and discover together. Her goal is to create productions that spark conversation long after the curtain falls, inviting audiences to lead with empathy while celebrating the resilience, humor, and humanity that exist within every story.

StART YOUNG TEACHING ARTISTS 2026

Ramón Guzman

James Woods

Essence Blake

Irene Westfall

Raina Lawrence

Rachel Goodman

  • StART Young Acting Teacher, Grades 9-11

    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, Grades 9-11

    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, Grades 6-8

    4th year back as staff, 2nd year as teaching artist, alum (of BOTH programs, SY and SD)

    Essence Blake (he/him), is a NYC-based actor, rapper, teaching artist, and community organizer who is dedicated to paving spaces for Black, trans, abolitionist, and queer experiences to be at the center of what he creates. He is a StART Young alum who worked as a Teaching Artist’s Assistant for three years, and will now be returning as a Teaching Artist for the second year in a row! 

    As an acting teacher and educator, he aims to cultivate a safe and trusting environment where students can feel empowered to tell the story that feels true to their heart and soul. 

  • StART Young Music Director, Grades 6-8

    Irene is a NYC-based music director, keyboardist and educator. She is thrilled to be spending her first summer with StART Young. Recent credits include new musical Let’s Build a Fort (MD, NY Theater Festival), The Book of Mormon National Tour (Associate/Keys 2), Urinetown at Berkeley Carroll/International Thespian Festival (MD), and I Don’t Trust Adults at Soho Playhouse (Pianist). When Irene isn’t MDing for theater, she also plays in rock bands around the city. Irene is unendingly grateful to her parents, partner, and friends for their support, and to Maestra Music for its mentorship and community of women and nonbinary folks in musical theater.

  • StART Young Acting Teacher, Grades 3-5

    Raina Lawrence is a New York based stage manager and puppeteer devoted to new work, ensemble process, and storytelling that builds community. She has collaborated with HERE Arts Center, Atlantic Theater Company, Bedlam Theatre, Skeleton Rep, NAATCO, and The Billie Holiday Theatre, supporting premieres, readings, and devised productions across New York City. Alongside production work, she performs and teaches through puppetry with Urban Stages and Hit The Lights! Theater Company, creating playful, bilingual experiences for children and families in libraries and public spaces. A graduate of The New School’s MFA in Contemporary Theatre and Performance, Raina bridges precision stage management with imaginative, heart-forward performance practices.

  • StART Young Music Director, Grades 3-5

    Rachel currently teaches music at PS 150 in Sunnyside Queens, where she conducts the 3rd Grade, 4th and 5th grade, and Select Choruses as well as musical directs the 5th grade musical. Her groups have performed at locations such as Symphony Space, Citifield, and the Intercontinental Hotels.

    As a performer, she works frequently with the Blue Hill Troupe and Village Light Opera Group, performing in both musicals and operettas.

Ayden Ramirez

Halo Torres

Cameron Dada

  • StART Young Teaching Artist Assistant, Grades 9-11

    2nd year as teaching artist, alum (of BOTH programs, StART Young and StART Dreaming)

    Ayden is an upcoming junior at NYU Tisch majoring in drama and studying through the Atlantic Acting School studio, with the hopes of becoming an acting teacher and playwright in the future.

    Previously being a part of START Young as a student, he is continuously honored to help the future generations coming this way by sharing his experiences and insights gained from his own journey in the arts.

    Working as a Teaching Artist Assistant last year, he wants to continue using creativity, community, and theater to encourage artistic expression for the youth. He loves helping others explore their passions fearlessly and encourages them to always go further in their ideas and creations.

    He is grateful to work with Statement Arts once again and to inspire the many children a part of the START family!

  • StART Young Teaching Artist Assistant, Grades 6-8

    Halo Torres is a Brooklyn born Nuyorican. They are a lover of music, art, and teaching. They are a private voice teacher as well as a preschool teacher.

    Halo has previously performed at the United Palace with Statement Arts and at Joe’s Pub at the Public Theater. They have been a part of the Statement Arts family since 2015, interning and volunteering with the organization over the last 11 years.

    Halo thanks Statement Arts for providing a nourishing environment for all young artists and for supporting them into their adulthoods, as well as giving them the opportunity to join Statement Arts this summer.

  • StART Young Teaching Artist Assistant, Grades 3-5

    Hey! My name is Cameron Dada and I’m a July Cancer, so of course I love the beach and all things fluidity and beauty. I was born and raised in Queens, New York and am currently based in Manhattan. I am Nigerian on my father’s side and Guyanese on my mom’s side so celebration, food and experiencing life lavishly are all embedded in my soul!

    As the eldest sister of three brothers and the only girl I have always been a boss. I am a young actress drawn to telling stories of Black women who have been erased or quieted. I see my body as a vessel for creation and storytelling to inspire the youth, the uninspired and the forgotten to walk in divinity, excellence and confidence. I am a lover and a poet by nature and an ethereal creative by force.

    I completed my primary training at the Experiemenal Theatre Wing at NYU Tisch and studyed at The Atlantic Acting School. Next Semester I will be studying abroad at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts in London. After years of hiding in my shell I now make it my duty to ensure I take up space, to encapsulate all of me and break out of any box the world tries to put me in. I’d love to hear about you next!