Our Team

Liza Politi

Aidan Davis

Mildred Gil

  • Founder & Artistic Director

    Liza Politi is a producer, photographer, actor and teacher. 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 expeditions and photography workshops in more than 45 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.

    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 photographer. Liza graduated 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.

  • 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 Manager

    Mildred Gil is a multi-talented artist and performer born and raised in a bilingual household (Spanish/English) in Brooklyn, NY. She was awarded the Fine and Performing Arts Scholarship along with a Merit Scholarship at Marymount Manhattan College where she would then study in the BFA Acting program and minor in Business Management. Since graduating she has modeled for commercials such as Skinsei and acted in numerous Shakespeare plays such as Macbeth (Witch), As You Like It (Audrey, Rosalind U/S), and Romeo and Juliet (Juliet.) She directed an original play by Chris Patterson, Between the Lines, which was produced by the Minefield Theater Group and premiered at Dixon Place in September 2019. When she isn’t working 60 hours a week, she is on a plane towards her next adventure. She has traveled to Paris, Amsterdam, and--her personal favorite--BARCELONA! Each trip has inspired her to continue to seek new places, people, and cultures so she can better understand the different societies that exist worldwide. 

    Her varied work experiences in the arts--commercials, industrials, film and theater roles, as well as jobs in the service industry and personal assistance--have given her a unique ability to identify problems and find appropriate solutions. Whether it's parasailing in Costa Brava or directing an original play at Dixon Place in New York City, Mildred's bold choices, strategic mindset, and passion for arts education makes her an ideal member of the Statement Arts team. As a proud alumna of the StART Dreaming College Prep program, she uses her creative and innovative ideas to achieve strategic goals and advance the mission of Statement Arts and would love to expand the StART programs outside of NYC. m description

Lupe Tomic

Caro Guzmán

Valerie Jeannis

Danielle Hernandez

  • Program Coordinator

    Lupe is a Latina woman based in NYC since 2001.

    She has a BA in Liberal Arts and an MA in International Affairs from The New School University. Her studies concentrated on urban poverty in the US and Latin America.

    Lupe earned her degrees at the same time as she worked as a professional model, a job that has taken her to work on many locations worldwide. The nature of this multifaceted work allowed her to become comfortable with interacting with many people on sets and able to adapt to changes and fast paced assignments.

    Lupe has done internships in Argentina and the United States working closely with disenfranchised groups like students reintegrating into the school system (Buenos Aires) and women-led grassroots organizations and community groups that are fighting to have a voice in the decision making processes that affect their communities (Huairou Commission).

    She is a mother with experience navigating the special needs education system in New York City, where she met the most wonderful, dedicated and selfless educators and service providers who help access a free and appropriate education to which all children in this city are entitled. This has inspired her to advise and help other families who are not native speakers or don’t have the time to learn the system to advocate for their children's rights.

    Lupe loves interacting with children and admires the youth of today who want to express their souls creatively. She is proud to be part of an organization that does so much to help them fulfill their potential.

  • Social Media Manager

    Caro Guzmán is a Queens-bred, Afro-Latina actor and multidisciplinary creative with an appetite for thought-provoking stories. She acquired acting training from Atlantic Theatre Company’s Acting Conservatory and starred in the award-winning indie film “Motions”, an official selection at The Chelsea Film Festival and New York Latino Film Festival. Caro also appreciates singing, dancing, writing, and art direction as alternative modes of communication.

    Caro leverages her multidisciplinary creativity to share Statement Arts' transformative programming and impact on their students via social media. She is incredibly excited to support an organization that helps historically underrepresented youth find and own their authentic voice.

  • 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 College Readiness

Ari Espay

Barnaby Reiter

Leon Glover

Andre Catrini

Michael Dansicker

  • 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.

  • Vocal Coach

    With over 15 years of experience in vocal health, technique, and anatomy, Barnaby is a highly sought after voice teacher worldwide. Specializing in professionals and aspiring professionals, he offers a unique, tailored approach to each student.

    Drawing from extensive music training and expertise in anatomy, vocal health, extrinsic vocal unloading, Alexander Technique, and acting through song, Barnaby has refined a teaching style that caters to individual needs. With a deep understanding of psychology, neuroscience and neurology-based approaches, he establishes effective connections with students, unlocking their full potential and guiding them towards their goals. Most importantly, Barnaby equips his students with the tools and knowledge to continue their progress and results outside of the studio.

    Barnaby's students can be found in major musicals, film, TV, recording work, and sought after for consulting projects. As a member of Andrew Byrnes' inaugural "The Singing Athlete" Teacher Training certification, Barnaby takes great pride in this esteemed recognition.

    Barnaby can’t wait to meet you all and see what we can achieve together!

    www.barnabyreiter.com

  • 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

  • Music Director

    Andre is a composer/lyricist, musical theatre repertoire/audition coach and musical director currently living on the Upper West Side of Manhattan. His musical, The Astonishing Times of Timothy Cratchit (Book by Allan Knee) had its world premiere at the Hope Mill Theatre in Manchester, England in 2019.

    Other works include: A Problem with the Pattersons (Book by Laura Zlatos), The Wolf (Book by Joe Calarco), Thursdays at 4:15, Other Women and Whisper, Love.

    Awards include: 2014 ASCAP Foundation Cole Porter Award, given “in recognition for his outstanding talent as a musical theatre composer and lyricist,” as well as a 2015 New Voices Project Merit Award.

    Andre is member of ASCAP, an alumnus of the ASCAP Johnny Mercer Songwriter’s Workshop, a current member of the BMI-Lehman Engel Advanced Musical Theatre Workshop, and a graduate of the College Conservatory of Music at the University of Cincinnati. www.andrecatrini.com

  • Music Director

    Michael is a Veteran of 28 Broadway productions - musicals and plays - including PIAF, GOOD, LES LIAISONS DANGEREUSES, ICEMAN COMETH, SINGIN' IN THE RAIN, MORE TO LOVE, GLASS MENAGERIE (Jessica Tandy), JEROME ROBBINS BROADWAY, THE TIMES THEY ARE A-CHANGIN' (Arranged and orchestrated for BOB DYLAN & TWYLA THARP), TOTAL ABANDON, KENNY ORTEGA's AMERICAN DANCE, LITTLE HOUSE ON THE PRAIRIE (created dance/incidental music for composer RACHEL PORTMAN.). Worked with THE RSC and THE NATIONAL THEATER as Composer/Music Supervisor. Worked on over a dozen hit commercial films including ELF, ANALYZE THAT, BRAIN DONORS, PIAF and MEET THE PARENTS. As a dance composer, worked with ABT, THE JOFFREY, TWYLA THARP, AGNES DEMILLE, GEOFFREY HOLDER, JOHN CARAFA, RON FIELD, JOE LAYTON, MICHELE LYNCH and KENNY ORTEGA. Published by HAL LEONARD MUSIC, Inc. Specializing in Orchestration, Dance music, and composition. Written special material for GAY MENS CHORUS of Boston, San Francisco, Washington, D.C., Hartford, Knoxville and Birmingham. Conducts master classes and seminars at country's leading colleges, conservatories and high schools of performing arts including: INTERLOCHEN ACADEMY, SPELMAN, LEHMAN, BOSTON CONSERVATORY, OTTERBEIN, U of MIAMI, AMERICAN UNIVERSITY, UNVIERSITY of MARYLAND, CATHOLIC UNIVERSITY of AMERICA, BALTIMORE HIGH SCHOOL OF PERFORMING ARTS, etc. Created the musicals SWING SHIFT (Manhattan Theater Club directed by MARTIN CHARNIN), TWENTY FINGERS TWENTY TOES( WPA & YORK THEATER), MR AND MRS BROADWAY (YORK THEATER, MTC reading), BOBBY DRISCOLL (YORK THEATER directed by DAVID ZIPPEL), & original songs for Alan Paul's production of COMEDY OF ERRORS for THE SHAKESEAPRE THEATRE (D.C.) and the upcoming A BFA IN MUSICAL THEATER and BETTER THAN EVER. Wrote and orchestrated the songs for JIM DAVIS's GARFIELD LIVE and TWINSPIN's CHARLIE BOOKWORM. Created the songs and orchestrated Marc Acito's baseball revue STARS AND STRIKES - produced by Peter LeDonne, Steve Martin, TFCI & Troika. Music Supervisor for launch of THE DISNEY CRUISE LINE book shows and arranger of THE STUDIO SEVEN for MGM DISNEY STUDIOS - under the direction of Matt Conover.

StART Young & StART Access Teaching Artists

  • 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 Music Director

    Marissa Davis is a New York City-based voice teacher, writer, music director and performer. She has served as an arts educator for nearly a decade, working with youth programs throughout Manhattan, upstate New York, and Michigan. She is currently the middle school voice teacher and team lead at Professional Performing Arts School and has worked with Waterwell as both a teaching artist and music director for the last six years. She has served as the music director and composer/lyricist for five devised musicals including smARTS, ALICE, and Once Upon a Pandemic, and has consulted, music directed, and arranged for several musical revues and one-woman cabaret shows. She is an avid writer of creative nonfiction and was selected as a storyteller for TMI Project's 2021 Stories for Choice event centered on reproductive injustices faced by marginalized communities. Most recently, she joined with iTheatrics to teach music workshops on the mainstage of the 20th annual Junior Theatre Festival in Atlanta. She is thrilled to be a part of the Start Young program with Statement Arts this summer!

  • Acting Teacher

    Lauren Moore is a New York City based actor, vocal and audition coach, and youth mental health advocate.

    Lauren received her BFA in Musical Theater from Pennsylvania State University. She has performed on National Tours, Off-Broadway, and Regional Theaters around the country. Some of her favorite credits include Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, Mamma Mia, Les Miserables, and A Christmas Story.

    Lauren has taught young performers around NYC/Westchester County for over a decade.

    In addition to teaching, she was also the Communications and Engagement Manager for the nonprofit organization The Youth Mental Health Project who serves and supports the mental health of our youth. She is passionate about connecting her love of musical theater and mental health into her work to teach our kids how we can use performing as a form of self care.

    When she is not performing, she owns Getting Moore, a vocal and audition coaching studio for performers of all ages and experience levels. Getting Moore was started in 2018 to coach performers on building more confidence and healthy habits to bring to the audition room and beyond. Visit www.gettingmoore.com to learn mo(o)re!

    Lauren is so grateful to be joining the StART Young Program with Statement Arts this summer as we create inspiring and impactful art with the next generation of performers!

  • Vocal Coach

    Caroline Selia, originally from Pittsburgh, PA, is a NYC-based singer, actress, and voice teacher. Her education includes a B.F.A. from Carnegie Mellon University & M. M. from University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Caroline has performed in many musicals & concerts with her favorite role as Jane in the world premiere of the Electronica Opera “One Hot Kitchen” with Medicine Shop Theatre. She was recently hired as the National Anthem Singer for the NY Knicks. She is also the Co-Founder/CEO of the audition education startup Polish Your Passion. For more info check out her website.

  • StART Young Drama/Acting Teacher

    Naiqui is a proud alumnus from the first year of Statement Arts and holds a Bachelor's of Fine Arts degree in Acting from the esteemed Howard University. He has taught the craft of theatre arts to more than 150 young people and worked with many musical directors to develop creative approaches to foster young artistic development across the country in cities such as DC, LA, and NYC. Naiqui has increased classroom participation and interest in the arts through his ability to serve as both a teacher and a relatable presence within the classroom. He wholeheartedly believes in the magnitude art can have in the shaping of an individual’s life, especially relating to youth development within under-served communities. It has been his pleasure to be part of staff at Statement Arts for several years and continues to carry out our mission of intersecting the arts and community by organizing and developing the youth into leaders of tomorrow through an artistic medium.

    Outside of Statement Arts, Naiqui is a versatile actor, producer, singer, songwriter and guitar player. With influences that span from Eminem to Michael Jackson, his songwriting ability runs the gamut of music as well as human emotion. As with his music, Naiqui shows his versatility as an actor on screen in shows such as POWER (Starz) and recently as the troubled Delta Blues Legend, Robert Johnson, on NBC's Timeless. By reimagining any style of music and character, Naiqui is building up his presence, his record label MACABROAD and his artistic fluidity within New York City’s thriving music scene. Brimming with the spunk of an eclectic and zestful soul, Naiqui aims to dominate the global market as both an actor and musician with his songs and engaging performance energy.

  • Music Director

    Mark Oleszko is a New York City-based music director, educator, pianist, and composer. His performance experience has taken him to stages that include Lincoln Center, Theatre 80 at St. Marks, and the United Nations. Mark is currently a full-time High School music teacher with the New York City Department of Education, where he teaches choir, musical theatre, and keyboarding classes, and also serves as the production Music Director. As a composer, his original work “#LoveStory” played in the 2015 Fringe Festival.