Afrika Abney

B.F.A – Corcoran School of the Arts

FOUNDER/CEO
Kuumba Expressions, Washintgon, DC. 2015 – present. Responsible for general operations, programming and implementation of daily activities.

CONSULTANT
1997-present
Designed and implemented media campaigns for several individuals, small businesses and nonprofit organizations, including Coalition for Housing Justice, Washington Peace Center, Malcolm X Dancers and Drummers, Esther Productions, Inc. and Adams Morgan Day Festival. This involved identifying media contacts; writing press and other publicity materials, including posters and flyers; disseminating press kits; and interfacing with reporters and other journalists. Disseminated flyers, press releases, designed and implemented media campaigns for BZB International’s Annual Gift and Art Show. Also conducted market research for various groups, including for Kerry S. Pearson LLC.

WEST AFRICAN DANCE INSTRUCTOR
Momies TLC and YWDEP, Washington, DC. SUMMER 2015 Kingdom Kids Care, Washington, DC. Provided West African dance instruction to a group of students for a Summer Camp program such as M.O.M.I.E.S. TLC and Y.W.D.E.P. Students learned a variety of West African Dances, cultural and historical context for each dance with a ½ hour warm-up, and energetic dance movements. Students learned a variety of West African Dances, cultural and historical within the context for each dance. Also provided instruction for students at several other organizations including Kingdom Kids Care, Washington, DC. (July 3, 2013 – July 17, 2013) Hyde Addison Elementary School (May 18, 2013)

SUBSTITUTE TEACHER
Mundo Verde Public Charter Schools, Washington, DC. December 2013 – 2014. Managed and co-managed select classrooms; provided instructions according to prepared lesson plans; ensure classroom environment that promoted active learning while working with students to reinforce learning objectives as defined by the school; and performed other assigned duties.

STUDENT SUCCESS COACH
Center City Public Charter Schools, Washington, DC. October 2013-December 2013
Responsibilities included tutoring individuals or small group of students; uphold the school’s behavior policy; and providing assistant with various extended learning program activities as needed.

SUMMER ACADEMY CAMP PART- TIME ELECTIVE ART TEACHER
Higher Achievement, Washington, DC – Metro. July 1, 2013 – August 1, 2013. Created and implemented a visual arts lesson plan for summer program, specific to 5th – 8th grade students of varying backgrounds and abilities. Students gained knowledge and dexterity in specific forms of visual arts, including abstract painting.

AFFLIATED TEACHING ARTIST
Young Playwrights Theatre,Washington,DC. October 2012 – May 2013. Planned and presented visual arts classes for first and second grade students of varying backgrounds and abilities , integrating literacy fundamentals within the context of the classroom instruction; created a safe, structured, and positive environment for each student; established my own classroom rules for each student to follow; and prepared and disseminated a weekly report for the Program Manager.

• ⦁ Demonstrated leadership and management experience, including supervising administrative staff
• ⦁ Excellent interpersonal skills
• ⦁ Strong oral and written communication skills
• ⦁ Strong classroom management skills, including planning, organizing and presenting classroom lectures
• ⦁ Sound knowledge regarding integrating arts curriculum with traditional academic topics
• ⦁ Proven record engaging students of all ages and grade levels in scholarly and creative learning, including those diagnosed with special educational needs
• ⦁ Trained art and dance professional
• ⦁ Proficient with Microsoft Office, Word and Publisher, along with digital cameras
• ⦁ Strong social media background and skills
• ⦁ Excellent graphic design skills

administration, Children, Consulting, Dancing, graphic design, marketing, painting, Programming, Promotions, Public Speaking, Reading, Social Media Networking, Teaching, Team Management, Youth

Esther Productions Inc, Kuumba Expressions

English (Fluent)