Jacquelin Walker (Host) is a lawyer, arts organizer, yoga instructor, and advocate for equity in arts and entertainment. She uses storytelling to transform American culture, creating agency for marginalized voices. Starting in television production, she moved to talent representation, then legal roles before founding Fete-Fete Ltd. in 2016, showcasing underrepresented artists. In 2020, she launched her law office, focusing on Arts and Entertainment, and promoting access to justice. Her yoga practice centers on anti-racism, joy, rest, and healing.

Led by professional multi-instrumentalist Lorenze Jefferson, the Urban Impact Jazz Band is a part of the Christian missionary organization, Urban Impact. Based in the North Side of Pittsburgh, Urban Impact’s Performing Arts programs give children, middle school, and high school youth the opportunity to develop and share their talents by singing, dancing, acting, playing an instrument, and creating artwork in local venues. Visit uifpgh.org to learn more about other Urban Impact programs and events.

Alumni Theater Company (ATC) is a year-round program providing talented Black youth in grades 6-12 with high quality performing arts training and a platform to express their ideas. ATC is currently in its 15th season of creating bold theatrical work that gives fresh voice to the experience of young Black artists and highlights their rich contribution to our community. alumnitheatercompany.org 

K-Theatre Dance Complex (KTDC), is a dance academy that provides quality dance instruction in several major areas of dance, which include Ballet, Contemporary, Modern and Hip Hop. Led by Artistic Director Kontara Morphis, and Arts Education Director Rickia Davenport, KTDC curriculum incorporates dance theory, terminology and dance theater. KTDC has largely impacted the physical, academic, creative, and personal development of its students. facebook.com/ktheatredancecomplex 

The Obama Marching Band (OMB) was first established in 2011. The band is comprised of interested music students in grades 7 through 12. Student musicians represent the high-achievement and excellence modeled by our school Pittsburgh Obama Academy. In 2023, OMB represented the City of Pittsburgh as ambassadors in the 2023 National Memorial Day Parade in Washington, DC. We collaborated with Pittsburgh Allderdice HS, Pittsburgh Brashear HS, and Pittsburgh Obama Academy to form Pittsburgh’s “One Band One Sound” All-City Marching Band. The marching band performs at parades, pep rallies, football games, and other community-wide events. Visit our website to learn more: pghobamaband.com.

Pittsburgh Center for Creative Reuse is a non-profit that inspires creativity, conservation, and community engagement through reuse. We operate a non-traditional art supply shop located at the intersection of Wilkinsburg, Homewood, and Point Breeze, where people can donate used art and craft supplies, as well as shop for these unique items all in the same location. We also facilitate hands-on creative programming that educates the public about the benefits of reuse for the environment, community, and self. We see reuse as a vehicle for boosting self-confidence, learning new skills, and creating opportunity for all. For more information, visit our website at pccr.org.

Assemble envisions a world where learning and creating are transformative experiences and where all people are equipped with the tools to make a difference, together. At Assemble, we use learning as a tool to create a more equitable future for youth and learners in the Pittsburgh region and beyond. We build confidence through making; connect learners, makers, technologists, and artists; and nurture agency in learners. We offer free afterschool, Saturday programs, camps, and more for kids as well as adult programs. Visit us at Assemble 4824 Penn Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15224 assemblepgh.org or @assemblepgh on social media. 

Youth Enrichment Services (YES), based in East Liberty, provides socially and economically at risk youth the opportunity to achieve success through participation in mentorship, education, and enrichment programs. Through mentoring partnerships, peer assisted tutoring programs, and — when needed — monitoring and mentoring programs for juvenile offenders, YES invests its talent, energy, time, and resources in empowering and enriching the lives of children and teens. YES provides responsive, innovative, and youth-designed programs that offer young people unique academic, enrichment, and employment experiences. Youthenrichmentservices.org @yes.pgh

Phase 4 Learning Center offers a safe and caring learning environment for historically underserved students in grades 6 – 12 to earn a high school diploma and gain work experience. Phase 4 focuses on four phases of development: academic, social, behavioral, and future employment. Although based in Pittsburgh, Phase 4 operates at six locations in Allegheny and Beaver County including The Best Buy Teen Tech Center (BBTTC) located at 5850 Centre Ave. The BBTTC is a member of The International Clubhouse Network and winner of the Presidential Award for Excellence in STEM Mentoring. To learn more about Phase 4 visit their website at phase4learningcenter.org. 

Urban Impact was founded in 1995 by Pastor Ed and Tammy Glover after they felt a calling to reach youth on the North Side of Pittsburgh. Over the past 25 years, we have grown to a staff of 45+ missionaries who all reside on the North Side and run programs in Athletics, Education, Performing Arts, and Options. This past year, we reached 2,282 students during our programs or events. Visit uifpgh.org to learn more about other Urban Impact programs and events. 

Dreams of Hope empowers the region’s lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, asexual, and allied (LGBTQA+) youth through the arts, creating a welcoming environment where they grow in confidence, express themselves, and develop as leaders. Serving primarily ages 13-26, we also offer intergenerational spaces for community members. Visit dreamsofhope.org to learn more about our upcoming programs and events, including theatriQ, our weekly performing arts youth ensemble that meets on Wednesdays from October to April.

Youth Initiative is an innovative organization operating out of the East Side of Pittsburgh dedicated to empowering adolescents through a unique blend of Arts and STEM programming and life skills. Youth Initiative partners with other local organizations to offer programming including the Northway East Liberty Ministry Hub, where they offer a back to school program dedicated to intentional time with teens where they offer STEM, art, cooking, mentoring, sports, games, life skills and facilitate intentional conversation.