You see the transformation that the arts have on young people. It changes their lives for the better. That's where my engagement is.

Human beings are complicated and flawed and unique, but we all have a story to tell. Gone are the days where our lead characters can only look like somebody else. Heroes look like all of us. We see ourselves in each others' stories. We see who we are. We see who we want to be. Sometimes we see who we don't want to be. And through that we have a greater understanding of ourselves and acceptance of each other.

There are so many untold stories when it comes to great women of color.

You may not be thinking about politics, but politics is thinking about you.

I get through the tough times through prayer and meditation. And I have really good friends and family, and a great therapist.

Arts education must be part of our education solution because it works for all students.

I have to do the work of self-love and affirmation, and say, "I am a woman, I am a person of color, I am the granddaughter of immigrants, I am also the descendant of slaves, I am a mother, I am an entrepreneur, I am an artist, and I'm joyful." And maybe in seeing my joy, you can finish your sentence with, "And I am joyful too."