About Us

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Board President

Toni Thomas is a gifted singer, educator, and child advocate. A recent graduate of Washington University in St. Louis with a B.A. in Cognitive Neuroscience and Educational Studies, she has a wealth of experience working in child advocacy throughout the St. Louis region. Since 2023, Toni has directed and co-organized Camp C.A.P.E., our annual 8-week arts and activism summer camp for 

K-12th graders. 

Board Vice President

 Emanuel Powell III is an attorney based in Washington, DC. He served as a Skadden Fellow in St. Louis from 2020-2022, litigating civil rights cases and organizing on behalf of families who had lost loved ones to fatal state violence in the region. Before law school, he advised nonprofit and philanthropic organizations as a strategy and design consultant.  

Board Treasurer

  Tia Byrd is an Alumni of Tennessee State University. After relocating to St. Louis in early 2014, she began working in social justice, land use, and economic policy as the executive director of a nonprofit. Her work in urban agriculture  coincided with this. Studying permaculture design and food preservation she began stewarding a garden space and working with youth and returning citizens in the 

St. Louis region. 

Board Secretary

Carlos Burgos is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) with experience working with children, adolescents, and adults. He uses cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) to assist clients in working through emotional struggles. Carlos received his Master of Arts in Professional Counseling from Webster University. 

Board Member

Lucy Grimshaw is an advocate, researcher, and leader deeply committed to dismantling systemic oppression at the intersections of race, poverty, and mental health. A dual-degree graduate in Public Policy and Social Work from the University of Missouri–St. Louis, Lucy was awarded the Fulbright Scholarship to pursue a Master of Research in Criminology at the University of Manchester in England. 

Executive Director

 Andrew Gibson has been an artist, educator, and organizer since he was a teenager. As the Executive Director and co-founder of Freedom Arts, Andrew directs all fundraising and marketing campaigns, participates in all programs, supports staff in day-to-day operational and programmatic tasks, facilitates workshops and classes, and mentors the youth. 

Director of Program Integrity

Miles Dela Cruz is an artist, educator, audio engineer, and mentor who has a wealth of experience working in multiple creative, educational, and technical fields. As Director of Program Integrity and co-founder of Freedom Arts, Miles organizes programs and events, trains teaching artists and tutors, mentors and tutors youth, and facilitates many Art & Academic Workshops.

Lead Teaching Artist

 Nikki Ellis is a performing and teaching artist who has worked in the creative nonprofit space for more than 10 years. As a key Teaching Artist, Nikki supports the youth of Freedom Arts and our partner organizations, and also assists with event design, marketing campaigns, and fundraising initiatives.

Teaching Artist 

Jay-Marie Hill is a sought after musician, educator and "creative mind asking the questions that will shape the future of culture.” A Bay Area born, St. Louis based Black & Boricua award-winning artist, Jay-Marie has worked at high levels in the arts, education, and policy sectors for over 20 years.  

Teaching Artist

 Future Brown is a talented multi-discipline artist with a gift for connecting with children. A Chicago native, Future moved to St. Louis to grow as a community organizer and support several grassroots organizations as an early childhood educator. She is also a skilled farmer and recently became a certified full-spectrum doula. 

Teaching Artist

Maya Foster is a St. Louis native singer, rapper, DJ, and model. After graduating from University City High School, Maya immersed herself in the world of musical theater before shifting her focus to music performance in 2015. She quickly became an in-demand singer throughout St. Louis backing up several major artists, headlining with her own band, and opening for international stars such as Jason Derulo, Nelly, Ashanti, & Melanie Fiona.

Teaching Artist 

Eric “Prospect” White is a teaching, performing, and recording artist whose creative hustle and advocacy for youth makes him one of the most in-demand facilitators in St. Louis. Having been a Teaching Artist for Freedom Arts since 2015, Prospect mentors the youth and facilitates music, creative writing, and multiple educational workshops and classes.