After a broad and open search in our community, CAA is happy to welcome Giovanna Adams, Alana Ladson, and Michelle Lapine McCabe as members of the Board of Directors. We are excited for their unique perspectives on the arts & culture community and expertise during a year of growth for the organization.
Giovanna Adams is the CEO and District Level Equity Specialist for Alliance for Collaborative Equity Inc. She has a background in Social Work. Giovanna is certified by the Equity Literacy Institute to facilitate professional learning designed to effectively prepare individuals or teams of people. She is also an Equity Coach with Sustainable CT and serves as a board member for The Minority Community Freedom Fund.
Giovanna is a classically trained vocalist and an award-winning illustrator. She supports the We Need Diverse Books initiative.
Alana Ladson is from New Haven, CT and is an animator and illustrator. She has her own art business, Alana Ladson Art, in which she creates and sells art prints, pins, stickers, paintings and (soon) books. Her business creates art for all but has a focus positivity, inclusiveness, fun and empowerment for BIPOC communities. Additionally, during the day she is currently the program coordinator for EVOLUTIONS After School Program at Yale Peabody Museum. She has a deep interest and care for creating art, youth development and education.
Michelle Lapine McCabe is the Director for the Center for Food Equity and Economic Development with The Council of Churches of Greater Bridgeport. She has a background in nonprofit administration and advocacy. Her work focuses on food assistance programs that support food-based economic growth for low-income area residents. Her passion for advocacy led her to run as a CT State Senate candidate for the 28th District and enjoys engaging with people on issues important to her.