OUR TEAM
Meet the innovative, driven and creative individuals who bring life to IMPACT!
IMANI HARRIS
Founder
Trained in the art of dance by the late Paul Kennedy of Universal Dance Designs Los Angeles, San Diego State University Dance Department and the Alvin Ailey Dance Academy in New York. Imani founded Positive Images of Self-Expression (PISE) 1997-2011.
DINO SHORTE
Production Director
Dino Shorte is an exceptionally talented Television Writer and stand up comedian. With deep, long- standing ties to and experience in every facet of the Entertainment field, Mr. Shorte prides himself on always doing everything he can to become a valuable asset to any production he's involved in. A native of Atlanta, he considers his membership at Faithful Central to be one of his greatest joys and blessings.
Chris Smith has performed with companies such as Invertigo Dance Theatre, Jazzantiqua, Bristol Contemporary, KPA Fusion. Chris studied and performed "Memoria" with the world renowned Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre in their 2011 Los Angeles residency and performances, under the direction of Judith Jameson. He has also performed work for Troy Powell (Ailey ll Artistic Director), Frit and Frat, Ken Morris (Lula Washington Dance Theatre), and Carlos Jones. Credits: Chris was a featured dancer in Nneka the artist with Sony Music and Co. Epic Records.
CHRIS SMITH
Production Director
Jozanne Marie is an , Acclaimed Actress, Playwright, Poet and Advocate for women. This Jamaican born multi-talented artist is a NAACP Awards winner for Best Solo Show – BEAUTIFUL. Which she wrote and performed. Jozanne is already hard at work adapting BEAUTIFUL into her first feature film and laying the ground work for her next next solo show.
JOZANNE MARIE
Acting Coach
JOY WILLIAMS
Team Leader
Joy Williams started dancing at the age of 5, continued her training at Orange County High School of the Arts and then went on to acquire her Bachelors degree in Dance at the University of California Santa Barbara. She later got represented by Clear Talent Group and danced professionally for TV, stage, and film projects and also began choreographing for musical artists, celebrities, dance companies, professional dance teams, and dance camps.
ANGEL LESTER
Team Leader
Angel Lester is a 25 year old Veteran team leader, and tap teacher at Impact summer conservatory. She's been a dancer for 18 years, training in tap, modern, ballet under the direction of Imani Hayward. I love being apart of the best summer camp in town, because not only do the staff impact the children but the children impact our lives as well!
JAMES MAHKWEEN
Team Leader
James MahKween is from Atlanta, GA. He graduated with a BFA in Musical Theater from American Musical and Dramatic Academy (AMDA). After graduating, MahKween has been setting and reaching goals. He has performed with Lula Washington Dance Theatre, JazzAntiqua, and Kouman Kele African Dance and Drum Company, and BrockusRed . Recently, he has been seen at The Saban Theatre Performing for NAACP THEATRE AWARDS. His choreography has been shown at NAACP ACT-SO 2014 & 2015, Highways Performance Space, DANCESCAPE, DanceSpot LA, Tri-Art Festival, Sol-Cal Dance Invitational, and HHII Dance Festival.
ASHIA KEYES
Team Leader
Ashia Nicole Keyes has performed in numerous dance concerts and competed in several local and national competitions. Dance has awarded her the privilege to travel to Florida and New York on three separate occasions. Her last trip to New York was the invaluable experience of spending six weeks as a student with The Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater's Summer Intensive Program. During her career thus far, she has performed with principal dancers from Wicked, The Lion King, Dance Theater of Harlem and The Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater to name a few.
MICHAL JACKSON
Team Leader
Michal Jackson has a Bachelor's of Art in Mass Communications and is currently working in Special Education. She isa member of the dance ministry at FCBC. I have a passion for building self-esteem in our youth.
MASINA TORRES
Team Leader
Masina Torres has a strong passion for working with children and making a difference in their lives. She is a singer, actress and dancer. This is her fourth year with Impact summer conservatory, and she is looking forward to another phenomenal production as well as creating unbreakable bonds and unforgettable memories.
SHIANNE
Team Leader
Shianne, an Inglewood native, looks forward to joining the 2017 Summer Impact Conservatory team. As a trained dancer, marketing strategist and performing arts advocate, Shianne looks forward to instilling positive values, mentorship and arts education to this year’s young artist. As a young entrepreneur, Shianne is in continual pursuit to “Cultivate a Culture of Black Excellence”.