I’ve had the privilege of working with Chesray as a colleague, co-Director, and as her direct report. She is a delight to work with and leads with care, joy, and community at the forefront of all she does. In the midst of this she engages with her work with a rigor and expectation of excellence, which she brings out of her collaborators and empowers all to thrive. She brings her artistry to all she does, creating genuine opportunities for creativity and connection, leading with first hand experience and deep knowledge of how to encourage play, exploration, and imagining, and how to manifest the emotional and intellectual into direct action through performance, sharings, and holistic embodiment. Working with Chesray changes the way you make art, relate to people, and view yourself. Chesray truly values and engages with art as a community endeavor. It is not only prevalent in the way she leads, listens, collaborates, and envisions; it is also a core part of how she shows up for the people and work she holds so dear.

The support I received from Chesray truly changed my life. She guided me in understanding myself and discovering where I genuinely wanted to work. When I first came to Chesray, I knew I was unhappy in my role working with students in schools, but I still had a deep love for education. I had a strong background in the field and a great network, yet I was uncertain about where I fit within the education sector. I had reached a point in my career where it was no longer just about the money; I was seeking something more meaningful. Although I still wanted a high income, I also wanted my work to make an impact and to serve my community. Chesray began by helping me understand where I fit in. Through our conversations, she engaged me in reflecting on my passion for education. That first discussion launched my search for a role that not only met my financial needs but also allowed me to make a difference. She assisted me in reconnecting with my network, helping me remember who I was and why I initially pursued a career in education. Together, we identified organizations I wanted to work with and selected individuals from my network who either worked there or knew someone who did. From there, she helped me develop an engagement plan, which ultimately led me to where I am today. I can genuinely say her support changed my life. My current work is now about so much more than just a paycheck. I moved back home to Liberia to support the rebuilding of the education system after years of war, Ebola, and COVID-19. I did this with her support.