Keta Newborn is an ambitious, tenderhearted, and compassionate poet, self-published author, and mother of two daughters. Keta entered the world of theatre in 2006 after spending the previous 12 years as a computer engineer. Before joining YPT in October 2018, from 2006 until 2018, Keta focused primarily on becoming a household name within the arts industry as a freelance artist. Working throughout the DMV as well as New York, Boston, and Atlanta areas, Keta’s involvement within the theatrical world allowed her to hold many different titles on many different levels for over a decade. Keta is recognized for being a detail-oriented person who is deeply committed to her work. Highly skilled at working with a diverse group of people to build effective creative solutions by using well-developed interpersonal communication skills, Keta would like to thank her Father above for the opportunity to be used as one of HIS vessels, working to bring HIS work of art into the hearts of many.
To learn more about Keta and her work, please visit www.newbornketa.com.
With more than ten years of experience in nonprofit development, Brenna Hill is a fierce advocate for the performing arts and how nonprofits can be a partner in dismantling white supremacy. She is drawn to YPT’s mission through her passionate commitment to social justice and to ensuring that young people are empowered to share their voices and create meaningful societal change.
Prior to joining YPT, Brenna worked in Development roles at The National Center for Children and Families, Ocean Conservancy, and The John. F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. Brenna holds an MFA in Dramaturgy and Script Development from Columbia University School of the Arts. She also has a BA in Drama Studies from SUNY Purchase, summa cum laude, and received the Drama Studies Award for Outstanding Student in her senior year. Originally from New York City, her theater background includes interning under Oskar Eustice at the Public Theater and working at the Ohio Theatre’s Ice Factory Festival. She now lives in Maryland with her partner and two young children and has deep connections with Queer and polyamorous communities in the DMV metro area.
Farah Lawal Harris is a well-dressed poet, artistic leader, and breast cancer survivor who overcomes obstacles with grace, and inspires others to do the same. She is also a Kilroys’ List playwright whose work has been performed at Arena Stage, The Kennedy Center’s Theatre for Young Audiences, The University of Texas at Austin, Round House Theatre, and multiple festivals and universities along the East Coast.
Farah is an emeritus member of Theatre Washington’s Advisory Board and Helen Hayes Award Adjudication Committee. She also co-chaired the 2020 and 2022 DC Theatre Summits. She is a proud co-founder of the Washington, DC-based theatre companies, The Saartjie Project, and Wild Women Theatre, and a three-time individual artist grant recipient from the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities.
She lives her life by the following “I Am” statement: “I am divinely connected to all there is, with the power to shift my energy to embody all that I am. I am love, power, resilience, compassion, beauty, intelligence, and vulnerability–ever-evolving with infinite possibility.” Farah gives infinite thanks to God, her family, ancestors, friends, and mentors who shaped her into the woman she is today. To learn more about Farah, visit www.farahlawalharris.com.
Cody is a photographer, designer, mixed media artist, and storyteller.
Born and raised in South Texas, they found their way into journalism, where they started collecting storytelling skills like they were Pokémon cards. It didn’t take long for them to find a real love for photography and design, and that love grew, helping them build on other skills and branch into audio, video, and other art forms.
They soon found themself living in Washington, DC with their wife. Continuing to grow and cultivate their skills, they now work primarily with nonprofits focused on arts education and underrepresented communities. They have a strong passion for highlighting stories and people that can facilitate change in communities of all sizes. They also believe in creating a fun and comforting environment focused on making high-level art more accessible to everyone. You can learn more and see Cody’s work at codybahn.com.
