Meet Our Leadership Team
Maurita Salkey
Founder and CEO
Veronica Arts Media
Maurita Salkey is the Founder and Executive Director of Veronica Arts Media. A graduate of Temple University, Maurita has been in the media industry for over eight years. Starting out as a director and filmmaker with her own production company, Veronica John Productions, where she wrote, directed, and produced two short films, her work has been recognized by the New York Council of the Arts and Bronx Council of the Arrs. Since launching Veronica Arts Media in March 2023, she has driven her organization to secure partnerships with prestigious institutions such as Teacher's College Columbia University, Scholars for Educational Opportunity, Kipp, and Uncommon Schools. Maurita's vision for Veronica Arts Media in the next five years is to expand its reach and impact, creating more educational opportunities in media arts for at-risk youth and establishing partnerships with a wider array of prestigious institutions and organizations. Her dedication is evident in her innovative programs and impactful community initiatives
Driadonna Roland
Secretary
Development Coordinator, Comedy Central
Driadonna has over 10 years' experience in content creation, including: writing, copy editing, developing brand voice, developing original content for major media outlets, producing digital series, creating editorial frameworks, and live production — with an emphasis on thoughtful diversity and inclusion.
Jamila Huxtable
Treasurer
Producer; Marketplace
Jamila serves as a producer for Marketplace's Social team, where her primary focus involves crafting compelling videos and visual graphics for Marketplace's social media platforms. In addition to her role in content creation, she spearheads organic strategy and engagement for podcasts launches and special projects, contributing her expertise across all broadcast programs.
Melissa Nyarko
Community Outreach Officer
Senior Brand Manager: Live Nation
Ms. Nyarko epitomizes integrity, leadership and an enterprising spirit. Deeply passionate about equitable education, she is honored to also serve her community as a youth tutor and mentor. Ms. Nyarko works to uplift the next generation of professionals by equipping students with the valuable knowledge needed to succeed in creative careers.
Diana Sainvil-Robinson
Director of Programming & Partnerships
Managing Director, Leadership Development at Teach For America!
Diana is an accomplished Executive Institutional Leader with over 8 years of experience providing business and organizational leadership in academic institutions including secondary education roles.
Meet Our Teaching Artists
Leica Lucien
Lecia is an actress, designer, and illustrator based in New York City. Her theatrical journey includes performances in various theater productions, commercials, and films. When she is not performing, Leica channels her creative talents into empowering small businesses through impactful web design and illustration services.
Brandon Lizardi
Brandon Lizardi is a filmmaker based in New York City. He is passionate about storytelling and inspiring the next generation of filmmakers.
Chanel Dupree
Chanel Dupree is an award winning screenwriter and director based in NYC. Her second film “Next Stop” earned her “Best Female Director” and is currently streaming on NoBudge. Chanel has written in several writers’ rooms, including her web series “Black Retail” that won her “Best Comedy” & “Best Web series”. A winner of Spec that Scene, a finalist for Women Write Now, finalist of BLACK BOY/GIRL WRITES MEDIA and A fellow of BRIC’s Screenwriters Lab, Chanel’s work can be found on Shadow & Act, HuffPost and African Voices.
Samantha Thompson
Samantha Thompson is a screenplay writer, director, producer, editor, cinematographer, and actress. To date Samantha has three projects currently out called, “Life Over Death” which is streaming on Prime Video, “Lick The Series” which is streaming on Tubi, and ‘The Invite’ streaming on YouTube.
Janelle Saint-Eloi
Janelle Saint-Eloi is an emerging film producer passionate about telling unique and vibrant stories, specifically those that highlight women and people of color.