The Board

TREVA SWICK

PRESIDENT

Treva is a white heritage settler who is ecstatic championing the vibrant space(s) of SkirtsAfire Festival on Treaty Six Territory in Amiskwacîwâskahikan (Edmonton). Treva’s ancestors homesteaded on the ancient and unceded Coast Salish Territory between Katzie and Kwantlen First Nation from Finland, Iceland, and Scotland early in the twentieth century. During childhood, her family moved to unceded Syilx Okanagan Nation and later she moved to Amiskwacîwâskahikan (Edmonton) where she raised a family, worked in the retail sector, and completed her capstone MA at the University of Alberta studying the history of art, design and visual culture.

ZOE VERHEES

VICE PRESIDENT

Zoe has been on the board since January 2020 and is passionate to continue and move into the role of Vice President. Zoe comes to the board with experience as a board member on multiple performing arts organizations in Whitehorse, Yukon. Since moving to Edmonton in 2017, Zoe has witnessed the strong artistic community in the city and is grateful to be a part of this festival that highlights and empowers female identified artists to perform and share their craft. Zoe comes to the table with experience as a dancer, holding a BA honours degree in dance from York University. Zoe also runs a collective based in the Yukon dedicated to creating opportunities for emerging and established artists to showcase new and experimental work called Brave New Works. Zoe is honoured to support female identifying artists in the Edmonton (Treaty 6) area to explore, participate and develop art through this fantastic and supportive festival, SkirtsAfire.

HITOMI SUZUTA

SECRETARY

After five years as a Volunteer for the Festival, it is an honour to serve the organization on the Board of Directors. I bring extensive Board and Volunteer Management experience with festivals and non-profit organizations across Canada. My Board strengths are in organizational development, risk management, facilitating diversity and change. My strongest qualities are a strong work ethic and to be an influencer and change maker. SkirtsAfire’s work aligns with my feminist desires for improving the status of women and the passion I bring to organizing and managing diverse arts events.

I believe women need to become leaders in all areas of our society. Arts can be a way to lead through the expression of ideas and perspectives, shining a critical light on areas that need improvement. I believe SkirtsAfire can be a model of that kind of leadership for our future generations to build a better society.

DEB KONDYSAR

PAST PRESIDENT

Deb has always had a love for the arts from theatre and live music, to dancing and literature. In her spare time she is an aspiring writer and avid reader. She is excited to join the SkirtsAfire board and help promote this amazing festival.  

ALICIA FOWLER

TREASURER

LANA ANDERSON

DIRECTOR

Lana is delighted to be working with the SkirtsAfire Board, bringing her background in organizational development to support the Festival’s growth. Having a love for the arts, she’s inspired by the talented Festival volunteers and staff who are dedicated to showcasing amazing women artists. Lana is proud to join such a remarkable team.

ELVA RICE

DIRECTOR

Elva has been a volunteer for SkirtsAfire Festival for many years and and is happy to be more involved in the operation of this amazing organization. Her professional background was in the Social Services but she was brought up around theatre and music and has a diploma in Performing Arts. Over the years she has served on the executive of amateur theatre groups as well as social service associations and feels that her experience will benefit SkirtsAfire.  As she has now retired, she hopes to contribute in any way that she can.