The Board

NAOMI LAWSON-BAIRD

PRESIDENT

Naomi has been involved in the arts for most of her life, starting off acting and dancing at a young age and continued dancing  throughout her life. She started booking talent for the Calgary Stampede in 2017 where she found her passion for supporting artists and entertainers with their career and performance development. She moved to Edmonton in Summer of 2022 and joined Skirts A Fire as a member of the fundraising committee shortly after. Naomi currently works as an Event Producer and also runs Inclusive Heels Dance classes through her company – Nova Movement Dance.

AZURE JOHNSON

DIRECTOR

 

LILLI CHEVRIER

DIRECTOR

Lilli has had a rewarding career supporting and guiding organizations implementing business changes; driving change adoption to improve overall success. She works in both public and private sectors, leading changes to IT, financial services, higher education, municipal, provincial and federal government to realize business benefits.

As a member of the Board, Lilli brings commitment, engagement through active participation and collaboration, financial literacy and knowledge of implementation strategies.

TREVA SWICK

PAST 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.

ALICIA FOWLER

TREASURER

ARRON BEST

VICE PRESIDENT

HEMALI BOORADA

SECRETARY

Hemali is a Kuchipudi dancer, currently completing her MFA in Kuchipudi. She is a lead member of the Shivamanohari Company and continues to teach and practice in Amiskwacîwâskahikan. Hemali has completed her LLB and is now working in the Legal sector. She was recently selected as one of Alberta’s Top 30 Under 30 for her activism towards Access to Justice and Equity in the Arts. Hemali has been an avid supporter of SkirtsAfire and looks forward to taking on an active role on the board!

JOCELYN ANSELMO

DIRECTOR

Jocelyn Anselmo is an Artistic Producer, Event Planner and performer based in Edmonton, Alberta. She graduated from Pace University (New York) with a BBA in Arts and Entertainment Management and completed a Conservatory in Musical Theatre performance from the American Musical and Dramatic Academy (New York). After graduation, she began working Off Broadway at Signature Theatre on the General Management team. Upon returning to Edmonton, she worked at the Grindstone Theatre as their Programming Manager and is now currently employed at STARS as the Community Engagement Officer planning signature events and stewarding community fundraisers. She is still involved in the arts and regularly performs with her jazz group, The Ladies of Jazz.