DEB KONDYSAR
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.
Deb Kondysar
President
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.
Zoe Verhees
Vice President
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.
Hitomi Suzuta
Secretary
WENDY SMEREKA
TREASURER
Wendy Smereka
Treasurer
NALLELY ALCOCER
DIRECTOR
Nallely is a passionate and enthusiastic teacher. She enjoys traveling and learning about other cultures and traditions.
She was born and raised in Monterrey, Mexico. In 2011, she set off on an adventure and moved to Beijing, China where she worked at an international school as a teacher and academic coordinator.
Nallely moved to Edmonton in 2016, and soon after, she and her husband welcomed their baby daughter to the world. Nallely and baby had an amazing experience doing Yoga in the Art together at SkirtsAfire Festival, and she felt drawn to be more involved with the organization. Nallely feels fortunate to live with her family in such a positive city with so many exciting opportunities. She is excited to be a SkirtsAfire board member and contribute to making a difference in the community.
Nallely Alcocer
Director
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.
Lana Anderson
Director
TREVA SWICK
DIRECTOR
Treva is thrilled to be involved in the vibrant space(s) of SkirtsAfire Festival and takes great pleasure in being part of supporting women in the arts. A current MA student in the History of Art, Design and Visual Culture (HADVC) at the University of Alberta and background in the retail sector assist in the collaborative energy of the staff and board for making things happen.
Treva Swick
Director
