The YAC volunteer board provides the strategic vision and support to sustain and grow YAC’s innovative programming and community impact.
Our board boasts a wide range of talents and experience from accounting, law, entrepreneurship, social change, marketing, fundraising, and especially a passion and the will to lead art-based social change in all of the communities where YAC carries out its work. YAC is a 21st-century organization with a 21-st century board focused on creative innovation, and ensuring the legal and financial stability of one of Nova Scotia’s most creatively impactful charities.
Mizel Cluett
Board Chair of Youth Art Connection
Award Winning Founder @ Indigenous Futures Canada | Board Director | Arctic Sovereignty | Data-sovereignty | Foreign Policy | Reconciliation | Start-ups | International Leadership | Non-profit Strategic Planning |
Mizel brings a wide range of essential experience and passion to his leadership role at Youth Art Connection. His experience is rooted in professional music performance and other arts, community building, activism, and entrepreneurship, which he applies to a range of his own initiatives, community organizations and YAC.
A leader who believes in the power of art to make change, and the importance of centring youth voice in society, Mizel engages and empowers the YAC board, staff and youth through his vision and ideation.
Annalie Bonda
ARts sector executive leader, entrepreneur, educator
An experienced Executive Director, and advocate for social change. I am a passionate leader, uniquely apt to steward meaningful connections across multiple sectors. Motivated by my lived experiences, it is my intention to collaborate with true care for justice, diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Shakara Russell (Joseph)
ecosystem builder & entrepreneur
Shakara is a passionate business builder in our community. As the CEO of Junior Achievement Nova Scotia, Shakara led the organization to become the fastest-growing charter in Canada with increased program delivery, student reach, and impact. Shakara teaches at the Dalhousie School of Management, and has been a board member for Invest Nova Scotia, Lake City Works and Armbrae Academy
Kevin Colvey
Treasurer
Principal Kinnex Business Advisors
Kevin specializes in deal-making, developing win-win business partnerships, financial management, executive coaching, and corporate governance. Kevin has worked with a diverse range of business entities of all sizes in executive and leadership roles and has served on the boards of several private companies and not-for-profit associations. Kevin is enthusiastic to contribute to the goals and growth of Youth Art Connection.