Bios are listed from (Left to Right) starting from (Top to Bottom).

  • Founder & Creative Visionary
    Oakland | Houston | Belize

    Sankofa is the founding visionary of the Institute of Art and Movement, where art, healing, and social transformation converge. As a multidisciplinary artist, movement practitioner, and cultural strategist, they guide the organization’s mission, creative direction, and global growth.

    Their leadership is rooted in the principles of liberation, collective care, and artistic excellence.

  • Strategic & Media Collaborator
    On My Mama Productions | Am8z!n Dance Company
    Oakland, California

    Kana Azhari is a visionary writer, filmmaker, producer, dancer and comedian who crafts stories that are rooted in a powerful blend of creative expression and liberation. Committed to freeing the land and uplifting her community, she is an advocate for radical self care and is here for healing and empowerment. With a mind that transcends boundaries and a spirit that feels straight out of outer space, she continues to create, inspire, and build a world where art and justice go hand in hand.

    Kana brings her experiences as a producer, videographer, and creative strategist to support Institute of Art and Movement in a collaborative capacity. She plays a key role in shaping our live events, capturing media content, moderating and strengthening community connections. Her involvement is project-based and cooperative, aligned with our shared values and vision for artist-centered storytelling and cultural organizing.

  • Wellness & Retreat Collaborator
    West Cayo, Belize

    Body-Culinary, led and imagined by Kwasa Khepra is a visionary wellness company offering plant-based cuisine and holistic lifestyle experiences in Belize. We are building a collaborative retreat model that brings together movement practices like capoeira, African dance, and yoga with fresh vegan cuisine rooted in local ingredients and ancestral wisdom.

    This partnership is designed to co-host immersive wellness retreats that honor the body, land, and culture—merging our distinct offerings into one transformative experience.

  • Future Faculty: Sound Arts & Sonic Liberation

    Teaching Artist, Sound Designer & Music Educator
    St.Louis, Missouri

    Syrhea Conaway is a gifted teaching artist, sound designer, and multi-instrumentalist whose expertise in sonic storytelling, music technology, and creative education will be vital to the future of our retreat programming. As a collaborator, she brings both technical mastery and artistic depth—bridging the worlds of sound design, live performance, and transformative learning.

    We envision Syrhea as a lead instructor and co-creator in future residencies and immersive offerings, where her work will support artists in exploring sound as a liberatory tool for healing, embodiment, and radical expression.

  • Intergenerational Learning & Community Education Advisor
    Houston, Texas

    Dr. Bartley is a lifelong educator, mentor, and healer whose dedication to community, youth development, and lifelong learning shapes the values of our work. As a member of our Visionary Team, she brings decades of experience in education and wellness, offering insight that supports the development of programs for both adults and youth.

    Her role will grow alongside our offerings, with plans to co-create intergenerational learning opportunities, lead workshops, and contribute to the ongoing evolution of our educational model.

  • Black Transcendence | Black Trans Bike Tour

    Community Programming Partner
    St. Louis, Missouri

    Jay-Marie is a visionary artist and cultural architect dedicated to creating sacred spaces that celebrate Black creativity, spirituality, and liberation.

    Black Transcendence collaborates with Institute of Art and Movement as a community programming partner. Through our shared commitment to music, healing, and cultural liberation, we co-create events that amplify Black and queer artistry. Our partnership is event-based, with each collaboration honoring the unique strengths of both organizations.

“Together we hold ourselves accountable to our communities— ensuring each offering reflects the organization’s commitment to visionary creatives and transformative impact.

From designing immersive retreats to curating performances and brokering fine art, we carry the living heartbeat of the Institute’s work and its future.”
— The IAM Collective