About
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Bio:
I am a Fellow of the third class (Seriti) of the Africa Leadership Initiative-South Africa and a member of the Aspen Global Leadership Network. Born in Alabama, where my family has been for many generations, and into an Air Force family, I learned early to treasure roots and exploration. My parents’ values and sense of justice, their progressive thinking and activism deeply influenced me.
My early work was in grassroots field organizing for progressive political candidates and causes, with invaluable mentoring from Fred Ross and Larry Tramutola. During the time I worked for Neighbor to Neighbor, I picked up fundraising skills. I took a break to study Public Administration as a graduate student at Harvard University, then returned to California to continue with a career in political, educational, and foundation fundraising. My last stint was with Mother Jones Magazine as their Chief Philanthropy Officer. Just as I was tired of this path, my only daughter was entering her last few years of high school. This deep bond we had nurtured for 16 years was going to change radically.
The last 11 years have been dedicated to a life in music and activism. I sing in the name of my maternal grandmother, Nell Robinson. I have three solo albums, the first three were produced by Jim. The Rose of No Man’s Land was produced by Joe Henry. Rose toured as a live show, PBS special, and fundraiser for veteran’s healthcare projects. I had the honor of performing at the Millennium Stage of the Kennedy Center, on A Prairie Home Companion, and singing and traveling with Ramblin’ Jack Elliott. Jim Nunally and I have recorded 4 albums, three with our band and the fourth album House and Garden with just our two voices and guitar.
Jim and I founded Whippoorwill Arts: We are on a mission to provide opportunities for roots musicians and artists to thrive and nurture their creativity with a focus on collaboration, fair wages, equity, and social justice.
We have launched a national roots musicians survey - the first to our knowledge - on what musicians say they need to survive and thrive. With $15 billion going to venues during COVID (and not a penny to musicians who fill those stages), we felt the musician's voices were missing. The report will be revealed in the early Fall. https://www.whippoorwillarts.com/research
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