Harlem school of the arts team

Aaliyah Randle serves as the Marketing Manager at Harlem School of the Arts (HSA), a role she has embraced with passion and dedication since joining the organization. With a robust background in educational sectors, Aaliyah brings a unique blend of expertise and innovation to her position. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a focus on Marketing and has undergone extensive training in digital marketing strategies. In her current role, Aaliyah leverages her skills to enhance HSA’s brand visibility, engage diverse audiences, and promote the institution’s rich array of arts programs. Her commitment to fostering community engagement and supporting HSA’s mission to inspire and educate future generations is evident in her dynamic approach to marketing and outreach.

Adia Jefferson works in Student Services to aid and assist in all matters concerning parents, students, and class registration. She is an HSA Theatre Prep alumni, an aspiring writer/filmmaker and she adores fashion. She is looking forward to one day expanding her reach and becoming a teaching artist in the Theatre department. You can find her in the student services office to address any questions or concerns.

Amy Rosa is the Student Services Reporting Associate at Harlem School of the Arts, where she has been contributing her expertise for nearly three years. With a solid background in administration within the education sector, Amy brings a wealth of experience and a keen eye for detail to her role. Her work involves managing and analyzing student data, ensuring that the institution maintains its high standards of excellence. Amy’s dedication to supporting students and enhancing educational processes is reflected in her commitment to fostering a nurturing and efficient learning environment at HSA.

With over 30 years of experience as a professional cellist, Ann brings a unique perspective to her role as Director of Strategic Partnerships and Outreach at Harlem School of the Arts. In addition to solo appearances with the Philadelphia Orchestra and the New Jersey Symphony, she can be heard on several movie soundtracks, has toured worldwide, recorded, and performed onstage with artists such as Andrea Bocelli, Lady Gaga, Tony Bennett, Cheyenne Jackson, and the Eagles, and has appeared on David Letterman and Saturday Night Live. She has been an orchestra member of both the NY City Ballet and the Festival Orchestra of Lincoln Center, where she is also a consultant on community engagement and educational initiatives. Formerly an arts administrator at NJ Symphony, Ann created the organization’s first-ever amateur chamber music program, which actively brings Symphony and community musicians together. At Harlem School of the Arts, where she has been since January 2024, she hopes to not only help steward the school’s artistic excellence but make it accessible to everyone.

Former HSA student and Harlem native, Brittany Steele, is the Executive Manager to the President and CEO at the Harlem School of the Arts (HSA). During her time as a student, she trained in ballet and acting, which deepened her passion for the arts. With a Master of Business Administration in Marketing, Brittany brings extensive experience in executive support and office administration to her role. Her commitment to the arts and her community drive her work at HSA. In her current role, she provides essential support to the President and CEO, contributes to the executive team and development department, and serves as a key liaison to the Board of Directors. Brittany’s unique blend of artistic passion and business acumen supports her efforts to advance the school’s mission of nurturing and inspiring the next generation of artists.

As Director of Special Events at the Harlem School of the Arts, Claudia creates impactful experiences by leading the monetization of HSA’s venue spaces, managing rentals, and developing community programming. With a focus on creativity, collaboration, and attention to detail, she plays a key role in driving special events revenue while delivering memorable experiences that resonate with both the community and HSA’s clients.

Derek, a true New Yorker and Brooklyn Tech alum, began his career in entertainment and media after earning an Economics degree from SUNY Cortland. He honed his financial skills at MTV and other major media companies before transitioning to education, inspired by his mom and a passion for social justice.

Derek is dedicated to giving back to his community and empowering others through collective action. A former high school History teacher, he left the NYC DOE for a career in ad agencies and management consulting, but soon realized it was time to make a meaningful change. He shifted to the non-profit, cultural arts sector, where he could see the positive impact of his work firsthand.

Derek is active in industry conferences, social justice advocacy, and helps with translation and immigration. He excels at connecting with people and leading with empathy, making him a strong advocate for underserved communities. In his free time, Derek enjoys history, collecting jazz albums, cooking, staying fit, and listening to NPR or soulful house and hip-hop.

James C. Horton is the President & CEO of the Harlem School of the Arts. And has over two decades of experience in working with communities all over the country to use the arts as a tool for engagement and empowerment. James joined HSA after serving as the Vice President of Education and Engagement at the Museum of the City of New York. Mr. Horton led Public Programs, the FAO Schwartz Education Center, which impacts the lives of 50,000 students annually, and helped the Museum deepen its connection with New York City’s diverse communities through the development of a new branch of programming at MCNY called Community Based Initiatives.  During the Summer of 2022, under Mr. Horton’s leadership, the REACH (Research, Education, Arts, Community, History) Ambassadors program was launched. The REACH Ambassadors Initiative engages NYC youth and adults in programs and experiences developed By, With, and For New Yorkers in all five Boroughs. Horton has also held leadership positions at Carnegie Hall as director of social impact, the National Guild for Community Arts Education, and the Harlem Children’s Zone. 
James studied Theater and Communications at Southern University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.  He participated in the Shannon Leadership Institute at St. Paul University in Minnesota and is a graduate of the Columbia University Business School Institute for Not-for-Profit Management in New York City.  He is the recipient of several national awards and has been an invited keynote speaker and presenter at both global and national conferences focused on education, arts, culture, and community engagement. Mr. Horton is a longtime Harlem resident, where he makes his home with his partner and four children.

With extensive experience as a seasoned administrative professional, Jennifer offers a wealth of organizational and interpersonal skills to her current role as the HR and Payroll Coordinator. Jennifer’s lengthy work experience reflects a commitment to efficiency and effective communication that fosters her ability to manage complex tasks and support team dynamics. In addition, Jennifer has an entrepreneurial spirit, running a small business that showcases her dedication and versatility. Balancing a professional career with entrepreneurial endeavors and creative interests, Jennifer embodies a vital blend of proficiency, creativity, and dedication.

Jessenia joined Harlem School of the Arts in 2024 as the Senior Accountant. She is a native New Yorker and graduated with an MBA in Accounting from Mercy University. An alumni of Talent Unlimited High School, where she majored in vocal music, she has always had a passion for the arts. Prior to joining HSA she worked as an Accountant and Finance Manager, bringing with her many years of non-profit accounting experience having worked at arts organizations such as MoMA PS1 and The Museum of Modern Art. When not engaged in the arts, she enjoys staying active by hiking and running. She’s an avid marathoner who has completed five out of six World Marathon Majors and has run the NYC Marathon three times.

Jon began his career working 2 years for a Governmental CPA Firm in Bergen County, NJ performing Operational Audits of Municipalities and Boards of Education, then switched to the Private Sector where he has happily been since.  20+ years experience in the Accounting Field (Public & Private), For-Profit & Not-For-Profit in a variety of industries including Social Services, Manufacturing, and Retail.  Bank Reconciliations, Journal Entries preparation & posting (standard monthly, adjusting, reclassing), General Ledger Account Analysis.

W. Lee Hogans, in his third year as Chief Education Officer at the Harlem School of the Arts (HSA), leverages his extensive experience in music education and administration to enrich the school’s offerings. With a background that includes directing music education at Jazz House Kids, teaching brass instruments, and a 20-year career performing with legends like Prince and Stevie Wonder, Mr. Hogans brings a deep passion for music to his role. He integrates technology into the curriculum, oversees productions, manages budgets, and supports HSA’s mission, all while emphasizing inclusivity, high-quality arts education, and a commitment to foster a vibrant and enriching environment at HSA.

Leyland is the recipient of multiple grants, became the resident choreographer at the Harlem School of the Arts in 2017, the Chair of Dance in 2020, and the Artistic Director in 2024. He trained at Interlochen Arts Academy, Miami City Ballet, the Dance Theater of Harlem, the Ailey School, and The School of American Ballet. He also holds a Masters Degree in Dance Education from NYU. Leyland has performed with Ailey 2, Complexions Contemporary Ballet, and the New York City Ballet. He also serves on the School of American Ballet’s Alumni Advisory Committee on Diversity and Inclusion and was one of the first African Americans invited to the American Ballet Theater National Training Curriculum Board of Examiners.

As the Director of Institutional Giving, Lois is responsible for securing funding from foundations, corporations, and government to support HSA. Before joining HSA in 2022, she spent thirty years as a development professional advocating for social justice, equity, civil liberties, and human rights at organizations such as Pacifica Radio, the ACLU, Amnesty International, the Thurgood Marshall College
Fund, and the NAACP Legal Defense & Education Fund. HSA’s unique position at the intersection of the arts, community service, education, and social justice resonates deeply with Lois’ values and passions, making her work on behalf of the Harlem School of the Arts especially meaningful. And she is thrilled to live and work in the vibrant Harlem community!

As the Director of Theatre at The Harlem School of the Arts, her goal is to ensure that students receive the best Theatrical training in not just Harlem, but all of NYC.  As a graduate of the University of Illinois with a BFA in Acting in 2012,  she cultivated her passion for acting and storytelling. Her roots as a biracial child of both African American and Mexican descent in Chicago inspire her to tell stories of individuals whose voices are often unheard, specifically those of women and girls who look like her. Mercedes is known for her role in the hit show Somebody Somewhere on HBO, where she is currently a series regular. Her play Genesis: A Prequel to a Raisin in the Sun received its Off-Broadway World Premiere earlier this year at the Queen’s Theatre. Her TV and film writing credits include The 30th Year(s), Mailroom, and Cupid’s Chokehold, which won Best Screenplay at the Gladiator Film Festival. She is currently working on a new play called Metaphor for a Tree, which addresses the Disparities in Maternal Mortality Rates for Black Women.  Mercedes is based in Brooklyn, NY but is a Chicagoan at heart. EARTH without ART is just “EH”.

Vanessa Clark is the newly appointed Chief Operating Officer for HSA, overseeing IT, Human Resources, and Operations. With a distinguished career spanning over 15 years in the nonprofit sector, Vanessa is a proven leader skilled in developing and executing strategies that drive organizational success. She holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from Baruch College, The City University of New York, and is a SHRM-CP certified professional.

Ms. Hernandez brings more than 25 years of experience and expertise working in both the public and private sectors, leading organizational transformation initiatives, and optimizing financial management processes. She is a skilled collaborator who specializes in helping to enhance organizational effectiveness and efficiency by establishing fiscal discipline, accountability, and transparency, especially within the not-for-profit world. Prior to joining Harlem School of the Arts, Yomara held various positions that provided her with a well-rounded understanding of financial and operational management, including positions as CFO at: Amnesty International USA, Abyssinian Baptist Church, and as Director of Fiscal Operations at Catholic Charities. Most recently, she was the founder and president of Gazelle CPA Accounting and Consulting Firm. Yomara received her Bachelor of Business Administration degree (BBA), with a concentration in Accounting from Baruch College. She is also a Certified Public Accountant (CPA). Additionally, she has served as Treasurer on the board of 3119 Bailey Avenue, Inc. cooperative, for the past decade.