OUR TEAM

OUR STAFF

Toyia’s Story
I remember being a 14-year-old black girl, stepping through the doors of Renton High School as a new student. In that moment I was facing hardships that left me feeling as if my words were empty and worthless. It was only through the pages of a journal that I gave my voice permission to live and grow without fear. It is because of the arts that I discovered my imagination could take flight through my voice, both written and spoken. Today, I celebrate my voice as an instrument of change inspiring others to write and speak their truth into existence. My sole life purpose is to collaborate with brilliant minds invested in the arts so that children invest in themselves and together; we build a legacy of promise.

ttaylor@speakwithpurpose.org

Toyia T. Taylor has used her voice to inspire audiences nationally and internationally. This year, she was featured in the City Arts Magazine and the recipient of the Wonder of Women (WOW) award. In 2015 she was a recipient of the National Council of Negro Women Incorporated, Style and Substance award. She has received the Education for Social Justice Award from Girls for Gender Equity, Incorporated, and has toured as a guest artist with the string octet, The Young Eight. Her original poems, Brooklyn Love and Blue Note Room, have had classical selections composed to them that were debuted at Carnegie Hall. Toyia has spoken and performed for O Magazine at the Women Rule Leadership Training Conference, co-sponsored by the White House Project. She was also featured in the 35th Anniversary Limited Edition of Interview Magazine as one of the top new artists to look out for in New York City.
Dedicated to community service, social justice, and the performing arts, her passion for inspiring others won her the title of Miss District of Columbia, which advanced her to the 1999 - 2000 Miss America Pageant. Toyia Taylor is the first woman of color to perform oratory at the Miss America Pageant. Her original oratory, Wake Up, pushed the envelope by addressing the state of today’s youth and resulted in accolades for Best Interview and Talent.
Toyia earned her Master of Fine Arts in Arts Leadership from Seattle University.

OUR BOARD

Alexandra Kaethler is a Seattle based teaching artist whose work experience spans writing, playwriting, dance, choreography and theatre. Their creative and pedagogical approaches are informed by their own lived experience, passion for social justice, and academic background in Socio-Linguistics and Psychology. Alexandra serves as Director of Education at The Shattered Glass Project where they facilitate a professional development program for playwrights & directors facing gender-based career barriers. Recent work includes: curriculum design and teaching the ‘Art of Drag’ summer camp at Seattle Children’s Theatre and teaching online youth theatre workshops.

Rhandi Rosemond is an undergraduate student at Seattle University. She is pursuing a career in journalism, media, and business. Since the age of 12, she's been an active participant in the arts and social justice advocacy work; including a SWP alumni and former advisory board member. She is also the advisor for the youth lead organization Youth Activists for Systemic Change (YASC) sponsored by SWP.

Sierra Muehlbauer graduated 2023 from the University of Washington after majoring in Education, Communities, and Organizations and History. She has worked with education programs such as Upward Bound, First Year Programs, and Riverways Alternative Spring Break. She is also passionate about expanding our history curriculum to be more inclusive. Sierra worked as an Editor for the Historical Review at UW and was Editor-In-Chief for the Spring 2023 volume. Outside of work she loves to dance, teaching introductory courses at Poprox Dance Studio, and reads as often as possible.

Rassamy is a passionate advocate for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, leveraging her background in DEI and education. Born to Laotian refugee parents in Washington State, she brings a unique perspective to her work. With a decade of experience, she partners with leaders to champion marginalized communities both personally and professionally. As the first college graduate and Lao female Modern Swing dancer in her family, she is dedicated to creating equitable spaces. When not advancing DEI initiatives, she enjoys family time and competes as an active West Coast Swing dancer.

TEACHING GUIDE & CURRICULUM DEVELOPER

Krystal earned her Bachelor’s of Science in Elementary Education from Southern Oregon University where she also competed in women's collegiate basketball. She earned her Masters in Teaching from The Evergreen State University. Krystal joined the We.APP team in 2019 and loves working with scholars from elementary to high school. As a SPS teacher for 5 years and Krystal had the opportunity to see the amazing positive impact We.APP had on her students' confidence and self esteem. We.APP has helped Krystal to reimagine how education can be student-led, fun and life changing!

I am an artist and educator dedicated to equipping all my students with the tools to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. Using practices of culturally and linguistically responsive education, my mission is to foster a learning environment that is accessible and welcoming.

Frank has worked in nonprofit fundraising for 10 years and is pleased to help Speak with Purpose scholars find their voices. Frank has a background in print and television media where he built many rewarding partnerships and is always pleased to talk with supporters about Speak with Purpose. Frank received a BA in Journalism from San Diego State University and an MA in Organizational Leadership from Chapman University. When not working, he is usually with his wife enjoying the outdoors.

The nonprofit realm is at the center of Katrinka's heart and career. She spoke competitively in high school and college and is a national award winner in persuasive speaking. She is happiest when she's hanging out with her daughter, dog and cat, reading a great book or exploring new places. "The world is waiting for your words." - Arvee Robinson

Rahma has been involved with SWP for over 7 years as a scholar and now an alumna. As a current college student, pre-law, a poet and public speaker, Rhama has been working with STG Elevate at the Moore theater for the past 2 years and has even performed at the Neptune theater’s centennial. She is a part of the Moving In Solidarity Coalition and has served on the Request for Proposal (RFP) review panel/committee for the Health and Safe Environment (HSE) grant. Rahma was a proud youth organizer for the Seattle Children's March in 2020 and a founding member and former president of YASC (Youth Activists for Systemic Change) council. She now serves as an advisor for YASC.

Promise Calloway is a dynamic communicator passionate about innovation and equitable education. In 2020, she obtained her Bachelor’s degree from Washington State University in Journalism and Media Production. She is in the last semester of her Master’s program in Strategic Communications. This endeavor has brought her to intern with SWP where she can sharpen her skillset. She aims to amplify youth voices and drive positive change through captivating graphics, photography, and social media outreach.