BOARD MEMBERS
LaWanda Raines
President, Board of Directors
LaWanda Raines received a BFA in Dance and Choreography from Virginia Commonwealth University, her MFA in Dance: Creative Process, and holds a Certificate in Production: Design for Dance at St. Mary's College of California.. Throughout her 24 year professional dance career, Mrs. Raines has taught studio curriculum for students ages 2 to adults and continues to be a dynamic performer and choreographer capable of diverse repertory ranging from jazz, hip hop, contemporary, latin styles and musical theatre.
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Currently a Professor of Dance at Virginia State University, LaWanda is also the Founder of the Virginia Black Dance Festival.​
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Deandra Clarke
Vice President, Board of Directors
Over the past 22 years Deandra has been an accomplished entrepreneur, dance agent and dance advocate within the dance and entertainment industry. She is an avid Hip Hop dancer, choreographer and performer throughout the country.
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A Richmond, VA native, Deandra is the Owner of Studio 4 Dance Agency, the Founder of the Virginia Dance Awards and Adjunct Professor at the University of Richmond; teaching Hip Hop Dance History.
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Anja Thomas
Treasurer, Board of Directors
Throughout her marketing career, Anja led cross-functional teams in strategic planning for product development and brand management projects. Most of her experience was with Hamilton Beach Brands, in both the US and Latin American divisions.
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Originally from North Carolina, Anja holds a BA from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and an MBA from Virginia Commonwealth University. Her arts experience includes 11 years of dance and 8 years as a voice actor, namely with Firehouse Radio Players. She also serves on other boards and volunteers throughout Richmond.
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Nikkia Johnson
Board of Directors, Chair of the Development Committee
Nikkia is a nonprofit development and operations professional who is currently a Senior Development Officer at Legal Aid Justice Center. For the past decade, her career has been centered on nonprofit management and development, relationship building, and empowering marginalized communities.
Born and raised in NYC, Nikkia’s upbringing and experience in direct service and advocacy informs her commitment to advancing philanthropy rooted in equity and social justice. Nikkia is passionate about mentoring the next generation of leaders and currently serves on the Board for the Virginia Association of Fundraising Executives (VAFRE) and chairs the programs committee. Her hobbies include dancing and traveling, having gained extensive experience with amateur dance performances and social dancing.
Rob Petres
Founder, Board of Directors