MOVE Artists Appoints Seven New Advisors to Boost Voter Turnout Through Arts
MOVE Artists has appointed seven new board members with diverse expertise in arts, education, and business to leverage creative works for increasing voter registration and civic engagement ahead of its fall 2025 launch.
MOVE Artists announced seven new appointments to its Board of Advisors, advancing preparations for the initiative's official launch this fall. The nonpartisan civic engagement initiative, powered by the Drake Institute of Women's Policy, utilizes artistic creativity and influence to enhance voter registration and turnout across the United States.
Destiny Drake West, MAS, founder of MOVE Artists and CEO of the Drake Institute of Women's Policy, emphasized the strategic importance of the new board. "Art moves people, and people move communities forward," West stated. "This distinguished board brings the artistic training, technical expertise, and strategic insight needed to connect with communities in ways that are both culturally meaningful and civically impactful."
The newly appointed advisors bring diverse expertise spanning arts, culture, education, law, business, and community engagement. Sarah Wilber, former Vice President of Capital Campaigns and Strategic Planning at the Kennedy Center, brings experience from leading its $250 million Endowment Campaign. Jordan Shelby West, Ph.D., Associate Vice Provost at George Washington University, contributes as a nationally recognized, award-winning scholar-activist.
Other appointees include Ian Alden Russell, Ph.D., a global arts executive and curator with over ten years of experience touring and recording with the award-winning vocal group Anúna. Cameron Nelson, Executive Producer for TEDxSouthCentral, combines business executive experience with classical piano training. Jheri Holbert, Ed.D., Founder and CEO of Kids4Equity, adds performing arts background with appearances in commercials, television, and film.
Christina Heliotis, LL.M., brings legal expertise in digital economy regulation and policy alongside her work as a part-time abstract painter exhibited in D.C. and New York City. Dianne Giacoio, Vice President of Business Development and Corporate Internet Sales at Capezio, supports growth for the global dancewear brand with international sales and distribution experience.
The appointments are effective immediately, with each member serving a two-year term. MOVE Artists will partner with college campuses, creative hubs, and community organizations to produce artistic works that function as civic engagement tools, addressing voter participation challenges through culturally relevant approaches.