Archives: People

Melanie Humphrey is originally from Kansas City, Missouri, where she cultivated a passion for theatre thanks to the many arts programs that were available. After graduating from Missouri State University, …

La Keisha Leek is an administrator and artist advocate based in Chicago. With a love for operations and supporting nonprofits, she currently serves as Grants Management Administrator at the John …

Kendrick Cox is a global HR executive with 25+ years of HR experience across a range of industries including financial and professional services, insurance, healthcare, and multi-unit retail. Kendrick relocated …

Reginald Robinson’s love for traditional jazz styles started in 1984 with his older brother listening to Swing recordings at home. In 1986 while in 7th grade, Urban Gateways held an …

Laura Wesslund is a teaching artist with a specialty in theatre and dance. She’s thrilled to continue working with Urban Gateways, which allows her to share her love of the …

Marya Spont-Lemus writes fiction and personal narratives, critically re-makes objects, and educates/facilitates/collaborates, often in public spaces. As an educator, Marya has worked in various out-of-school-time and community settings, as well …

Isabella is a Junior in the Omega program at Lane Tech College Prep. She is also a member of the teen councils at Steppenwolf Theatre and the Old Town School …

Mari Moroz is originally from Minneapolis, MN and came to Chicago in 2019 through way of Des Moines, IA, where she also received her degree in public relations from Drake …

Trasha Embry joined the Urban Gateways Board of Directors in 2020 and is an Executive Director and Assistant General Counsel for JPMorgan Chase. As a member of the Legal Department, …

Héctor Alvarez is an actor, director, and theater critic from Spain. He has worked as a teaching artist with Chicago Shakespeare Theater, Chicago Youth Shakespeare, Lookingglass Theatre Company, Victory Gardens, Congo …