9:30 a.m. - 10:45 a.m. |
Stacey D'Angelo
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11:00 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. |
James Persichetti
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12:30 p.m. - 1:45 p.m. |
Panama Soweto
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2:00 p.m. - 3:15 p.m. |
CCA Creative Writing Students
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Stacey D'AngeloStacey D’Angelo (she/her) has been a proud member of the Community College of Aurora community for the past 16 years as a faculty member in theatre, Chair of Visual and Performing Arts, and currently serves as Interim Dean of Academic Success within the Office of Innovative Arts. Stacey is a passionate educator specializing in acting, movement, voice, directing, and creating original theatre for social justice to foster community, dialogue and elevate our student voice. She he has directed/devised over 45 productions and showcases for CCA over the last 16 years and is proud to serve in her position as Interim Dean to support the future of the innovative arts! She holds a BFA in Musical Theatre from Ithaca College and an MFA in Contemporary Performance from Naropa University. Stacey has been recognized for innovation in teaching and directing with a Top 40 Under 40 Award with the American Association for Women in Colleges, Outstanding Faculty Award with the Colorado Community College System Faculty of the Year for the community college of Aurora. |
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James PersichettiJames Persichetti is a writer, freelance editor, and rock climber who enjoys writing about queer characters going on adventures. He earned an English degree at Regis University and studied Arthurian legends, where he drew inspiration for his debut graphic novel, A TALE OF TWO KNIGHTS. He lives with his husband in Denver, Colorado.
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Panama SowetoJC Futrell, also known by his stage name Panama Soweto, is a dynamic arts executive, arts education specialist, and performance poet. He brings a multifaceted perspective to his work, viewing the world through the lens of a working artist within the Contemporary Art World, with a particular focus on Socially Engaged Art and Community Responsive Programming.Currently, JC serves as a Board Member at CherryArts, a position he has held since 2021, contributing his expertise to the organization's mission of promoting and supporting local arts and artists. Additionally, he is involved in the Denver Foundation John and Edna Mosley Scholarship Fund, as well as the Denver Foundation BRIC Advisory Committee, a role he held from 2020 to 2023. In 2022, he was instrumental in bringing Pulitzer Prize Winner Nikole Hannah Jones to the Denver Art Museum for the BRIC Fund’s anniversary celebration.JC's commitment to community engagement and advocacy is evident in his involvement in various initiatives and campaigns. In 2020, he served as a Creative Director for Arts for Biden to support the election of president Joe Biden and spearheaded a campaign to rename the Stapleton neighborhood to Mosley Park, advocating for social justice and equity in public spaces. His campaign to rename Denver's Stapleton Neighborhood after his grandfather, a Tuskegee Airman, gained national momentum, involving senators and eventually the White House, with the result being a hospital named after his grandfather.JC's impact extends beyond the arts community, as he is also a renowned spoken word artist and National Poetry Slam Champion. Under the alias Panama Soweto, he has toured over 300 colleges and universities, captivating audiences with his powerful performances. His work has been featured on platforms such as National Public Radio (NPR), Apple TV, and The Huffington Post, reflecting his ability to connect with diverse audiences and spark meaningful conversations.In recognition of his contributions as a community leader, JC has received numerous awards and accolades, including the Distinguished African Americans Who Make A Difference Award by the Denver Urban Spectrum, Metropolitan State University's Distinguished Alumni Award, and Diversity Artist of the Year for the National Association for Campus Activities. |
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