RMSC - Key Persons

Aesha Ash

Aesha Ash is the first African American woman hired as permanent faculty at the School of American Ballet in the institution's 86 year history. Born and raised in Rochester, at 13 years old Aesha was accepted into the prestigious School of American Ballet (SAB) in New York City, where she was one of the only African American students. At 18, she joined the New York City Ballet corps de ballet, where she danced numerous soloist and principal roles. Even as a young professional dancer, she sought to defy and overcome stereotypes about Black ballet dancers to further her own career, but even more importantly to her, to open doors and change the possibilities for other dancers of color. Throughout her career as a student at SAB and then a dancer at NYC Ballet she experienced racism and an overwhelming sense of isolation and disconnectedness that contributed to her leaving the company. In 2008, Ash retired from ballet. After years of freelancing and teaching, she founded the Swan Dreams Project, which uses imagery to convey the message that beauty and talent are not constrained by race or socioeconomic status. Aesha said, "I want our youth to know that they are not limited by stereotypes nor by their environment, but only by their dreams."

Amanda Redman

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School & Teachers Programs Coordinator

Amy Coté

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TRUSTEE

Ana Liss

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TRUSTEE
Director, Monroe County Department of Planning & Development Executive Director, COMIDA & MCIDC

Andrew J. Meloni

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HONORARY TRUSTEE

André Hudson

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TRUSTEE
Interim Dean, College of Science, RIT

Angela Cannon

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Forest School & Interpretive Programs Coordinator

Anna Murray Douglass

Anna Murray Douglass was a key stationmaster on Rochester's Underground Railroad and made Frederick Douglass's work possible. Anna was a resourceful woman. She worked hard as a domestic servant and saved enough so that by the time she met Frederick Douglass, she was able to help fund his escape from slavery. After they started a family, she continued to support them financially, as his lectures and appearances could not provide enough income. In Rochester, Anna established her home as a stop on the Underground Railroad. She provided food, lodging, and clean linens for freedom seekers. She was called on at all hours of the night to help. Anna was a member of the Anti-Slavery Societies in Massachusetts and Rochester. It was Anna who inspired her husband and kept the household running smoothly, the children cared for, and the money saved and managed while his fame and obligations grew.

Anthony J. Adams

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Vice - Chair, Governance

Arnold J. Eckert

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HONORARY TRUSTEE

Brian Hathaway

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Manager of Camps Programs

Bruce Baker

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TRUSTEE

Calvin Uzelmeier

cu..@rmsc.org

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Director of Exhibits

Carolyn Cossavella

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TRUSTEE
Senior Director of Engineering, Imaging Within Space and Airborne Systems Segment at L3Harris Technologies

Chelsea Vasquez

cv..@rmsc.org

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Registrar

Christine Whitman

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HONORARY TRUSTEE

Dan Kalin

dk..@rmsc.org

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Manager of Events & Hospitality

Dan Keeley

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TRUSTEE

Dan Schneiderman

ds..@rmsc.org

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Eclipse Partnerships Coordinator

Daniel Pieters

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TRUSTEE

Danielle Ponder

Danielle ‘Dee" Ponder is a defense attorney, speaker, and local social justice activist who has dedicated over 15 years to organizing and advocating for marginalized communities. Dee has worked on issues such as education funding, women's rights, criminal justice reform, and she has become an active and inspiring voice in the local Black Lives Matter protests. After first joining the Monroe County Public Defender's Office as the only African American lawyer, Danielle returned in 2020 as the Special Assistant Public Defender, Diversity and Inclusion Officer. One of her main goals in the new position has been to increase the percentage of lawyers who are people of color. Now, just under 10% of the staff attorneys are from underrepresented communities. Danielle is also an accomplished internationally recognized vocalist and songwriter. In 2017 she created the multimedia show For the Love of Justice, where she shines a light on our criminal justice system through powerful lyrics and thought provoking visuals. Her songs advocate for racial equality, women's empowerment, and love.