Josh Holliday  | Emcee 

Vice President of Marketing, Communications & Sales at Midland Center for the Arts

Josh Holliday brings passion and energy to his role as Vice President of Marketing, Communications, and Sales at Midland Center for the Arts. A lifelong Spartan, he earned his degree from Michigan State University and built his career through experiences at Wharton Center, the Grand Ole Opry, and the Tennessee Performing Arts Center. At Midland Center, Josh has led through unprecedented challenges, including the pandemic and historic flooding, demonstrating the power of adaptability and creativity in keeping communities connected. His work champions the idea that arts and culture are not just entertainment but vital to community resilience and belonging. With vision and dedication, Josh continues to help shape Michigan’s cultural landscape for the future.

Amy Spadafore | Speaker

Managing Director of Pit & Balcony Theater

President of Cultural Advocacy Network of Michigan 

Michigan Arts and Culture Council Member

A lifelong advocate for the arts, Amy Spadafore is committed to building vibrant, inclusive communities through creativity and collaboration. Born and raised in Saginaw County, she has led Pit & Balcony Theatre since 2016 and serves on multiple boards, including the Michigan Arts & Culture Council, Cultural Advocacy Network of Michigan, Saginaw Bay Symphony Orchestra, and Arts Midwest. Named a Michigan Arts & Culture Council Rising Leader in 2019, Amy works at the intersections of art, community development, and advocacy. She believes in the power of art to connect, heal, and inspire, and she channels that belief into partnerships across local, state, and regional levels. When not working, Amy enjoys sports, painting, and family time with her husband, son, and beloved pug.

Senator Ed McBroom | Speaker

38th Senate District | senatoredmcbroom.com

Senator Ed McBroom represents Michigan’s 38th Senate District, serving communities across the Upper Peninsula. A fourth-generation dairy farmer, McBroom continues to operate his family’s century-old farm in Vulcan, balancing his deep agricultural roots with his public service. He earned dual bachelor’s degrees in Music Education and Social Studies Education from Northern Michigan University, reflecting his dedication to both culture and community. McBroom previously served three terms in the Michigan House before being elected to the Senate, where he currently serves on key committees including Oversight, Elections and Ethics, and Transportation and Infrastructure. He is proud to represent and advocate for the unique needs, voices, and traditions of Michigan’s U.P., always rooted in a spirit of stewardship and service.

Gretchen Gonzales Davidson | Speaker 

Chair of Michigan Arts and Culture Council

Gretchen Gonzales Davidson is a recording artist, producer, and passionate advocate for arts and culture. Based in Detroit, she has recorded dozens of albums with projects including Universal Indians, Slumber Party, and Infinite River, while also producing and connecting artists through El Studio 444. Currently serving as Chair of the Michigan Arts and Culture Council, Gretchen also contributes her leadership to the National Council on the Arts, Cranbrook Academy, BasBlue, Smithsonian Folkways, and more. Known for bringing people together—whether curating concerts, building campaigns, or advocating nationally—she embodies the power of the arts to connect and transform. Gretchen’s creativity, collaboration, and commitment make her a force in shaping Michigan’s vibrant cultural landscape.

Representative Julie Rogers | Speaker

41st House District | housedems.com/julie-rogers/

State Representative Julie Rogers proudly serves Michigan’s 41st House District, representing Kalamazoo and surrounding communities. Now in her third term, she brings over two decades of experience as a physical therapist to her role, championing public health, access to care, and community well-being. In the Legislature, she serves as Minority Vice Chair on the Medicaid and Behavioral Health and Military and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Subcommittees, and as a member of the Higher Education and Community Colleges Appropriations Subcommittee. Before joining the House, she served on the Kalamazoo County Board of Commissioners. Representative Rogers is dedicated to practical, people-centered solutions that strengthen communities and ensure all Michiganders have opportunities to thrive.

Jennifer Rupp | Speaker
President & CEO of Michigan Humanities

Jennifer Rupp serves as President and CEO of Michigan Humanities, leading programs that bring people together in conversation, creativity, and shared story across all 83 Michigan counties. Since joining Michigan Humanities in 2017, she has developed innovative initiatives like Same Mission, Many Stories, highlighting women veterans’ voices, and Third Coast Conversations, exploring communities’ connections to water. A former director of the Marshall Historical Society and the Brass Band of Battle Creek, Jennifer combines nonprofit leadership with a strong background in community building. Under her guidance, Michigan Humanities continues to broaden access and amplify diverse perspectives. She is dedicated to ensuring that the humanities inspire empathy, understanding, and meaningful change for Michiganders everywhere.

Senator Mallory McMorrow | Speaker

8th Senate District | senatedems.com/mcmorrow/

Senator Mallory McMorrow proudly represents Michigan’s 8th Senate District, which includes northwest Detroit and communities in Oakland County. Elected in 2018, she made history as the first woman to serve as Senate Majority Whip. She currently chairs the Senate Economic and Community Development Committee and serves as Vice Chair of the Oversight Committee. Senator McMorrow has championed legislation on gun violence prevention, reproductive health care, public education, workers’ rights, and investments in childcare, clean water, and public transit. A graduate of the University of Notre Dame and a former industrial designer, she brings creative problem-solving to her legislative work. She lives in Royal Oak with her husband, their young daughter, and rescue dog, Detroit.

Heather Vaughan-Southard | Speaker 

Professional Learning Director for the Michigan Arts Education Instruction and Assessment Project

Heather Vaughan-Southard is an arts education consultant, dance artist, and leader in integrating social-emotional learning into creative practice. She serves as Professional Learning Director for the Michigan Arts Education Instruction and Assessment project (MAEIA) and as Director of MI Creative Potential, a statewide initiative advancing access to quality arts education for all students. Heather has presented nationally and internationally on arts education, assessment, and culturally responsive teaching. She also offers coaching and courses in embodiment, helping educators, leaders, and artists connect personal growth with professional practice. With a background directing K-12 and higher education dance programs and a Master of Fine Arts in Dance, Heather works to expand access to the arts as tools for resilience, connection, and learning.

Rhonda Welsh | Spoken Word 

Poet | Educator | Performer

Detroit poet and performer Rhonda Welsh approaches poetry the way musicians approach music—meant to be heard, with rhythm and flow as essential as the message. She was the only poet invited to perform at the Detroit Institute of Arts’ reopening ceremonies and has been featured at leading cultural venues including the Detroit Opera House, Carr Center, Wright Museum, and Scarab Club. Her work has reached audiences across the U.S. and internationally, blending artistry with a deep sense of community. Author of the poetry collection Red Clay Legacy and the CD I Saw Myself, Rhonda uplifts voices, celebrates heritage, and inspires through her commitment to sharing the beauty and strength of language.

Jeremy Kratky | Musician

Owner & CEO of Cherry State Entertainment

Jeremy Kratky is the owner and CEO of Cherry State Entertainment, a company dedicated to creating joy and connection through music and live events across Michigan. A lifelong lover of the arts, Jeremy’s passion began in childhood singing in church choirs, later expanding through Traverse City’s music and theatre programs and into his college years as part of an a cappella group at Michigan State University. Today, he combines that foundation with nearly 20 years of professional experience to bring communities together through performance and celebration. Jeremy lives in East Lansing with his wife of nearly 20 years and their two teenage children, all of whom share a love for the music and creativity that shapes Michigan life.

Cassidy Howard | Spoken Word

Writer | Poet | Student at MSU

Cassidy Howard is a writer, poet, and student at Michigan State University, pursuing a degree in journalism with a minor in creative writing. Her poetry has been published and performed in venues including PBS’ Detroit Performs, MSU’s FemFest, and the Corona Multimedia Showcase. In 2021, she was part of the InsideOut Youth Performance Troupe, and in 2023, she received an MSU CREATE! Microgrant to produce a film exploring the impact of gun violence on students and teachers. Cassidy uses her creative voice to uplift her generation and advocate for change, believing deeply in the power of kindness and storytelling. She continues to grow as an artist while championing a more empathetic and connected world.

Ozay Moore | Performer

Executive Director of All of the Above Hip Hop Academy

Hip Hop artist, educator, and community leader Ozay Moore has spent more than 20 years using creativity as a tool for connection and empowerment. An emcee, DJ, muralist, and organizer, he has performed around the world while building opportunities at home in Lansing. As founder and executive director of All of the Above Hip Hop Academy, Ozay leads a nonprofit dedicated to mentoring youth, supporting artistic expression, and preserving Hip Hop culture as a force for positive change. Through classes, workshops, and performances, the Academy provides young people with access to respected practitioners and pathways to growth. Ozay’s work reflects his belief that Hip Hop is not only art—it’s a way to inspire, educate, and build community.

Guy Louis Sferlazza | Musician

Founder of Wordls of Music

For nearly four decades, Michigan musician Guy Louis Sferlazza has been inspiring children, families, and communities through the power of music. Creator of the long-running Worlds of Music and Chautauqua Express programs, he has performed more than 300 interactive concerts each year in schools, libraries, and community venues across the state. Blending folk, rock, and storytelling, Guy Louis weaves educational themes into performances that celebrate culture, literacy, and the environment. Recognized as one of Michigan’s finest touring artists, his work reflects a lifelong dedication to using music as a bridge for connection, awareness, and joy. Through song and shared experience, he continues to nurture resilience and imagination in audiences of all ages.