Primary Role: As Manager of National Programs, Rebecca is responsible for many aspects of the national Scholastic Art & Writing Awards program, including student and teacher customer service, writing adjudication, student and teacher notification, and national events. Rebecca also manages the National Student Poets Program (NSPP), a partnership between the Alliance for Young Artists & Writers, the President’s Committee on the Arts and the Humanities, and the Institute of Museum and Library Services honoring youth poets whose original work exhibits exceptional creativity, promise, and dedication to the craft.

Secret Fact: Rebecca grew up in London, England where she lived with her family until she was 14.

What did you do before coming to the Alliance? Prior to joining the Alliance, I worked for the NYC Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment where I coordinated educational initiatives and managed the agency’s relationship with the NYC Department of Education. One of the biggest projects I was involved with was the creation of the Blueprint for Teaching and Learning in the Arts: The Moving Image—a first-of-its-kind K-12 curriculum guide that outlines expectations for the study of film, television, and animation in New York City public schools. Prior to that, I worked at the NYC Department of Cultural Affairs. Working for the City of New York was an incredible experience and really opened my eyes to the extraordinary array of cultural offerings that are available to New Yorkers. It was my passion for the arts and interest in arts education that attracted me to the Alliance’s mission. I love being involved with an organization that recognizes students for their creative talents and empowers them to pursue their dreams.

Advice to Young Artists & Writers: Don’t compare yourself to others. Always stay true to yourself and your craft. Trust your own instincts. For those times when you’re feeling lost or confused, find a mentor or someone in your life that you know you can always turn to for guidance.