The Arts Changed My Life—Now I’m Paying It Forward

I’m thrilled to share that since February 2025, I’ve served on the Board of Directors for Guitars Over Guns, an incredible organization that empowers young people through music, mentorship, and the arts. Guitars Over Guns offers students from our most vulnerable communities a powerful combination of arts education and mentorship with professional artists to help them overcome hardship, find their voice, and reach their potential as tomorrow’s leaders.

The arts have always been a part of my life. I was an English and Theater major, worked in Broadway publicity for the Tony Awards, and have spent years teaching storytelling as a tool for connection and impact. But more than anything, I’ve seen firsthand how the arts can bridge divides and bring people together—even in the most unexpected ways.

I’ll never forget my senior year of high school at Susan Wagner High in Staten Island. Like most schools, we had our cliques—jocks, nerds, artists, stoners, and those of us who claimed we weren’t in a clique (that was me). We didn’t mix much, except for the occasional bullying. Then came our school’s annual musical theater competition, Sing.

Each grade wrote, produced, directed, and performed its own original musical. It was a big deal, but let’s be honest—at the time, Sing wasn’t exactly considered “cool.” That year, my friend Joanne, who was dating the quarterback, decided that needed to change. She convinced him to join, and he brought his entire football team with him. Suddenly, what had once been “uncool” became the thing everyone wanted to be part of.

Over 100 students participated—jocks, artists, nerds, everyone. The usual barriers between cliques disappeared. People got to know each other in ways they never had before. Friendships were made. And for the first time, we saw each other not as labels, but as people.

We won that year. But the real win was something much bigger—the arts created a space where we all belonged.

That’s exactly why I’m so passionate about Guitars Over Guns. They provide young people with the chance to express themselves, connect with mentors, and build confidence through music and the arts. At a time when so much in the world feels divided, I believe the arts can heal, unite, and inspire.

I’d love for you to be part of this journey with me. Whether it’s spreading the word, attending an event, or supporting in another way, your involvement can help make a difference.

I’ll be sharing more soon, but in the meantime, check out the incredible work Guitars Over Guns is doing HERE!