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Administrative Team

Serving DIW from 2005-present, Mr. Fischer specializes in arts and culture proposals. He is an expert arts and cultural grant writer and development consultant; his track record includes teaching grant writing (Center for Nonprofit Success), reviewing for Catalogue for Philanthropy, getting hundreds of foundation, corporate and fed/local government grants funded and awards earned (including the National Arts and Humanities Youth Program Award for DIW), high-quality communications, storytelling, and stewardship of donations, campaigns, and grant funding. Mr. Fischer is committed to his craft as a writer and is a key asset in arts/cultural development. He is a graduate of Goucher College in MD. He is currently based in Brooklyn, NY, and is able to serve DIW through the use of technology and quarterly visits to DC.
Danyale Speight
Danyale Speight has been the Operations Coordinator at DIW since March 2021. Danyale graduated from Duval High School in 2005. Danyale holds previous experience in the non-profit sector as well as healthcare and retail. The experience gained in the healthcare sector prepared Danyale for nonprofit because it allowed her to continue to help those who needed help the most. The experience also showed Danyale that great collaborative work will always have great outcomes. Danyale joined the nonprofit sector in 2019 and ever since then she has decided that she has a passion for being a part of organizations that strive to create opportunities for the youth in ways that they couldn’t even imagine. The administrative skills that Danyale holds allow her to contribute to ideas and create a structure that allows for continued success. Danyale attends Eastern Gateway College to earn her Associates Degree in Business Management with hopes of having a career in Project Management. Danyale enjoys spending time with her family particularly her little people (nieces and nephews).

Ari Smith is a creative, specializing in production and theater management. As a D.C. native, she has always been very passionate about uplifting the Black community through the arts, since training at the Dance Institute of Washington at five-years-old.

Ari received her B.A. from the University of Oklahoma, with minors in Non-profit Organizational Studies and African American Studies, moving on to work with multiple public relations agencies, cinematography companies and local non-profit organizations around the DMV. Always keeping the goal of amplifying Black and minority communities, Ari returned home to DIW, bringing a wealth of experience in production management, film, photography and public relations.

Bio cooming soon! 

Erin Johnson

Born and raised in Washington, DC, From a very young age, Erin knew that she wanted to be a resource for youth. In May of 2017, Erin received her Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology at Delaware State University where Erin researched the effects that trauma can have in the classroom. Erin started her journey in education and community service in August of 2017, when she served in Americorps as a City Year. Through that program, Erin served 1700 hours of community service both in schools and in neighborhoods that were both underserved and underrepresented. Erin has been doing her part to foster warm environments where youth can learn and grow since then.

Joshua Muse started dancing in high school around his senior year where he learned a hip hop dance style called Krump. He didn’t know that this one class would be the beginning of something life changing. After  graduating from Suitland High School he began to take dance a lot more serious and started training in many styles with Culture Shock DC and Capitol Movement. From there he started working jobs with various artist and training in multiple dance styles all across the United States. He was blessed with a career shifting opportunity to train under world renowned choreographer to Beyoncé and many others Chris Grant. He was blessed to perform in a history making performance at the Jacob K Javitz Convention center in Manhattan, New York. This gave him the opportunity worked with legends in the dance industry; including but not limited to Frank Gatson, Anthony Burrell, Laura Edwards, and many more. He has danced in and choreographed a plethora of Music Videos, Television Shows, and Stage performances for artists both locally and nationally renounced. These artists include B2K, Dani Leigh, Mechie, Lovely Mi Mi, Destiny Moriah, and plenty more. He looks forward to continuing to train and travel the world sharing his gift.

Gina Safadi

Gina Safadi, dancer, teacher, dance coach, director, producer and cultural manager. Originally from New York , Gina shared her knowledge for over 15 years in Ecuador and is now working her magic in Washington DC.

Gina earned her B.A. in Dance & Sociology from Marymount Manhattan College and received her Certificate in Arts Administration from New York University. Gina is a Certified International Latin Dance Judge and a World Salsa Summit Member. She is currently an administrator at Dance Institute of Washington and a Latin dance event producer.

Isela Sanchez
Isela, originally from El Salvador, is a diligent communication professional with proven market research and communication skills. She graduated from the University of Maryland College Park in May 2022. Her background in digital and traditional forms of communication has helped her create impactful content across all communication platforms to improve and expand the mission and vision of for-profit or nonprofit organizations. Isela has grown social media platforms by creating multiple creative and effective campaigns to reach target audiences. She is a hard-working, enthusiastic, quick learner, and adaptable communicator. She transfers her communications skills to her own personal brand as an influencer and digital content creator. Her creativity and passion for innovation have allowed her to have a positive impact on both, her personal brand and her professional career.
Carla Camargo

Carla Camargo, originally from Mexico and a past resident of Washington, D.C., is a digital marketing specialist with over 7 years of experience in the industry. With a strong background in marketing strategy and management, Carla has a track record of developing and executing successful campaigns for a variety of businesses and organizations.

In addition to her skills in marketing strategy, Carla also has an extensive background in concert and commercial dance and is a passionate BIPOC and women advocator. As a Latina immigrant woman, she is extremely passionate about her work and all efforts leading to positive progress of the BIPOC community. Across all aspects of her life, Carla is an enthusiastic, open-minded, and determined individual. As the Marketing and Communications Specialist at the Dance Institute of Washington she is dedicated to helping DIW achieve their ultimate brand, marketing, and communication goals.