Board Members

Susan McKuhen, Board Chair Emeritus

Susan is a Relator. Susan serves on the Citizen’s Advisory Council to the Santa Clara County Open Space Authority and the board of the SCC League of Conservation Voters. She received her AA degree from Riverside City College. San Jose resident. (On the board since 1996)

Janice Charles, Secretary

Janice is an entrepreneur, and small Business Owner. She is the President of the Board of Trustees at Maranatha Christian Center She is the President of the Board of Trustees at Maranatha Christian Center and VP of Membership for the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Silicon Valley Chapter. San Jose resident. (On the board since 2019)

Michael Cunningham, Treasurer

A retired engineer of Defense Contract Management Agency with Lockheed MSC. San Jose resident. (On the board since 2007).

Angelo Harris, Member-at-Large

Travel and Vacations industry Sales Executive and Real Estate Investor.  BA in Broadcast Communications Arts from S.F.S.U. Member SVBCC, PCDSI Sales and Marketing Group. San Jose resident. (On the board since 2021)

Arturo Gomez, Member-at-Large,

Has a Bachelor degree in Art from the University of Mexico and studied theater at the National School of Drama-Mexico. He began his theater work with El Teatro Campesino in the 70’s. Arturo is an actor, writer, graphic artist, director and producer. He has worked with at-risk youth in the Sacred Heart, Alma and Gardner communities of San Jose. Arturo worked for more than 10 years with the residents of Somos Mayfair. He received the James P. McEntee Lifetime Achievement Award in 2012 from the Santa Clara Office of Human Relations. Lives in San Jose. (On the board since 2016).

Kim Warren Martin, Member-at-Large

Is an entrepreneur and Motivational Speaker. Creator/Lead Consultant @ Reignite Her Light; Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Expert; International Speaker; Best-Selling Author. San Jose resident. (On the board since 2010)

Brenda Swann, Member-at-Large

Brenda is a multi-talented communications professional. Her diverse background includes human resources and training, technical writing and editing, technical publications management, and workshop facilitation. She received a B.A. degree in Sociology from Pacific University and a Technical Writing and Communications certification from San Jose State University. San Jose resident. (On the board since 2009)

Toni R. Brown, Member-at-Large

A Partner Operations Manager with a Bachelor of Science degree in Medical Technology from Mount Saint Mary’s University, Los Angeles. An active member of The Link’s, Incorporated San Jose (CA) Chapter and a recording secretary residing in San Jose. (On the board since 2021)

Viera Whye, Temporary Acting Board Chair, Artistic Director of all SJMAG’s Programs.

Viera is a Business HR Diversity and Inclusion Specialist at Intel in Santa Clara. She holds a BA in Theatre Arts and Sociology from Towson University and a Masters in Theatre from San Jose State University. San Jose resident. (On the board since 1990).

Arlene Sagun, Program Coordinator of the San Jose Multicultural Artist Guild

Is the current Executive Director of SJMAG. In addition to managing SJMAG’s finances, fundraising, and marketing activities, she has also produced SJMAG’s annual Dia de los Muertos celebration and the month-long exhibition and workshops that lead up to it for the past 19 years. 2002 – present. Latinx female, San Jose resident. (On board since 1999)

Namaad Jackson, General Manager, Ex Officio

Namaad Jackson, SJMAG’s General Manager is a performer, choreographer, educator, and mentor whose background, training, and passion extend over 15 years. In 2008, Jackson found Kaution Dance Kru (KDK) and served as its Chief Executive Director. KDK was a professional dance company that provided guidance, education, and training to inspire other energetic dancers. Jackson started a youth division of the company in 2012 called Khaotic Dane Kru, serving dancers ages 12-18. In 2014, he opened a KDK in Las Vegas. During the second year of the pandemic, he closed the company and moved to San Jose.

Namaad has directed many dance companies and troupes including Dcypher Dance, TeamWeGonMakeIt, Culture Shock DC (CSDC), and Culture Shock Las Vegas (CSLV) where he was able to travel, perform, and teach throughout the US, and in Canada, Paris, and Germany. He was Artistic Managing Director for Dixie Arts Conservatory where he managed and oversaw all studio operations, classes, and programs. Since moving to the Bay Area Namaad signed as a talent with RAE Talent and Model Agency and is teaching at several studios across the bay area including RAE Studio, Purdance, FulloutStudios, Dance Connection of Palo Alto, and Dance Mission Theater. Namaad dances and performs with NBA’s Golden State Warriors and formally performed with Str8Jackets Dance Crew which has been featured on NDC’s World of Dance.