Staff

ABOUT BOARD MEMBERS

Leadership Team 

Our leadership team is responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of the organization. They manage and oversee all of our programs, plan events, fundraise, and seek grants. They are also responsible for the organization’s financial development and long-term strategic planning.

Namaad Jackson | General Manager | E: Namaad@sjmag.org

Namaad Jackson 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.

Arlene Sagun | Program Manager, Dia De Loas Muertos | E: Arlene@sjmag.org

Executive Director of the San Jose Multicultural Artist Guild since 2011 and Managing Director from 2002-2011. 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.

Viera Whye | Artistic Director, Tabia | E: Viera@sjmag.org

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. (On the board since 1990)

Cheryl Scales | Office Manager | E: Cheryl@sjmag.org

(Bio Coming Soon)