Ripple Effect: Positive Change Around the Sound

After 25 years, Mirror Stage is taking its final bow this June. We threw a party to celebrate with everyone who made our work possible over the years. During the evening at the iconic Langston Hughes Performing Arts Institute, we asked guests a question that has always been at the heart of our work: what does storytelling mean to you? Here’s what they had to say. From all of us at Mirror Stage, th...

“With more than 30 years of nonprofit arts experience, Suzanne M .Cohen has performed, directed, designed, and administrated at theatre companies across the country, as well as internationally, including local Seattle companies 14/48, ACT, Empty Space, InfinityBox, Intiman, and The Group Theatre. She earned a BA in Humanities/Drama with Creative Writing minor from University of Southern California...

“Laurie Lynch is a queer artist, educator, and activist dedicated to youth empowerment. From developing original work to performing as Drag King Dan D Lite to facilitating youth and adult workshops, Laurie’s work is rooted in storytelling and human connection. With a background in theatre-making and arts activism, Laurie has spent their career creating spaces where young people can amplify their v...

“David Hsieh is the Founding Artistic Director of ReAct Theatre. In addition to his many ReAct credits, he has also directed for Taproot Theatre, SecondStoryRep, Tacoma Little Theatre, 14/48, Sis Productions, Pratidhwani, UW School of Drama, and others. As a performer, you may have seen him at Book- It in Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet and The Brothers K, or at Seattle Public Theatre in T...

“DeVandra Wheeler is a child safety educator, author, and the founder of Nova Talks, a prevention-focused initiative that equips families and communities with the tools to have honest, protective conversations with children about body safety and child sexual abuse prevention. With a decade of experience in behavioral health and a background in social work, DeVandra combines professional expertise...

“ Edgar Longoria is a Queer Latino immigrant from Sinaloa, Mexico, and the Executive Director of Entre Hermanos, Washington’s first LGBTQ+ Latine organization. Raised in rural Arvin, California within agricultural and migrant farmworker communities, his lived experience informs his unwavering commitment to equity, access, and community resilience. With more than 15 years of nonprofit leadership ex...

“Kechi Amaefule is the Founder and Executive Director of Mothers Impacting Lives Every Day (MILE), a nonprofit rooted in the belief that healing and mentorship change lives. A survivor turned advocate, Kechi created MILE to return the very gifts that helped her rise; guidance, community, and unwavering support. Through her lived experience and leadership, she empowers women and BIPOC girls to recl...

"Born and Raised in Seattle and the son of two well-educated professionals, Raymond Williams is biracial and identifies as African American. These identities have allowed him the privilege of moving in the world of the educated (AB Harvard ’79) and given him the calling to serve his community. A community that continues to have disparities in both educational and health outcomes. A community...

Philip “Sharp Skills” Jacobs has been called a modern-day renaissance man. He is an entrepreneur, award-winning hip-hop artist, speaker, author, senior consultant, and inventor. Philip created Reveal the Elephant, a racial equity and anti-racism board game. In              addition to Gladiator, he is the author of four additional books, including Accuracy, Elephant in the Room, Quincy’s Life: Dad...

Elizabeth Ralston is a consultant with lived disability experience, who guides organizations in the strategic development of an accessibility roadmap, with an emphasis on equity and inclusion. She has a Master of Public Health from the University of Michigan and a certificate of Nonprofit Management from the University of Washington. Her expertise is in accessibility planning and audits, program d...

Makinie Fortino (she/her/hers) is the Founder and President of DMHS: Deconstructing the Mental Health System, Inc. She identifies as Black and Afro-Caribbean American and is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) who has been working in mental health for 10+ years. Makinie has worn many hats ranging from in-home counselor to case manager, vocational counselor, academic advisor/behavioral...

Logic Amen is a sun, Father, recording artist, journalist, writer, educator and former Family Preservation Therapist. Amen is an award winning performing artist activist, recognized by The Songs of Black in 2025 for his excellence in performing arts and community service. Amen has a degree in English Literature, a master's in teaching, and a master's in educational leadership. Amen is one...

Nawiishtunmi Nightgun is an enrolled member of the Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation. She is a descendant of the Blackfeet Nation. Nawiishtunmi currently runs the traditional wellness department as the Chief Traditional Officer. Her role leads a team of traditional mental wellness staff, staff wellness, and gender-based violence team that will work individually and in group settin...

Malou Chávez is the first immigrant woman of color to serve as executive director of Northwest Immigrant Rights Project (NWIRP). NWIRP, a nationally recognized legal services organization in Washington State, is dedicated to advancing and defending the rights of immigrants with low or no income through direct legal services, community education, and systemic advocacy.  In her 17 years at NWIRP, Ma...

In today’s episode, we’re hearing from Rick DuPree about his upcoming documentary that centers the story of the Black Panther Party’s Seattle chapter. Who were the Black Panthers and what lessons did they leave for Black change-makers, activists, and artists in Seattle today? Listen in as Rick speaks about his journey from envisioning to filming this documentary, alongside his son Marques.   About...

Hello listeners! We are so excited to launch the newest iteration of the Mirror Stage podcast! Ripple Effect: Positive Change Around the Sound highlights changemakers working in the Puget Sound region to create a better, more inclusive world. We hope you find their stories to be as informative and inspiring as we do. We’re thrilled to launch our reboot with Manny Cawaling, the Executive Director o...