Benvenuti Arts is a small and mighty team, just like yours. Headed by Founder, Sarah Benvenuti, Benvenuti Arts brings together expertise in fundraising, management, producing, administration, marketing, sales, and more. What this means is if you have a need, chances are, we have a solution.

Contact us for a free, 30 minute consultation to see for yourself.

Candace Tabbs, Consultant & Associate Director of Education, Atlanta, GA (she/her)
Candace is a performer, writer, creator and facilitator of movement-based practices including choreography, improvisation, movement as self-care and movement as social justice for movers and thinkers of all ages and abilities. She was the recipient of a 2019 Pepatián Dance Your Future Residency and premiered her first evening-length work coming toward at BAAD! (Bronx Academy of Arts and Dance; Bronx, NY). Recently she shared a movement meditation, rescue, for Fly On A Wall’s Excuse the Art in 2022 (Atlanta, GA). Candace earned a B.A. in Neuroscience and Behavior from Barnard College. Deepening her practices around self and community care, Candace shares energy healing work rooted in embodied listening as a certified Reiki practitioner. This passion for supporting the visions of others led to working as a freelance editor for writers in all stages of their creative process. Candace brings to the Benvenuti Arts team a desire to uplift artists’ authentic stories.

Paengsuda Panyatham (Suda), Executive Assistant, Bologna, Italy (she/her)
Paengsuda(Suda) describes herself as an all-rounder. Through her work in media production, journalism and the arts, she has gained skills in communication and management while broadening her experience in the arts and creative landscape. Her passion for the arts began at a young age. Since the age of six, she was trained in ballroom dancing for 15 years and participated in national and international competitions. She also enjoys drawing and performing on stage, which eventually led her to pursue a Master’s degree in Innovation and Organisation of Culture and Arts at the University of Bologna (Italy). Her interests include storytelling, multiculturalism, design and technology. Combining her skills and passion, she now works as an executive assistant at Benvenuti Arts.

Internship Program Members

Christopher Davis, Intern, New York City, US (he/him)
Chris is a senior at St Lawrence University graduating in December, with a degree in Government. He grew up in England and moved to the United States in 2011. He attended Hawthorne Valley Waldorf high school which exposed me to all different types of performing arts, which led to his love of stand up comedy. In free time, he loves to play soccer as much as possible and explore all that NYC has to offer.

Kritanu Manokam, Intern, Bologna, Italy (he/him)
A Broadcasting graduate from Bangkok, embarked on a captivating journey driven by his fervor for acting, immersing himself in the world of theatre and arts festivals both onstage and behind the scenes for over three years. Collaborations with prestigious cultural institutions like the Bangkok Arts Biennale, Bangkok International Performing Arts Meeting, and That Theatre Foundation enriched his experience. Fueled by the realization of limited opportunities for artists in Thailand, Kritanu discovered a passion for arts management. This ardor for curating and organizing artistic endeavors marked a turning point in his journey. Now a second-year student at the University of Bologna, he passionately studies Innovation and Organization of Culture and the Arts.

Kam Omari, Intern, Prague, Czech Republic (they/them)
Born and raised in Beirut, Kam came to the United States in 2020 to pursue an undergraduate education in Performance and Communication Arts at St. Lawrence University. In the theatre, Kam has experience in performing, directing, and playwriting. They also have experience working in advocacy of refugees and survivors of sexual and domestic abuse. Kam wishes to merge their fields of experience to pursue a Masters in Drama Therapy upon graduating from St. Lawrence. They recently joined Benvenuti Arts as Meeting Assistant, and then as a seasonal Intern. In their free time, they enjoy reading and writing poetry, going to theatres, and watching films.

Liya Yussubaliyeva, Intern, Canton, NY (she/her)
Liya Yussubaliyeva is a St. Lawrence University senior, majoring in Performance and Communication Arts. After getting a scholarship to study abroad for high school, she attended a United World College in Singapore where her passion for theater, acting, and the performing arts flourished. While there, she also did volunteer, research, and conference work in Vietnam, Malaysia, and Timor Leste. During a semester abroad in New York City, Liya interned at a boutique talent agency in the TV and film department. Inspired by the New York City arts scene and fuelled by her passion for supporting artists in achieving meaningful success, she joined the Benvenuti Arts team to support the small and mighty

Operations and Membership Department

Alicia Margarita Olivo, Manager of Membership Programming, Houston, TX (she/her)
Alicia is a Mexican American playwright, director, and arts administrator based in Houston, Texas. Alicia was the Texas representative for the 2022-2023 the National Leaders of Color Fellowship cohort through the Mid-America Arts Alliance. Outside of BA, Alicia has worked with TEATRX, Rec Room Arts, Stages, Company One Theater, The Workshop Theater, Teatro Chelsea, Telatúlsa, AlterTheater, and The Inkwell Theater. Alicia holds a B.A. in Theatre Studies and Comparative Race and Ethnicity Studies from Wellesley College. Alicia loves talking about comic books, good food, and the weather.

Alyona Solovyova, Operations Manager, Bologna, Italy (she/her)
Alyona is a cultural and innovation manager. After graduation with a bachelor’s degree in Economics and Management of Organizations, Alyona gained experience working as an analyst in a small consulting company. After she worked in the fashion industry, helped to build business processes and develop an ethical clothing brand (Only Me). Alyona loves working on the development of cultural startups — she participated in the creation of a startup called EU1697 in Amsterdam. She also created her start-up as part of Almacube in Bologna. Alyona lives in Italy, where graduating with her Master in Innovation and Organization of Culture and the Arts in University of Bologna.

Rebecca Mastrorocco, Operations and Membership Coordinator, Berlin, Germany (she/her)
Rebecca has worked in live events organisation and promotion, fine arts workshops and film industry productions. After obtaining her bachelor in Ethnomusicology and Global Popular Music in London UK, she worked as music journalist for Rhythm Passport magazine, event promoter in London’s vibrant world music scene, and behind the Netflix series ‘The Crown’. She originally joined Benvenuti Arts while graduating in Bologna with her Master in Innovation and Organization of Culture and the Arts. She lives in Berlin, where she works supporting Syrian-born artist, creative facilitator and political activitst Khaled Barakeh, as well as local independent music scenes.

Client Experience Department 

Consultant Team

Nathan Bussard, Consultant, Pittsburgh, PA (he/him)
Nathan is a multi-disciplinary artist, arts manager, and creative business consultant based on Pittsburgh, PA. His creative practices is currently focused on ceramics, illustration, and painting. As an arts manager and creative business consultant, he received dual Masters degrees from both Carnegie Mellon University in Arts Management and the University of Bologna in Innovation and Organization of Culture and the Arts to ensure that creative individuals have the essential tools to pursue their artistic practice or small business. Outside of Benvenuti Arts, Nathan uses his 10 years of event management experience and art management background to ensure local artists ad creative entrepreneurs have the resources and support they need to thrive in their creative practices. He has previously worked in arts management in several organizations including Radiant Hall, Brew House Association, The Chautauqua Institution, Creative Business Accelerator, and the Art Supply Co.

M’Balou Camara, Consultant, Bethesda, MD (she/her)
M’Balou is a researcher, writer, and arts administrator with a passion for exploring the possibilities of sound and movement. For over eight years, M’Balou has brought her analytical and creative thinking to numerous academic, nonprofit, and financial institutions. Prior to joining Benvenuti Arts, she worked in editing for the African Seed Access Index (TASAI), as well as in consulting at the African Development Bank (AfDB) and the Sadie Collective. M’Balou received a M.A. in public policy from Duke University and a B.A. in economics from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC). From 2015 to 2017, she was a research fellow at NYU Stern School of Business. M’Balou is dedicated to unveiling art’s contribution to a more equitable, healthy, and liberating society. Outside of her role as consultant, M’Balou supports dance and music organizations in Bethesda, MD.

Penny Pun, Consultant, New York City, NY (she/her)
Penny Pun is a New York-based playwright, dramaturg, and producer. She was born and raised in Hong Kong, and was the Managing Director of National Disability Theatre. She has also worked at Manhattan Theatre Club, Theatre Communications Group, Williamstown Theatre Festival, and Dramatists Guild of America. Her writing has been published by major trade magazines, including American Theatre and The Dramatist. Her plays have been developed by Pan Asian Rep and Rising Circle Theater Collective. Penny graduated Valedictorian from Marymount Manhattan College and holds an MA in English & Comparative Literature (specializing in Performance and Disability Studies) from Columbia University.

Cheryl-Lynn Trenary, Associate Consultant for Grants Management, Orlando, FL (she/her)
Cheryl has been involved in the arts industry for 24 years as both a parent and an administrator. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Speech Communication, and a master’s degree in Professional Counseling. After raising her daughter and volunteering backstage for numerous ballet productions, she joined Boca Ballet Theatre as the president of the Volunteer Guild. She then moved on to become the Administrative Director where she remained for eight years. She currently enjoys traveling with her spouse and writing about her adventures.

Zach Wiles, Associate Consultant, Bologna, Italy (he/him)
Zach began his career in the entertainment industry from a young age as a DJ and promoter but realized he had a talent for working behind the scenes. He then moved to Los Angeles and began working at Universal Music Group after earning a BA in Music Business. During this time, Zach began to work with Tastemakers Media, launching a 24-hour electronic music channel on Dash Radio and his own weekly radio show: The Rewind. In 2021, he moved to Italy to pursue a master’s degree in management of arts and culture at the University of Bologna which rekindled a passion for narrative, creative writing and working with independent artistic communities.

 Adriana Rossetto, Senior Consultant – On Temporary Leave, Cislago, Italy (she/her)
Adriana is a multi-hyphenated third culture kid with a predilection for raw, socially progressive art with avant-garde aesthetics. Born in Mexico from Brazilian parents, she grew up between Italy and the States. She graduated from Bocconi University (Milan) with a Bachelor in International Economics, Management and Finance. In New York, she attended The Stella Adler Conservatory program, class of 2014. Recent credits include Rocco Chelsea Adriana Sean Claudia Gianna Alex at HERE Arts Center (NYC) and Title Point’s Post:Death (directed by Theresa Buchheister) at The Brick Theatre (BK). Adriana is a resident actress and Director of Development at John Gould Rubin’s The Private Theatre, company artist and board member at Vieve Price’s TEA. 

Staff Grant Writers & Grant Writers Pool

Natasha Cabrera, Grant Writer, Oaxaca de Juarez, Mexico (she/they)
Joining the team at Benvenuti Arts as a Staff Grant Writer marks a full-face pivot in Natasha’s career towards the arts. They draw on a rich background in hospitality, contemplative community practice and compassionate end-of-life caregiving as a former Buddhist monastic aspirant and resident volunteer in monasteries and meditation centers across the Western US such as Aloka Vihara Forest Monastery and Insight Retreat Center in California. They bring to bear their study and practice of Nonviolent / Compassionate Communication as a deep and empathic connection to what matters most in their writing for Benvenuti clients. They are a visual artist and painter exploring the complexities of identity and inner-reconciliation between colonizer and colonized lineages as a mixed-race individual through the tension of geometric abstraction, graphic elements and fluid media. They are a novice Surface Pattern Designer and Logo Designer, currently residing in Mexico on traditional Zapotec and Mixtec land. 

Flutura Chelaj, Grant Writer, Prishtina, Kosovo (she/her)   
Flutura Celaj is a St. Lawrence University international alumni, Class 2023 with a major in creative writing and a minor in film and media studies. Born in Pristina, Kosovo, from the age of nine, Celaj hosted a children’s morning show for six years, in the national television programming of Kosovo. She sings, plays the cello and is a self-taught pianist. In 2016, she attended high school studies in a boarding school in Hong Kong. While there, she did volunteer service work, also in Cambodia and Taiwan. Took part in Class 2018 art exhibition in Hong Kong showcasing her paintings, sculptures, photography, and video art. For three years she was a vocalist for SLU Funk, a school band, and took part in the school choir, Laurentian Singers.  

Emma Joanne Solomon, Grant Writer, Bologna, Italy (she/her)
Emma J Solomon is an arts professional, visual artist, and an avid appreciator of many different aspects of the arts and cultural field. She started in the industry after completing her Bachelors in Fine Art (Painting) and began working and eventually managing a private art collection and gallery in Melbourne, Australia. She moved to Italy in 2021 and is currently completing her Masters in Innovation and Organisation of Culture and the Arts at the University of Bologna. Her interests are in community-engaging arts and cultural projects and organisations, preservation of cultural heritage sites, and the sustainable advancement of the arts and cultural field. She is an advocate for public funding and innovative policymaking in the arts and cultural sector.

Batima Tulegenova, Grant Writer, Tbilisi, Georgia (she/her)
Batima Tulegenova is an arts manager, literature scholar, and editor from Kazakhstan. With a deep-rooted passion for theatre, Batima embarked on her journey by graduating from the Music and Fine Art school, followed by studying Russian Language and Literature at Lomonosov Moscow State University, and working as an assistant stage manager in Astana, Kazakhstan. This diverse background paved the way for her pursuit of a master’s degree in Arts Management at GIOCA in Italy. Batima volunteered at the renowned film restoration festival Cinema Ritrovato and serving as an artist coordinator for Bologna’s artist collective, Antonello Ghezzi. Batima is deeply committed to making theatre accessible to all. Looking ahead, she aims to contribute to the theatre community as a playwright and stage director while gaining unique experience at Benvenuti Arts.

Amanda Bublinec, Associate Grant Writer, Pittsburgh, PA (she/her)
Amanda is a writer, artist, and volleyball enthusiast, originally from a small town near Cleveland, Ohio. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in English Writing and French from Calvin University and her professional background is in non-profit fundraising and communications. In addition to working with Benvenuti Arts, she works part-time for Holy Family Institute, a large education and social services organization in Pittsburgh, and makes jewelry under her small business name, Sweet Elvira Designs. In her free time, Amanda enjoys reading, writing creatively, gardening, playing volleyball, and serving as a trustee on the board of her local library. 

Ariel Estrada, Associate Grant Writer, New York City, NY (he/him)
Ariel is an actor, producer, writer, and advocate in support of Asian American equity in the performing arts. As an actor, he has performed on television, film, commercials, digital media, and Off-, and Off-Off-Broadway. As a producer, Ariel is the Founder and Producing Artistic Director for Leviathan Lab, a nonprofit creative studio for Asian American performing artists. As an arts administrator, he is the current Communications & Development Associate for Mabou Mines and the Marketing & Membership Director for the Consortium of Asian American Theatres and Artists. He is the immediate past National Diversity & Inclusion Coordinator for Actors’ Equity Association. 

Shoshana Freund, Associate Grant Writer, Minneapolis, MN (she/her)

Shoshana graduated from Augsburg University with a B.A. in Theatre, concentrating in Technical Theatre and Design. She has worked with Mixed Precipitation, Full Circle Theater Company, and was one of the inaugural fellows in the Kinetic Light Fellowship Program, where she studied lighting design. In her free time, she enjoys learning new things, video games, and playing with her cat.

Mary-Anne Ospina, Associate Grant Writer, Los Angeles, CA (she/her)
Mary-Anne Ospina has worked in various non-profits and currently based in Los Angeles. She previously worked as a Client Database Assistant for the Asian Taskforce Against Domestic Violence in Boston and is now a file clerk for the UFW Foundation. Outside of Benvenuti Arts, she is the Membership Coordinator for her alma mater’s shared interest group for LGBTQ+ alumni and does volunteer transcription and data maintenance work for different web platforms. Mary-Anne holds a B.A. in Anthropology from Wellesley College.
 

Kalyani Singh, Associate Grant Writer, New York City, NY (she/her)
Kalyani Singh is a performer, actor, musician, and social justice advocate. Passionate about social justice, her interests span across  urban environmental policy, criminal justice, food justice, and grassroots-driven community and economic development. She is constantly curious about how we can lay the groundwork for liberation and democratic decision-making processes at the micro and macro levels. She holds Bachelor degrees in Theatre and Political Science and a Masters in Political Science from Lehigh University, which then led her to the Coro Fellowship in Public Affairs in Pittsburgh, PA. She worked in nonprofits, economic development, and community-supported agriculture, and also performed in immersive theatre and improv.

Laura Vola, Associate Grant Writer, Torino, Italy (she/her)
Laura Vola is an arts manager who started working with Benvenuti Arts as an intern while graduating in the Organization and Innovation of Culture and the Arts M.A. in Bologna. She is passionate about visual arts, and is currently also working at the Guggenheim Collection in Venice as an intern for the Membership and Individual Development department. She loves travelling and did several abroad experiences, cultivating her passion for different cultures. Benvenuti Arts not only gave her a great career possibility, but also the opportunity to meet and work with some incredible artists and creatives.

Michelle Yisiya, Associate Grant Writer, Nairobi, Kenya (she/her)

Currently serving as an Associate Grant Writer at Benvenuti Arts, she adeptly balanced the role with her pursuit of her Electrical and Electronics degree, with an anticipated graduation. Her professional background also encompasses being a successful freelance writer on Upwork. With deep passion for writing, visual arts, and dance not only enriching her personal life, they also contribute significantly to shaping her professional identity.

Dominic Bradley, Associate Grant Writer , New York City, NY (they/them)