LaKeisha

Q: What brought you to Mosaic?

A: My dad saw an advertisement for youth auditions and told me to audition. At that time I had only sung in school and church choirs, but when I saw the details about Mosaic, I was interested in being an actor but wasn’t selected. I had also auditioned for the Mosaic Singers and that’s where my 5-year beautiful journey began starting in the 8th grade until I graduated from High School.

Q: What’s the most impactful thing you learned/gained from participating in Mosaic?

A: I now know that it was exposure. Growing up in Detroit, the daughter of two hard-working parents having although having a wonderful home life, Mosaic provided exposure in ways that my parents would not have been able to provide. Learning how to present and perform in front of an audience translated to my strong presentation skills and confidence. Engaging with diverse groups of people from various backgrounds built cultural competency, and then the literal exposure across the country and around the world allowed me to expand my horizons and not place limitations on myself and afforded me the opportunity to understand a worldview at a young age.

Q: What are you up to now? Is there anything about your Mosaic experience you carry with you in your work? In life?

A: Currently, I am continuing my 18-year career in the nonprofit sector which began at Mosaic when I returned in 2004 as the Program Coordinator. The majority of agencies I have worked with have had the mission of supporting young people. Currently, I am a Senior Director of Operations for Boys & Girls Club of Middle TN, living in Nashville, TN. Also, I am a new entrepreneur working on a startup business. Something from my Mosaic experience I carry with me in my work life is the quality I bring to all that I do. “Only the Best, Nothing Less,” Mosaic’s motto, which also is applicable to my life in general. I work hard, and I bring my best and my full heart to all that I do – that started when we learned to bring our all to the stage so many years ago.

Q: What, if any, difference/impact has Mosaic made in Detroit? In the world?

A: In Detroit the opportunity to have my own space where I could express, explore, engage, and get exposure was supremely important because those 3 days for multiple hours each day kept me focused. As we know, idle time can be dangerous for young people as it can turn into negative behavior. Mosaic filled a gap for thousands of Detroit’s young people over these 30 years.

Q: Is there anything else you’d like to share?

A: Mosaic truly helped to shape the type of work I wanted to do in life. Even when we did the Perform-a-thon, a full day of performances around the city for those in need or who lacked access or opportunity during the holidays. Those were always one of the most fulfilling times for me. I truly believe that service is a lifestyle and as an impressionable young person what I received from Mosaic helped to shape how I wanted to show up in the world.

Q: Please finish the phrase “Mosaic is…”

A: …a developmental place and safe place.

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