My Work With Kids in Shreveport

As a young girl, I had the opportunity to learn piano and clarinet, painting and macramé, math secrets, and other creative skills in an environment that encouraged curiosity and growth. Those experiences were far more than hobbies. They helped shape how I think, solve problems, and see the world.

Art strengthened my ability to observe and think creatively (shout-out to Ms. Tynes... the best art teacher ever!), which today helps me approach challenges as a leader with flexibility and imagination. Piano taught discipline, pattern recognition, and patience (shout out to Sis. Dawson...I still play every now and then), skills that translate directly into focus and follow-through in my professional life. Math exploration deepened my analytical thinking by revealing patterns and logic in engaging, hands-on ways (thanks mom for that early math education!). Beyond any single skill, these experiences built confidence and taught me how to learn, adapt, and persist.

Over time, I came to understand that creativity and academics are not separate paths. They reinforce each other. The blend of artistic expression and structured thinking became a foundation I still rely on today. Now, as Executive Director of Renzi Education and Art Center, I see how powerful that combination can be for young people. When students are given access to creative learning alongside academic support, they develop not only skills, but also confidence in how they think and who they are becoming.

This work is personal to me. I know firsthand how formative these kinds of experiences can be and how they continue to shape a person long after childhood. I want more children to have access to that same kind of growth.

Your support helps make that possible. It provides opportunities for students to explore creativity, strengthen their academic skills, and build the confidence to reach their potential. When you give, you are investing in the kind of experiences that shape lifelong thinkers, creators, and leaders.