WIT welcomes seven new members to its board of directors
Washington Improv Theater is thrilled to announce the addition of seven new members to its board of directors. Each brings an impressive set of skills and experience that will help WIT advance its mission.
The new board members are:
India brings a unique blend of experience and passion to her role as a government project manger. Formerly a construction project engineer, India understands the practical side of building, while her passion for serving others has fueled her volunteer work. India especially loves working with kids. In 2018, she had the opportunity to volunteer at a school in Mombasa, Kenya. Since then, she’s served as a mentor to get more young people of color interested in STEM. India has dual degrees in mathematics and civil engineering from Spelman College and the University of Michigan. Seeking a creative outlet, India began taking classes at WIT in 2023. She has competed in WIT’s annual Fighting Improv Smackdown Tournament (FIST) and plans to complete the WIT curriculum. She’s grateful to WIT for the opportunity to meet great people, laugh, and play.
David is a lawyer specializing in financial services regulation, with a focus on payment systems, credit, and financial technology. He is a partner in the DC office of Mayer Brown LLP. David represents clients in contract negotiations, advises them on regulatory compliance, and represents them before federal and state regulatory agencies. He decided to take an improv class after watching his son’s middle school production of Peter Pan. Inspired and nostalgic for his own theatrical experience in school, he enrolled in a Level 1 class at WIT. Within 12 months, he was enrolled in two Level 4 courses at the same time. He’s ecstatic to join WIT’s board and help bring the art of improv to as many people in DC as possible. David lives in Falls Church, Va. with his wife and two teenage sons.
Precious is a multi-faceted operations guru, currently coordinating day-to-day functions at the DC Public Library. Precious has over 10 years of operations experience in the nonprofit, education, and private sectors. She enjoys coordinating logistics, writing policy, and enhancing operational efficiency. Precious is a native Washingtonian and earned a bachelor’s degree in English language and literature with a minor in Afroamerican and African studies from The University of Michigan. Precious is passionate about community building, cultural competency, and championing the arts. She found a creative home at WIT in 2019 when she started classes and competed in FIST with her first team I Don’t Know Her. She currently performs with WIT company ensemble Madeline and indie favorite Baggage Claim.
Jelicia (pictured) is a distinguished data strategist known for her innovative problem-solving. She consults for a diverse range of organizations, including nonprofits and both public and private entities. Jelicia has tackled critical challenges and driven innovation at leading organizations like Dell Technologies and Deloitte Consulting. A graduate of Howard University, she has been instrumental in optimizing business operations and advancing analytics solutions, while also dedicating time to mentor the next wave of data professionals at Correlation One. Jelicia is having the time of her life diving into the world of performance, participating in WIT’s improv curriculum and refining her stand-up comedy skills. Enthusiastic about her role on WIT’s board, Jelicia hopes to enhance the organization’s reach and impact.
Michael is a marketing and public relations professional, who helps organizations address their toughest challenges through politically-inspired strategy. Michael currently works at Purple Strategies, a leading reputation management firm that helps clients manage threats to their license to operate. Previously, Michael was involved in campaign politics, working directly with campaigns from the delegate to presidential levels, and in campaign consulting as a digital fundraising professional. Michael is a native of Bethesda, Md. and has lived in the District for the past three years. He studied public policy at the University of Maryland and graduated in 2018. In his free time, he enjoys spending time in nature with his partner Emma and playing with their pets Rosie and Luna. Michael is a student at WIT and is committed to making improv available and accessible for all.
John is a retired educator, author, and consultant. During his 40+ year career in education and training, John founded and led a consulting practice focused on co-creating knowledge, leading to positive change in education, learning, and society. He was a pioneer in online learning, directing the development of associate programs in information technology, business management, and engineering. He has served on several boards and has extensive experience with managing and writing grants. He holds a master’s degree in education from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Oberlin College. John is particularly drawn to working with people who believe that improv can make a positive impact. John graduated from the WIT curriculum in 2018 and has been a longtime member of the indie group Follow the Lisa.
Jon is an attorney who represents whistleblowers exposing corporate fraud. He is one of the founding partners of the law firm Tycko & Zavareei LLP, which focuses on representing whistleblowers in cases brought under the False Claims Act and other similar whistleblower laws. He is a graduate of Johns Hopkins and Columbia Law School, and has more than 30 years experience litigating in courts across the country. Jon has always loved theater, and was involved as a performer and director during high school, college, and law school. Jon previously served seven years on the board of trustees of Studio Theatre (where WIT is currently in its second year of artistic residence), and has also been an investor in several Broadway productions. Improvisational theater is a more recent interest, which he is currently pursuing through WIT classes.
We would like to thank our departing board members—MV Banks, Geoff Corey, Lindagrace De la Cruz, Andrea Fuller, Dana Malone Heiser, and Simone Webster—for their service to WIT.
Read more about our board members here.