Our Motivation
Ubuntu!
Ubuntu according to wikipedia means, 'humanity towards others' or ' the belief in a universal bond of sharing that connects all humanity.
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Indeed, I Am because We Are.
Vision
To use Art to promote
Inclusion and Empathy.
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To share stories with those at the margins but more importantly help them tell their own stories.
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What we do
We use Art to Uplift, Heal, and Inspire.
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Through our programs and events, we work to create bridges between minority cultural groups and the mainstream.
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Community
We work with diverse cultural groups, namely refugees/immigrants, people with disabilities, seniors, and the homeless.
Founder/Artistic Director
Deepali
Deepali combines the best of dance and drama in a unique performing art of storytelling. Her artistic journey began in India, in dance, street theatre, and puppetry.
In Sweden, it became a vocation. In Canada, it became a profession. And here, it’s become a Purpose.
Deepali blends in the charisma of the East, the precision of the West, and the best of in-between.
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Jeszenee Turner
Jeszenee Turner's passion is Theatre and dance. She graduated from East High School and is currently pursuing an undergraduate degree in Theatre from the University of New Jersey.
Jeszenee started as an intern with Roshni in spring of 2021 and soon became an assistant instructor for our youth program, while also participating as an integral member of the women's group, I ARISE.
Currently remote, Jeszenee continues to participate in our youth and women's group and every spring and summer will be assisting in our summer camp and theatre production.
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Jesznenne is also the outreach coordinator for the New American Arts Festival
Anthony Le
Anthony is a professional Breakdance artist and upcoming hand-pan drum player.
He grew up on East Colfax and attended local schools. He started with Roshni at the very beginning. When he performed for the first event 'Conversations with Refugees' produced by Roshni for Yo-Yo Ma.
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Started as a youth mentor and instructor, Anthony has performed for numerous events and classes with Roshni, specifically for New American Stories and Dreams of Becoming.
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He also performed in 'Mountains Made for Us' the first theatre production in collaboration with the Vintage Theatre.
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He was part of the 'Bibi' Enesemble, a touring Empathy Show project
Tooba Jan Bagram
Born and raised in Kabul, Afghanistan Tooba was able to finish her high-school before the Taliban time.
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She married young and had 8 children. She also worked as a midwife.
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She arrived in the US with her family, 2.5 years ago. Here she started to learn English. Though she had learned to sew in her country, she participated in Roshni's Sew&Sing program in the last cycle and helped others when she finished her projects. Naturally, she the right choice as the assistant to Sweeta, the lead teacher.
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Always smiling and enthusiastic, Tooba loves to cook, knit, speak to her children who are still living in Afghanistan and go for a daily walk in the park with her husband.
Emma Grace Bradley
Emma Grace has a background in theatre; teaching Colorado youth for over 3 years.
She is a fluent Spanish speaker and enjoys connecting with students through movement and theatre.
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Currently she is teaching two classes at Roshni. From script to stage, Emma Grace is excited to share our love of Theatre with kiddos ranging from K-5 grade.
Emma Grace is also a performer in the Denver area! You might have seen her in The Polar Express this past holiday season!
Team Roshni
Sweeta Afrooz
Sandra Pitol
Sandra Pitol was born and raised in Veracruz, Mexico.
Always smiling and soft-spoken, she arrived in America 22 years ago from Mexico and has demonstrated to be a very worthy citizen by her work for the community she lives in.
She is one of the Big reasons for the transformation of our front yard last year. From a garbage-collecting barren piece of ground to a colorful and vibrant landscape. She is the reason, every inch of our space feels fresh, clean, and Welcoming. Sandra is a big reason why we Shine!
Sandra is also part of I ARISE Women group
Sarah 'Puma' Dalian
Sarah “Puma" Dalian, is one of the newest New American Stories facilitators at Roshni Healing Arts Sanctuary. With a background in business, she made a bold career shift into the arts and is now an aspiring film producer passionate about storytelling as a tool for connection, healing, and cultural understanding.
Born in Kazakhstan and now based in the U.S., she brings a lived New American perspective to her work, creating welcoming spaces for authentic expression. Outside of her creative practice, Sarah is a thrill seeker who loves outdoor rock climbing, trail running, and being with community.
Fatima Arifi
Fatima, along with her family arrived in the United States, about 8 months ago as a refugee from Afghanistan.
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Before the Taliban took over, Fatima worked in the finance department for the UN led Enviromental protection agency.
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Today she is the assistant instructor for the New American Stories.
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When she she is not working, she loves to read, sew, learn English and spend time with family.
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Sweeta Afrooz was born and raised in Afghanistan and arrived seven years ago in the US as a refugee.
Sweeta loves sewing and is delighted to be one of the head instructors for the 'Sew and Sing' program after being an assistant for the first cycle.
Sweeta loves exploring new things and is ever enthusiastic to meet people from different countries and try out new things.
When not sewing or teaching, Sweeta likes spending time with her children and baking.
Uriel Terrero
Uriel is an entrepreneur, leader, and community advocate who was raised in Denver. Uriel learned that life is about connection, community, and lifting others up. A graduate of Montbello High School, Uriel pursued a technical degree in Graphic Design and a degree in Business and Management. Uriel owns Zero Degree Designs Print Shop & Graphic Design and Fuzion Tonic Beverage & Snacks, two businesses that reflect not just his entrepreneurial drive, but also his heart. Uriel has a deep passion for working with youth, believing that mentorship, encouragement, and positive leadership can truly change lives. He consistently steps up for team initiatives, community projects, and legacy-driven efforts, always emphasizing accountability, collaboration, and shared purpose.
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Jeszenne Turner
​Jeszenne started as an intern in the senior year of High School in 2021 for the New American Stories program and continues to teach children/youth and also be a part of I ARISE, a program that brings together women from diverse walks of life.
Jeszenne is a talented actor and dancer and is currently entering the Junior year of Theatre program in New Jersey. Her passion as she is discovering is in Make-up and how one can become different characters when one uses a bit of paint among other things.
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Alice Moy
President
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Felicia
Board member
Roshni Board
Abby Hoke
Secretary
Kirit Merchant
Treasurer
Marvel Pierson
Board member
Prakash Subramanium
Board member
Art Promotes Empathy
Dance, besides promoting health and wellbeing, is a delightful medium to come together. It is specifically effective when people come diverse and cultural backgrounds.
Given time, it provides the right stimulus and setting for a better understanding of self and others in the group. It fosters confidence and encourages dialogue. An opportunity to learn, share information, and show, that in spite of our differences, we are inextricably connected.
