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
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
Tara Spires
Tara is a collaborating artist for 'The Queen' our current school touring show.
Tara is a local actor and improvisor. She moved to Colorado in 2017 to attend school in Boulder.
When not on stage, she is a full time caregiver for folks with developmental disabilities.
Thank you for coming out to hear our stories and support live theatre. Thank you to my family and God for always having my back.
Team Roshni
Ryan Fergusan-Makepeace
​Ryan is a Father, Rolfer, Actor, Rapper, Writer, Filmmaker and Athlete who holds an Undergraduate Degree in Journalism from Colorado State University, and a Master of Fine Arts Degree in Theatre from Naropa University.
He grew up in Colorado and Loves Mountain Running and Climbing. Much of his informal education has come through extensive world travel in South America, Europe and Africa.
Most recently, he ventured to Turkey to do journalistic work in the Capital Istanbul and the Mountainous Jungles of Puerto Rico to assist in the building of an Earthen home in February of this year.
Ryan has worked with Roshni as a Writing Instructor, Youth Mentor, Actor and Writer since 2020.
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.
Momina Mohammadi
Momina, along with her family arrived in the United States, a few years ago as a refugee from Afghanistan.
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She managed to finish school before the Taliban took over. She started in the Sew & Sing program with Roshni but soon showed her managerial skills.
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Today she is the assistant instructor for the New American Stories. She also works at a restaurant.
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When she she is not working, she loves to do try new Henna patterns, learn English and spend time with family.
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Sweeta Afrooz
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.
Anastasia Sky
Anastasia Sky is a mother, multidisciplinary artist, holistic wellness business owner and a yoga and art teacher who holds a Master's Degree in Public Relations and Communications.
Growing up in St.-Petersburg, Russia, she immersed herself in rich art and theater experiences, and later traveled the world, that led her to settle in New York and then Colorado. Through her work in visual arts, dance, theater and singing, she is passionate about sharing stories that inspire, heal and connect people across cultures and generations
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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.
Jeszenne has performed in several dance and theatre production with Roshni and is excited to be part of their forthcoming plays 'Anger Anonymous' and 'Confluence'
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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.
