I am a Program Coordinator at Chicago Arts Partnerships in Education. As Program Coordinator, I oversee our After-School programming at four different schools in Chicago, facilitate Professional Development meetings for our partners, and compile information for our grants.CAPE engages in the practice of arts integration and pairs school teachers with our teaching artists to co-create a curriculum that engages in both the arts and academic disciplines. My interest in arts integration stems from my background as a dancer, and my own experiences with how the arts can facilitate learning. I first learned about arts integration when I interned for the Center of Creative Arts in St. Louis, and was able to see the impact these programs had on students.I am passionate about advocating for all Chicago communities and students, especially those who have been under-served and minoritized. Arts integration and the arts in general are crucial to creating equity across educational institutions.