Zakiyyah Sutton Email & Phone Number

ACI builds equity & inclusion in and through the arts. Zakiyyah is excited to engage in this new form of leadership, cultivate community through the arts, and share her expertise with organizations whose platforms and influence give them the power to transform the realm of racial justice. For racial equity consulting services, please contact zakiyyah@artsconnectinternational.org

United States

Music (Classically trained Coloratura Soprano well versed in Opera, Gospel, R&B, and Jazz).o Sang as a member of the chorus in opera production of "The Little Prince", which ran at the Schubert Theater for two weeks (2004-2005)o Wellesley College Choir, Toured with the Choir to Italy in 2009o Sang the National Anthem at a Baseball Game for the Boston Red Sox in 2011 and 2012o Performed Solo show at the House of Blues in September of 2011​o Soloist in Black Nativity Production (2012)o Performs at various community and private events

Served as the community liaison for Conservatory Charter School, charged with building community partnerships, overseeing community outreach initiatives and relations with community leaders/organizations, serving as the board liaison for the school board, Foundation board, and the board of the school’s partnership organization, the Center for Artistry and Scholarship, and offering administrative support in executing school and community projects

• Writes and distributes weekly press releases to communicate Department initiatives to the community and to highlight inmate program progress and success• Researches and writes articles for a monthly newsletter communicating Department initiatives to staff and the community, highlighting inmate progress and success, recognizing employee performance, and promoting the general health and wellness of the readership• Implemented new self-defense program for women entitled DASH (Defensive Aids in Situations of Help), which travels throughout Suffolk County• Creates business plans for new programs/initiatives that may be added to the department• Created the 2013 version of “Not Beyond Hope”, a compilation of art and poetry submitted by inmates to be distributed to members of the community• Establishes relationships with media contacts in order to broaden the department's reach to the community• Manages and implements various External Affairs initiatives, including but not limited to the coordination and development of community events/projects.• Develops and maintains the department's social media campaign

Boston City Hall

• Worked as paid intern for City Councilor Tito Jackson• Produced talking points for Councillor’s radio show• Interviewed students, facilitated recording process, and edited audio for “student of the week” segment on Councillor's radio show• Composed monthly newsletter for distribution to District 7 constituents, community members, and donors• Created letters and/or citations to honor or pay respect to various organizations and constituents• Attended events with and for the Councillor including hearings and community events (taking notes, pictures)

• Participant in Boston Arts Academy's Alumni Creative Core (ACC) • Part-time Music Teacher (taught a class of about 15 students about songwriting, vocal technique, musicianship, performance, and artist development once a week)

•Program Intern at Teen Voices (a journalism and leadership program for young women)• Attended weekly seminars and completed weekly assignments for Lumpkin requirement• Planned daily programs for teens and attended outside events sponsored by Teen Voices• Created Executive Reports and organized program information• Represented Teen Voices at board meeting and meetings with different Funding Organizations

Disk Jockey (2005-2008)• Operated the radio equipment• Generated shows and discussions on air• Interviewed and collaborated with people in the community for organization (Mayor Menino, Liz Walker, etc.) • Volunteered to supervise disadvantaged youths • Presented information about organization through exhibitions and outreach• Provided community service for females or people living with disabilities• Produced and promoted positive messages about women to be distributed around the worldSupervisor (Summer 2009)​• Conducted workshops dedicated to self-improvement of high school girls• Mentored young women and taught on air skills• Advised on air content and monitored performances

Bachelors, Political Science And Sociology

College Government Contact Senator; ​ (2008-2010) o Student Organizations and Appointments Committee-Conducted Interviews for Student.

Master Certificate, Music Business, 3.9Gpa

Completed courses in Online Music Marketing: Campaign Strategies, Social Media, and Digital Distribution, Music Business Trends.

Study Abroad, Political Science, Sociology, Twi

• Courses in Political Science, Sociology and Twi with the Council on International Educational Exchange (CIEE) • Volunteered.

Education record

• Courses in Mathematical Models; Journalism; Spanish; Poetry; American Government • Lived on Harvard University Campus every summer.

Voice (Music), 9-12

Activities and Societies: • Student Government 2006-2008; Student Body President 2007-2008 • Open Honors in Science, Humanities.

Liberal Arts, Dual Enrollment/College Credit (Taken In 11Th Grade)