Our why
As products of the Cleveland Municipal School District, we’ve witnessed firsthand how artistry is often viewed as a hobby rather than a necessity.
Historically, the arts are the first programs to be cut in underperforming, low-income schools facing financial struggles, largely because they are not tied to standardized testing. Over the years, art education has diminished drastically, despite overwhelming evidence that arts and cultural resources are significantly linked to improvements in health, education, and community safety.
Research examining economic well-being, race, and ethnicity highlights how the presence—or absence—of arts and cultural resources profoundly impacts communities in the following ways:
A 14% decrease in cases of child abuse and neglect
A 5% decrease in obesity rates
An 18% increase in students scoring in the top percentile on English and Math exams
An 18% decrease in the serious crime rate
TEAM AT THE L.A.B
Angelique J. Williams
CEO & Executive Artistic Director
A native of Cleveland, Ohio, Angelique Williams is a mother, arts activist, entrepreneur, and Educator of Fine Arts in Cleveland and surrounding areas. Her Educational training includes an Associates degree in Liberal Arts and a BA in Theater Arts. After graduation she launched her career and has taken her love for the arts to another level. As the proud founder and CEO of Let Art Breathe, she has experience acting, writing, directing, producing, photography and even choreographing her own original works.
Her ultimate goal is to share her love of the arts with the community, education system and to inspire and encourage the development of budding artists. In addition to reveling the power that artistry had to assist in healing the mind. As she will tell you just because something has been done once, it wasn't done by you. Leave YOUR mark!
Brandi Ford
Chief Operating Officer
Federal employee with 19+ years of business acumen experience serving the United States Navy. Formal academic and military training along with several professional certifications and an active secret security clearance. Currently working towards a Bachelor of Science in Business Management.
Transformational leader with proven success in managing programs and projects to achieve organizational objectives. Recognized for technical knowledge and expertise among colleagues. Effective liaison and adjutant to senior leaders. Inspirational motivator with a keen ability to influence staff members to work towards a common vision and goal. Excellent trainer and mentor in helping others advance and achieves success. Adaptable, innovative, and emotionally intelligent with strong analytical thinking, communication, agile problem-solver, and interpersonal skills.
