Board of Advisors
MONIQUE EARL
Monique is a Senior Manager at Accenture LLP, where she leads local government initiatives in organizational change management, transportation, and infrastructure. With over 20 years of experience across the legislative, executive, and administrative branches of city government, she has played a key role in shaping public policy and driving workplace transformation.
Monique’s leadership experience includes serving as Deputy Mayor of Budget and Finance, Chief Deputy Controller, Executive Officer at the Los Angeles Department of Transportation, and Chief Diversity Officer at the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power.
A proud Angeleno, Monique holds a Master of Public Administration from American University and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from California State University, Northridge.
SHAY WAFER
Shay Wafer is a highly accomplished individual who has made significant contributions to the arts and community development throughout her career. With a strong passion for the arts and a practical understanding of organizational management, she has held key positions at various nonprofit arts organizations, particularly focusing on African Diasporic programming and community engagement.
Currently, Shay Wafer serves as the Executive Director of WACO Theater Center, where she continues to champion the arts and community development. Prior to her role at WACO, she held the position of Executive Director at 651 ARTS in Brooklyn, a renowned arts organization committed to presenting and promoting contemporary performing arts of the African Diaspora. Additionally, she played a pivotal role as the founding VP of
Programs for the August Wilson Center for African American Culture, a multi-disciplinary center and museum located in downtown Pittsburgh.
Throughout her career, Shay Wafer has also served as the managing director of several prominent theater companies, including Cornerstone Theater Company, LA Theatreworks, and the St. Louis Black Repertory Company. She was also a founding partner of Marla Gibb's Crossroads Arts Academy and Theatre, further showcasing her dedication to community engagement through the arts.
In addition to her professional roles, Shay Wafer has actively engaged in variouS community and volunteer activities. She has served on the Board of Directors of organizations such as the National Performance Network and Theatre Communications Group. She has contributed her expertise as a grant panelist for esteemed foundations
like the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), MAP Fund, Doris Duke Foundation, Mellon Foundation, Kresge Foundation, and Bush Foundation, among others. Shay Wafer's educational background includes graduating from Howard University and Yale School of Drama, which have provided her with a strong foundation in theater arts and management.