Our Team
Patrice "Patty" Aikonedo, Executive Director
Patrice "Patty" Aikonedo, Executive Director
Patrice "Patty" Aikonedo, Executive Director
Patty is an arts educator, researcher, and creative practitioner whose work explores the intersections of art, equity, and belonging. She holds an MA in Museums and Galleries in Education from University College London’s Institute of Education, where she later conducted doctoral research on Black diasporic narratives and counter-storytelling in traditional museum spaces.
Alicia Zieman, Director of Operations
Patrice "Patty" Aikonedo, Executive Director
Patrice "Patty" Aikonedo, Executive Director
Alicia brings a distinctive blend of technical expertise, organizational strategy, and people-centered leadership. With a BSc (Hons) in Computer Science from Kingston University London and postgraduate experience at Royal Holloway, University of London, Alicia has spent over a decade building and refining operational systems that prioritize clarity, efficiency, and care.
Anita Owegie, Programs & Learning Manager
Patrice "Patty" Aikonedo, Executive Director
Anita Owegie, Programs & Learning Manager
Anita is an artist and educator whose work bridges creativity, culture, and community. A recent graduate of North Park University with a BA in Art/Art Education, she approaches teaching as both an act of care and a catalyst for empowerment. Her practice is rooted in the belief that art can shape how young people see themselves and the world around them.
Reese San Diego, Lead Teaching Artist
Anita Owegie, Programs & Learning Manager
Reese is an artist and community organizer whose work is rooted in joy, care, and collective creativity. As a multidisciplinary creator, their practice uplifts storytelling, accessibility, and the beauty of everyday connection. Their art centers their identities as an Asian-American, queer, and rural-raised creative, exploring the intersections of belonging, resistance, and self-definition.
Steven Sanabria, Teaching Artist
Steven brings a warm, people-centered approach to youth engagement. With a professional background in hospitality, customer service, and fast-paced team environments, Steven is especially skilled at creating welcoming spaces, building rapport quickly, and helping young people feel comfortable, seen, and encouraged. At TCGC, he supports ha
Steven brings a warm, people-centered approach to youth engagement. With a professional background in hospitality, customer service, and fast-paced team environments, Steven is especially skilled at creating welcoming spaces, building rapport quickly, and helping young people feel comfortable, seen, and encouraged. At TCGC, he supports hands-on arts programming through painting, sculpture, mixed media, and community-based creative activities that spark confidence, self-expression, and joy.
Alba M. Romero-Martínez, Teaching Artist
Alba is an artist and art history enthusiast with a passion for creativity in all forms. She has an M.A. in Museology from Caribbean University in Puerto Rico and has been painting for over fifteen years. Her art process is centered in history, emotions, and self-exploration. She believes that everyone has an artist inside of them, and is
Alba is an artist and art history enthusiast with a passion for creativity in all forms. She has an M.A. in Museology from Caribbean University in Puerto Rico and has been painting for over fifteen years. Her art process is centered in history, emotions, and self-exploration. She believes that everyone has an artist inside of them, and is excited to work with children and help them discover the satisfaction of creating their own artwork
The Board of Directors
Vincent Osaghae
Vincent Osaghae
Vincent Osaghae
Mr. Osaghae is the founder of Osaghae & Associates, Ltd., bringing over 30 years of experience in public accounting and higher education. A Certified Public Accountant, Certified Internal Auditor, and Certified QuickBooks ProAdvisor, he holds degrees from Chicago State University and Governors State University. In addition to leading the
Mr. Osaghae is the founder of Osaghae & Associates, Ltd., bringing over 30 years of experience in public accounting and higher education. A Certified Public Accountant, Certified Internal Auditor, and Certified QuickBooks ProAdvisor, he holds degrees from Chicago State University and Governors State University. In addition to leading the firm, he has served as a university professor for more than three decades, earning recognition as Outstanding Professor of the Year.
Zaneta N. Sykes
Vincent Osaghae
Vincent Osaghae
Ms. Sykes is an entrepreneur and child advocate with over 25 years of experience in early childhood education.
Her work centers on enrichment, neurodiversity, and supporting families navigating IEPs, learning disabilities, and autism within CPS. A lifelong learner and passionate cinephile,
Zaneta believes in the power of storytelling, bot
Ms. Sykes is an entrepreneur and child advocate with over 25 years of experience in early childhood education.
Her work centers on enrichment, neurodiversity, and supporting families navigating IEPs, learning disabilities, and autism within CPS. A lifelong learner and passionate cinephile,
Zaneta believes in the power of storytelling, both in the classroom and on screen, to encourage empathy, imagination, and change.
Tony Shamoun
Vincent Osaghae
Tony Shamoun
Mr. Shamoun is a healthcare professional with experience in managing and supporting in-home caregiving services, bringing a people-centered and solutions-driven perspective to the board.
He has a long-standing commitment to youth advocacy, having volunteered for several years with Howard Brown Health’s Broadway Youth Center and supporting
Mr. Shamoun is a healthcare professional with experience in managing and supporting in-home caregiving services, bringing a people-centered and solutions-driven perspective to the board.
He has a long-standing commitment to youth advocacy, having volunteered for several years with Howard Brown Health’s Broadway Youth Center and supporting LGBTQIA+ young people through mentorship and community care.