780 Salem Ave, Elizabeth, NJ 07208 | 908.469.1211
OUR BLOG
Welcome Our New AmeriCorps VISTA Members
Welcome Our New AmeriCorps VISTA Members
Anna Kozloski: Introductory Blog
My name is Anna Kozloski, and I am excited to be joining the Institute’s team as a Development and Communications VISTA. Over the next year, I will support the Institute’s development and communication efforts as we build capacity, grow the Institute’s campus, and expand program offerings.
The arts have been a lifelong passion of mine. As the fourth sibling of five, I grew up playing bass and piano in a very large and creative family band. At Vassar College, I cartooned for the school newspaper and arts magazine, designed sets for school productions, and illustrated for The Magazine ANTIQUES. I also volunteered with a student-led arts accessibility organization and an arts education nonprofit dedicated to local, underserved youth.
The people who encouraged me to discover myself and my creative voice offered me the opportunity not only to develop my technical skills as an artist but to build life-long relationships, collaborate, and think critically. I joined the Institute for its commitment to access, equity, and inclusion in the arts. Far too often, systemic disparities in our society limit youth involvement in the arts. Every child deserves a space to be creative, to discover themselves, and to learn from people invested in their growth and well-being.
Working here for the past few weeks, I have come to appreciate how deeply integrated the Institute is with its community members. I sat in lessons where Ms. Melli and the Glo Girls processed the grief of Mr. Darryl’s passing, and others where Mr. Gonzalo energized a full classroom of DJ students from Community Access Unlimited. Seeing the Institute’s mission in action has been thrilling. I am eager to translate it into outreach that resonates, engages new audiences, and ensures the Institute’s sustainability as it expands its capacity. It is an honor to join the team, and I look forward to learning what the Institute means to each and every one of you.
Yejin Suh: Introductory Blog
My name is Yejin Suh, and I’m excited to be serving as a Development & Communications VISTA member for the Institute. I’m hoping to grow in areas like grant writing, fundraising, communications, and events planning during my time in this role. I’m a first-generation Korean-American born and raised in northern New Jersey.
I’ve been an avid reader and writer for most of my life, but found the arts support at my school pretty lacking. The only reason I continued to pursue creative writing was because of one of my high school teachers who encouraged and mentored me in my craft. I didn't truly realize the significance of her impact; looking back now, I never would’ve continued writing if not for her. I understand the importance of guidance for students interested in the arts, and I know that even just one person can alter the trajectory of a student’s life in discovering their passions.
I went on to study English lit at Princeton University, where I was able to engage with a broader arts community and explore my interests in literature and film internationally. I got to live and study abroad in places like France, Nepal, South Korea, and the UK. However, to make a true local impact on arts accessibility, I needed to return home to do it.
I haven’t been at the Institute for long, but I’m already struck by the welcoming atmosphere that every single person here has shown me. It feels like I could go to anyone for help and guidance without fear of judgement. I am truly honored to be a part of this community, and I am excited to connect with everyone at the Institute. In the same way that my life was changed as a student, I hope to contribute to the Institute to improve the lives of as many kids as possible.