Malia’Kekia Nicolini (‘O ia/She/They) is a Kanaka Maoli (Native Hawaiian) teaching artist, choreographer, artistic director and gratitude enthusiast based in the Berkshires. ‘O ia is delighted to be a Teaching Artist for the Teen Ensemble at WAM! Malia’Kekia is the Co-Founder of B4 The Other Creations which travels throughout the US/internationally offering professional development and educational residencies. B4’s intimate work is led through movement, not lecture, and grounded in a Pedagogy of Play. Most recently, Malia’Kekia co-facilitated the Black and Indigenous Futures Convening with Howlround Theater Commons and ArtsEmerson. As an interdisciplinary artist, ‘o ia weaves all their experience together to empower students with radical joy. BFA (Music Theater), MBA (Mindfulness in Business Practices), BIPOC Leadership (ArtEquity). www.b4theother.com