Today we’d like to introduce you to Amy Brady.
Hi Amy, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I am the treasurer for Artists for Africa, a U.S.-registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization founded in 2012 by professional ballet dancer Cooper Rust. Deeply moved by her volunteer work in Nairobi’s Kibera slum, Cooper returned to Columbia, SC to create a platform supporting arts education for underprivileged children in Kenya.
Today, Artists for Africa funds programs in the Kuwinda slums, offers safe housing for young artists, awards academic scholarships, and provides advanced training opportunities abroad. Funding is made possible through individual and business contributions, the annual Arts for Africa Performance Event, and the Post Card Art Event.
I became involved when my daughter was a student of Cooper’s during a stint in Columbia. I got the opportunity to meet the kids that live in the A4A Boarding House and was just overwhelmed by the joy that these kids have in spite of their backgrounds and circumstances. I have since had the privilege to travel to Kenya and stay at the boarding house with the kids. Truly, a piece of my heart resides in Nairobi and I am passionate about doing whatever it takes to care for these kids.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I joined the board three years ago. Having some experience in private business prepared me for my role as treasurer, but being involved with a non-profit has stretched me in ways I did not expect. As a fully volunteer operation, everyone learns to do whatever is necessary to keep things going. I have learned about social media and marketing, manned sales tables at craft fairs and really whatever it takes to keep supporting these kids.
Currently, we have three young adults in the US attending college and one student pursuing dance at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts. This is quite a challenge to fundraise.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
My husband and I ran a successful flooring company in Columbia. Using the experience I gained from our time in business, I have taken responsibility for the financial reporting for our organization. As a non-profit it is very important to be able to account for all giving and expenditures to ensure that our donors can trust that we are using the funds wisely.
What do you like and dislike about the city?
Columbia has a vibrant and exciting arts scene that is fully supportive of our mission. Our two main fundraising events wouldn’t be possible without the generous support of both arts institutions and individual artists. Postcard Art relies on artists donating 4×6 canvases for a one of a kind experience. The Performance Series brings all forms of the arts together for an unbelievable night of music, dance and so much more. We truly could not do what we do without the support of this city.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://artistsforafricausa.org/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/artistsforafricausa/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ArtistsForAfrica/
