Deen Lateef is a passionate young artist, activist, and community advocate from Manassas, Virginia. A freshman at Colgan High School, he was proudly inducted into the Colgan Center for Fine and Performing Arts with a concentration in theatre. An avid reader, budding historian, and dynamic stage performer, Deen has brought a range of characters to life in community theatre productions—including some of his favorites: Squidward in SpongeBob the Musical, Damian in Mean Girls, and Warner in Legally Blonde.

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Motivated by his own transformative experiences in theatre and recognizing how many under-resourced students lack access to such creative outlets, Deen founded the Arts for All Initiative (AAI). The organization is dedicated to expanding access to performing and visual arts for youth from underserved communities. Through AAI, Deen hopes to break down barriers, foster inclusivity, and ensure that every young person—regardless of background—has the opportunity to express themselves, build confidence, and find joy through the arts.

Ryan Donovan Smith is a freshmen at Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology in Arlington, VA. In his free time, Ryan enjoys learning pieces on his keyboard or saxophone and has recently taken up learning how to play the guitar. Ryan also values staying active through his neighborhood swim team and staying connected with friends around the globe. When stationed in Manila, Ryan and a group of students partnered with economically disadvantaged schools in The Philippines to help them create sustainable gardens, while supporting them with computers and food donations. During this trip he had first hand experience with the struggles other people had to endure.

 

Growing up in a family that values the arts as a lens to understand humanity and culture, Ryan developed a deep appreciation for artistic expression early in life. He believes that exposure to the arts is essential for improving quality of life, encouraging self expression, and fostering innovation. For this reason, he advocates making art accessible to all communities, regardless of background or financial means. 

Sophia Nasibdar is a 15-year-old student at National Cathedral School with a deep love for the arts especially singing Though she’s still exploring and growing in her musical journey, she’s always been drawn to the way creative expression brings people together and allows them to be seen and heard. Sophia understands that access to the arts whether it’s through music lessons theater programs,or performance opportunities is a privilege that many children do not have.

 

Through her role as Head of Marketing and Finance, she hopes to help more kids discover the confidence joy, and self-expression that the arts have brought to her own life. outside of her work, Sophia enjoys horseback riding, rowing with her crew team, and making Pinterest boards that reflect her ever growing love for aesthetics and creativity.