Who We Are

Come see what motivates us and the team of student leaders working to put Arts for All's vision on the map!

What We Stand For
Engage, Empower, Elevate

Our Mission

Our mission is to to expand access to theater, music, and dance for underprivileged students, empowering them with creativity, confidence, and community.

Our Vision

Our vision is to see world where every child, regardless of background, has the opportunity to shine on stage and beyond through the transformative power of the arts.

Global Leadership

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Founder, Co-President

Deen Lateef

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.

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.

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VP, Equity and Global Inclusion

Ryan Smith

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.

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VP, Finance and Marketing

Sophia Nasibdar

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.

VP, Creative Director and Logistics

Betsy Woodward

Betsy Woodward is a freshman in the vocal honors program at Colgan High School in Manassas, VA. In her free time, she is a singer, painter, and the drummer for an all-girl rock band. Outside of the arts, she enjoys traveling, swimming, and hiking. She is also an avid volunteer at a local community theater. Betsy grew up in a community surrounded by creative people and can speak from firsthand experience on how important the arts are in self-expression. She believes access to the arts is a crucial tool to improve mental health in underserved communities and that everyone, no matter what background, deserves a chance to express themselves.

Advisory Board

Zaiba Hasan is an accomplished diversity & inclusion advocate, event planner, and wellness coach with a passion for creating inclusive, healing spaces.

Born and raised in Chicago, Zaiba’s Irish/Pakistani heritage and interfaith upbringing gave her unique insight into navigating between identities, which she now brings into her work and public voice. She is well known as the Executive Director / Host of Mommying While Muslim, a podcast exploring the challenges and joys of parenting and identity in the Muslim American experience. Beyond podcasting, Zaiba leads Emerge Consulting Solutions, coaching parents around issues such as ADHD, mental health, trauma-informed wellness, and life transitions. Recently, she also launched the television show Emerge & Thrive on FOX5 Plus, where she offers practical strategies for families navigating change and growth. As a Board of Advisor member for the Arts For All Initiative, Zaiba brings her commitment to equity, her experience in narrative storytelling, and a belief that art and expression are essential tools for healing, identity, and empowerment.

Zaiba Hasan

Clare Gillespie

Ms. Clare Gillespie is a dedicated theater educator and sponsor of the International Thespian Society at Colgan High School, where she supports students in exploring dramatic arts and performance. Her passion for guiding young artists and facilitating creative growth aligns deeply with the mission of Arts For All Initiative —nurturing inclusive spaces where all youth can express themselves through the arts.

- Zendaya

“It’s not a lack of talent, it’s a lack of opportunity.”