artist biographies

Mary Jane Agnew (she/her)

My name is Mary Jane Agnew and I am a Performing Arts & Social Justice Dance Major, Journalism Minor, and Cultural Anthropology Minor at the University of San Francisco. I am interested in mass incarceration and abolition and I have learned so much from my inside collaborator and this experience. I want to continue making art that is impactful and will inspire change.

Maria Alaniz (she/her)

My name is Maria, I’m 35 years old serving a 24 to life sentence. I’m a Drug and Alcohol counselor here in CCWF as well as a service dog trainer. Daily, thriving to make a living amends to anyone I’ve hurt… willing to change, heal and grow. Giving back by sharing my life openly, in hopes that someone might feel that internal freedom by connecting one's heart to the greater good and no longer letting shame and guilt be the internal prison… I constantly live to be the change I seek to see in the world… Forgiveness, Acceptance Love. And gratefulness.. Thank you to Every person in My life who continues to Support and Love me!

La Shante Ervin (she/her)

My name is Shante’ Ervin and I have been incarcerated here at CCWF for 24yrs. I have been working on my 12-steps, taking many self-help groups, and working on my behavior. I have received my AA Degree and am working on my BA Degree as well. I have turned myself around and know today that I do make a difference. I want to reach out and help others and allow them a chance to realize that life is better than drugs and violence. There is mass incarceration and I am willing to step out and make a difference and try to help change some laws try to get people into things to help themselves. I want to change things inside and outside of prison.

Renecha Gulley (she/her)

My name is Renecha Gulley. I grew up in Oakland, California. When I was 22 years old I made a tragic mistake which landed me in prison serving a life sentence. I have been incarcerated for 17 years and all them nothing I can do can repair the damage I’ve done I strive every day to be better than I was the day before. Everyone makes mistakes, some of us learn from them and some of us are judged by them. Being a part of the San Francisco (PACE) team has allotted us the privilege to tell a story that is important to us without fear, or judgment while we aid the USF students in their creative endeavors. It was a privilege working with Jen. She is awesome. She did an amazing job making sure she communicated the ideas with me and she was determined to precisely depict what I conveyed to her. Great job Jen and thank you so much USF, Amie, Reyna, Rayvon and all supporters.

Naomi Heater (she/hers)

I am a fifty-year-old Korean woman who has been incarcerated for a long time but not just in prison. I want to be seen as a human being and not a monster. I have made lots of poor choices which led me to chaos and dysfunction. This video is a little about my life and where I was to where I am. I have never felt free until releasing the old me and truly working on becoming the best me I was meant to be. I continue healing through giving back to my community by helping others and sharing my life in its entirety. Great people exist everywhere, even ones that are in prison. I have a story and have come from somewhere and will be someone amazing.

Chloe Hu (she/her)

Chloe Hu is a twenty-two-year-old Chinese girl and having her fourth year in USF. She transferred her major to Performing Art and Social Justice in her second semester of sophomore year. She studied theater composition. Chloe doesn’t have experience in theater before. She got some interest in singing. Like ordinary people, she has no special skills, but they have unlimited potential. It’s my first time working on a film and filming myself.

Tami Huntsman (she/her)

As a child, I was abandoned by my birth parents and raised by my grandparents and uncle I was surrounded by an abusive drug-addicted dysfunctional family, abused, isolated, afraid, as well as gangs and violence a part of my life. I not only felt abandoned but unloved unbalanced hopeless, not even knowing myself. physically and emotionally abused, I carried all of that throughout my life as it continued to compound in my relationships and marriage a mirror of my childhood, I masked to cover it up the best I could to get by, I became a rescuer and I was compelled to and did for others what I couldn't do for myself. I felt like there was no way out, learning from what I lived ultimately ended in tragedy and loss of loved ones beyond belief. I had built my life on hurt from the past, spent most of my life searching for the lost pieces of myself that never seemed to materialize. by the grace of God, today I know my worth and value are spiritually grounded have found and become in tune with my inner self and soul, overcoming obstacles and breaking away from unhealthy relationships and habits. What the world or others may want me to be and who I am may be different, but today I'm ok with being me, I'm growing daily using my voice for myself and others keeping faith and being the best me I can be for myself and my children I am stronger wiser and know that I'm not alone and want others to know and believe that as well. I'm determined to stay positive and continue to move forward I've been saved by the grace of God. I'm grateful for this opportunity

Mariam Jebari (she/her)

Hello, my name is Mariam Jebari. I am a third-year Performing Arts and Social Justice major with a concentration in Music. I also intend to complete a minor in Chicanx/Latine Studies. I am from the Boston, Massachusetts area and grew up with parents from Colombia and Morocco. Growing up the way I did, with the multitude of cultures I was surrounded by, I was able to see a lot of different realities. I saw the injustices some of my peers and family faced while others skated by life with no problems. It made me realize that as a person with intersectional identities and experiences, I could help all kinds of people unite and heal through my passion which is music. I love to teach children (and adults) how to express themselves through singing, dancing, playing instruments, and affirmations. My other passions at the moment are skateboarding (before I tore my ACL), cooking (you can always ask me for a recipe), and taking really long walks listening to my favorite or new music.

As for this project, I feel so blessed to have been able to work with Gaby. We immediately clicked and had several conversations about the traumas we have survived and the beautiful little things that make us smile. Also being able to communicate through Spanish has been very intimate to me. Since I don’t live with my parents anymore, I had been starting to lose words here and there, but after speaking with Gaby this semester I feel so much more confident in my abilities again. Gaby never fails to uplift me with her stories or affirmations and it’s so beautiful to see how she spreads her light :).

Noava Martinez (she/her)

My name is Noava Martinez I am a 47-year-old Native American and half Hispanic. I come from a family of drugs and alcohol and violence. When my parents divorced my life fell apart. Who I was before can not define the person I am today. I work hard every day to give back to my kids and society. I am a human being who deserves a second chance. What I went through as a child I wish on nobody. Today I am a different person and this video is an example of my life and it speaks volumes. I am a human being that deserves to be heard. I am at CCWF serving 70 years to life sentence for 2nd-degree murder. I volunteer in the dog program as a service dog trainer and it has been a life-changing experience for me, in all areas of my life.

Jen McFarlane (she/her)

Jen McFarlane is a third-year Performing Arts and Social Justice (PASJ) and Graphic Design double major at the University of San Francisco. She’s been acting since she was six years old at many Bay Area theatre companies including American Conservatory Theatre, Berkeley Repertory Theatre, and California Shakespeare Theatre, among others. She has been a competitive powerlifter for the last seven years and believes that the inherent human inclination to categorize, label, and define one other is our downfall. Once we recognize that we are all human beings, regardless of background, status, or identification, we can be less afraid of one another and work together towards a world that works for everyone.

Sutter McKenna (they/them)

Sutter is an artist, creator, and designer whom also has a passion in the field of youth development and community engagement.They are originally from South Carolina.Currently, Sutter is a performing arts and social justice major concentrated in theater at USF. Sutter has experience working on many different theater productions at various roles and capacities. They are very excited for the opportunity to collaborate with Tami on this piece.

Gabriela Morales (she/her)

Mi nombre es Gabriela Morales soy de Puebla,Mexico tengo 38 años.Mis sueños de niña tenia ser una bailarina,ilusiones de ser una estilista y el deseo de tener un hogar y ser una mamá llena de amor.Las experiencias y adversidades,cambiaron el rumbo de mis deseos y sentimientos el corazon.Luchando con mi interior me refugie en la soledad y el silencio.Mis deseos mas anelados se realizaron me converti mamá de dos boys y una girl.Esforzandome por darles lo mejor emigre a US con el sueños Americano,trabajaba duro para darles lo mejor y en tres trabajos mantenia mi tiempo.Despues de 4 años me traje a mis hijos a este pais deseando un mejor futuro y oportunidades para si vidas.La violencia se presento en mi hogar destruyento,separando y trumando lo que yo amaba mis hijos.Hoy me encuentro en prision cumpliendo una condena de 25 años a vida.Donde el proceso de sanacion,restauracion,libertad interior y el valor como mujer me a liberado de la condenacion, culpabilidad y verguenza.Hoy comparto con contigo mi historia de supervivencia y de la segunda oportunidad de volver a vivir y dar lo mejor de mi,aprendiendo nuevas cosas,el reconocer mis sentimientos y emociones,el valor de ser mujer y amarme,respetarme, cuidarme,en lo academico un segundo idioma ingles,obtener mi GED,e aprendido a tejer,coser y tener la inisiativa de tener un grupo de ejercisio y lo mas importante .La vida me a enseñado a levantarme y volar SER LIBRE ENTRE REJAS.

My name is Gabriela Morales. I am 38 years old and from Puebla, Mexico. My dreams as a child were to be a dancer, I often fantasized of being a stylist, and desired to have a home and be a mother full of love. Experiences and adversities changed the direction of my wishes and feelings from my heart. Fighting an inner battle, I took refuge in solitude and silence. My most longed for wishes came true when I became a mother of two boys and one girl. Striving to give them the best, I emigrated to the US with the American dream in mind. I worked hard to give them the best with three jobs that kept me busy. After 4 years I brought my children to this country wishing for a better future and opportunities for their lives. Violence appeared in my home destroying, separating, and traumatizing those who I loved the most: my children. Today, I am in prison serving a sentence of 25 years to life. Here, the process of healing, restoration, inner freedom, and gaining courage as a woman has allowed me to be free from condemnation, guilt, and shame. Today, I share my story of survival and the second chance to live again while giving my best, recognizing my feelings and emotions; and learning the value of being a woman which means loving, respecting, and taking care of myself. In my academic pursuits, I am learning a second language: English; working towards my GED; and learning to knit, sew, and have the initiative to create an exercise group. But most importantly, life has taught me to lift off, fly, and BE FREE BEHIND BARS.

Gi Gi Morgan (she/her)

Gigi is a senior standing Performing Arts and Social Justice major with a concentration in Dance at USF. Born and raised in Broward County, FL, she has always been passionate about the arts. Her move to San Francisco provided her the opportunity to develop her interest in dance, movement, theater, and music, as well as explore the realms of design with the aid of those around her including her peers and instructors. Gigi is pursuing to share her skills and talents to foster supportive and caring spaces, and encourage artistic expression. Not to mention, her work with collaborator Brittney was a heavily meaningful experience that she cherishes deeply and wholeheartedly. Thank you both Kaitlin and Mia. Reyna, Amie, and Rayvon I also want to thank you.

Simaima Ohuafi (she/her)

My name is Simaima F. Ohuafi. I was born on the South Pacific Island of Tonga. My parents are Paula and Ofa Ohuafi. My mother Ofa Ohuafi passed away in 1982 when I was only 3 years old leaving behind myself and seven siblings. Growing up without a mother was very difficult. I had no one to teach me how to be a woman or any idea of what a mother role looked like. Throughout life, I often felt alone, lost, and out of place. I truly believe not having my mom in my life led me down the path of destruction. Not having a mother took a toll on me mentally and emotionally. I believe if I had a mother figure to turn to for guidance or advice, I would have made better decisions and choices with my life. At the age of 16, I had my son Atu Ohuafi but we call him TuTu. When I was 18 years old my reckless and destructive choices caused me to take a life which landed me in prison leaving my son behind at 2 years old without a mother. Now the cycle is beginning to repeat itself. Tutu was a football player headed towards the NFL. He now battles with mental health issues and addiction. I’ve had many conversations with Tutu and he has expressed feeling alone lost and out of place. Sound familiar? My wish is for this collaboration to shine a light on mental health and addiction and how our decision-making as mothers affects our children. I hope and pray my son and all the other emotionally scarred children are able to be heard and one day break free from being paralyzed by bondage.

Mana Chirag Unadkat (she/her)

Mana is a senior at the University of San Francisco with a major in Performing Arts & Social

Justice, concentration in dance and a minor in General Business. She started dancing when

she was 4 and fell in love with this form of movement and expression. She received an 8-

year diploma in Indian Folk Dance and finished 5 years of the Indian Classical form Kathak.

She received training in a lot of different styles and decided to expand her knowledge more

at USF. In her time with PASJ, she has discovered her love for this art was expanded too.

Using art for social justice added motive to her passion. She has had a profound experience

connecting with her collaborator Simaima Ohuafi and feels grateful to have been able to do

this.

Candace Pete(she/her)

My name is Canadace Pete . I am serving a twenty-five to life sentence for domestic violence. Everything went spiraling out of control due to me becoming addicted to my prescription pain pills. I had a "Super Woman Complex", trying to help my family.
I was taking care of my sick husband, my sick father, my eight children, and babysitting for five children. I was delusional.Things had to be perfect. I implemented rigid schedules for myself to be what everyone needed.
The day I committed my crime I saw shock and fear on my children's faces. We had no idea it was our last time together. Thus beginning their journey of trauma and loneliness.No one noticed what they felt or needed. They were expected to go back to life as usual. They have lost so much.
I take full responsibility for my crime. But my children did nothing wrong, yet they served time with me.Today I am speaking out for them and all inmates children.What about the children is an important question today. Without notice they have silently slipped through the cracks .
I am asking government,society,communities, and the village , to take notice of inmates children today.So in closing I ask that this question stay on your mind and in your hearts. And that you might mention it to others. Thank you for your indulgence.

Serena Pickett (she/her)

Serena Pickett is from Staten Island, New York. She is currently living in San Francisco, California where she attends the University of San Francisco studying Performing Arts and Social Justice with a concentration in dance with a minor in Environmental Studies. Serena got her 200 hr yoga certification at YogaWorks in Manhattan, NY in 2018 and is now a yoga instructor and teaches in San Francisco. During her high school years, she had taken workshops with Pilobolus Dance Company, American Ballet Theater, and Battery Dance company. She has been training in various dance styles and found a love for choreographing. Serena believes our bodies hold a unique roadmap for healing and strengthening through movement, breath, and awareness. As a teacher and student, she gives the ability to pass on her knowledge and experiences while continually evolving and growing.

Zoë-Elise Quon (she/her)

Zoë is a third-year Performing Arts and Social Justice major and a minor in Asian Pacific American Studies at the University of San Francisco. She is a Bay Area artist specializing in dance, choreography, and film. She is trained in various styles of dance such as ballet, tap, jazz, and contemporary, and is specifically interested in modern improvisational work. Her art stems from her identity as a queer Chinese-American. She is incredibly grateful for the work she has done with Maria Alaniz in this collaborative process and feels so lucky to have a new friend and confidant.

Katie Robinson (she/her)

Katie Robinson is a senior PASJ major with a concentration in theatre. She’s a second-degree blackbelt in taekwondo, and loves learning languages and making crafts in her spare time. She is almost fluent in Spanish, and she started learning Korean during the pandemic. She also loves to travel and feels blessed to have been paired with her collaborator Jen Trayers, a travel agent, for this project.

Katie has done music since she was 5 years old. She sings and plays a number of instruments--most of them recorders. She can play 5 types of recorder, the Irish tin whistle, violin, viola, ukulele, and most recently, the cajon. Her favorite activities are embodied activities. She loves to feel the rhythm of a song or the emotion of a character down to her bones, she loves to dance and move, and she also loves the physical act of creating something, whether that be a costume, a hairstyle, or a friendship bracelet.

This class has been meaningful because it’s the first time she has actually experienced hands-on social justice work within the PASJ major. She has loved connecting with her collaborator Jen over the course of the semester, and she is honored to help tell her story.

Kayla Smaw (she/her)

Kayla is a third year Performing Arts and Social Justice Major at the University of San Francisco. At 20 years of age, she concentrates in the artistic area of Dance and enjoys using it as a way of expression both for herself and others. She is also a single parent and spends most of her time juggling between completing school assignments and parenting her toddler. In her free time she enjoys relaxing in Golden Gate Park with friends and discovering new food places in the city. During her time in the PACE class, her partnership with artistic collaborator, Noava Martinez, allowed her to finally feel connected to someone who actually understood what she had been through in her life. Something she has taken away from this course is a sense of community and gratitude for the experience of meeting someone who she can now honestly call her friend.

Brittney Tamayo (she/her)

Hi, my name is Brittany Xaviera Tamayo and I am currently incarcerated at CCWF. Being able to participate in the PACE program has been an absolute blessing. This experience was amazing!!! This piece is centered around a struggle I’ve dealt with both directly and indirectly since I can remember. Being a female with both African-American and Latino roots, finding a sense of belonging and acceptance was always difficult. What was confusing then I can embrace today. My beauty is not for man to except but it was made for my love and acceptance… most importantly it’s for the love and acceptance of my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Peace and love to you all.

Jennifer Trayers (she/her)

I loved traveling with my grandpa and I wanted to explore with the hope of seeing the world. I remember him always supporting me. He was proud of me and what I accomplished. He saw in me what I couldn't see in myself.

I use this time to explore who I am and who I want to be. I don't feel different anymore, I feel unique. I don't feel worthless, I feel valuable. I am able to communicate my feelings and I don't feel so misunderstood. I am confident, courageous and most of all I have resilience. I have compassion which helps heal myself and others. I am enough and still growing.

Mariam Jebari (they/them)

Hello, my name is Mariam Jebari. I am a third-year Performing Arts and Social Justice major with a concentration in Music. I also intend to complete a minor in Chicanx/Latine Studies. I am from the Boston, Massachusetts area and grew up with parents from Colombia and Morocco. Growing up the way I did, with the multitude of cultures I was surrounded by, I was able to see a lot of different realities. I saw the injustices some of my peers and family faced while others skated by life with no problems. It made me realize that as a person with intersectional identities and experiences, I could help all kinds of people unite and heal through my passion which is music. I love to teach children (and adults) how to express themselves through singing, dancing, playing instruments, and affirmations. My other passions at the moment are skateboarding (before I tore my acl), cooking (you can always ask me for a recipe), and taking really long walks listening to my favorite or new music.