FOUNDER
Opal Palmer Adisa is a writer, photographer, cultural and gender activist, who nurtured her 20-year vision to create a vibrant space for both emerging and established artists, particularly from the Caribbean. Opal Palmer Adisa founded the AAAR program to honor both her own ancestral roots and the contributions of Caribbean artists. Her work focuses on community, trauma, cultural preservation, and the power of creative expression in shaping our understanding of identity and history.
BOARD MEMBERS
Shola Adisa-Farrar
Shola Adisa-Farrar is a bilingual creative leader, live event producer, and voice actor with a career spanning the entertainment, non-profit, and luxury brand sectors. Recognized by NBC News for her global versatility, Shola brings strategic vision and cultural fluency to her work, producing music festivals, film and TV projects, community initiatives, and international brand exhibits. As an artist, she has headlined concerts in 15 countries and had her music featured by Gilles Peterson on BBC Radio and Spike Lee’s Netflix series She’s Gotta Have It. A SAG-AFTRA member for over two decades, Shola continues to champion creativity, collaboration, and cross-cultural connection in all she does.
Winnifred Cross
Winnifred Cross has over 30 years of experience in public relations, advertising, printing, and business development. She is currently the Managing Director of an engineering company based in Jamaica, overseeing operations throughout the region. Her extensive career has been marked by leadership and a strategic approach to driving business growth. Winnifred's expertise spans multiple sectors, allowing her to excel in dynamic and challenging environments. She is committed to fostering innovation and excellence within the engineering industry.
Darian Reid
Darian Reid holds a Bachelor's of Arts Degree in French and Spanish and is a thespian (actor, writer, director) and TV producer. He won Best Actor in a Lead Role (2015) and Best Actor in a Supporting Role (2014) at the Tallawah Dramatic Arts Festival and is a multi-national awardee in the JCDC Speech and Drama Festival. He currently works as a Communications Officer, telling brand stories across print, radio, and TV. Darian is a proud member of the Adisa Ancestry Artists Residency board, supporting its mission to allow artists the space to create.spans multiple sectors, allowing her to excel in dynamic and challenging environments. She is committed to fostering innovation and excellence within the engineering industry.