BOARD OF DIRECTORS

BOARD PRESIDENT

(he/him)

Demetrius Shields (he/him) is a dancer, choreographer, arts administrator, and writer from Detroit, MI. He currently serves as Manager of Individual Giving at Detroit Opera, supporting fundraising to advance artistic and educational programming. As a performer, Demetrius danced in the Radio City Christmas Spectacular and worked in theatre, film, and interdisciplinary projects internationally. He serves as a board member and DEIA Committee Chair for MindLeaps Global and sits on the USA Board of In Place of War. Demetrius is also an inaugural Change Collective Fellow and a 2024 recipient of the ARC Fund from CultureSource. His choreography has been presented across the U.S., blending his deep roots in ballet, modern and contemporary with a strong narrative and community-centered approach. Whether on stage or behind the scenes, his work champions the transformative power of the arts to uplift communities and drive social change.

More @ www.demishields.com

BOARD VICE PRESIDENT

(she/her)

BOARD TREASURER

(she/her)

Bianca Pope is driven by a belief that young people deserve spaces where they feel seen, supported, and challenged to grow, and she found that belief reflected in the work of Living Arts Detroit. What drew her to the organization is its intentional investment in youth not just through arts programming, but through the deeper work of building confidence, cultural connection, and community belonging. She brings financial and operational expertise spanning accounting, finance, budgeting, internal controls, and organizational sustainability, providing the behind-the-scenes infrastructure that allows mission-driven work to thrive. Her strategic thinking and professional network make her a resource connector as much as a board member, and she is committed to mission-aligned decision-making at every level. For Bianca, the balance of heart and excellence she sees in Living Arts is what makes the work powerful. Contributing to an organization that is shaping the next generation of Detroit leaders is not just an opportunity; it is something worth showing up for.

BOARD SECRETARY, FINANCE COMMITTEE

(she/her)

BOARD MEMBER

(he/him)

Daniel Cascardo (he/him) is a visual and interactive artist whose work uniquely blends collaboration and creativity. Specializing in paintings, murals, sculptures, and prints, Cascardo sets himself apart through his Art Action Experience, an interactive process that invites participants from all backgrounds to add their own colors, patterns, and shapes to his black-and-white designs. This inclusion transforms each artwork into a collective experience, capturing the diverse energy of its participants. His pieces, whether in galleries, corporate functions, or community events, foster communication and inspiration, making art a dynamic and engaging process.

Through over 30 years of work, Cascardo’s innovative approach has led to numerous exhibitions and commissions for organizations like Henry Ford Health Systems, Meritor Corporation, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Sprint, True Religion Cosmetics and many more. His work not only enhances physical spaces but creates lasting connections among diverse audiences, transforming both environments and individuals alike.

BOARD MEMBER

(he/him)

Jeffrey Phelps (he/him) moved to Michigan four years ago, after 20 years in the Los Angeles film industry.  He started working for Clint Eastwood out of college, then segued into acting in commercials and features before starting his career in writing and directing.  After writing and directing his first feature film, Jeff became a script doctor for years in LA, then he started making commercials and online content for Absolut, Ford, and locally, The Suburban Collection.  Jeff now resides in Birmingham and opened his own marketing and content creation studio.  Giving to, and making content for and with Living Arts is something he loves, and hopes more of you will join him in doing.

BOARD MEMBER

(she/her)

Andrea Transou is a passionate scientist, board member of the Living Arts Organization, and dedicated wife and mother of two. Born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, Andrea's love for both science and the arts drives her diverse pursuits. As a brain cancer researcher, she is deeply committed to advancing scientific knowledge while also caring for and helping others.

A firm believer in the beauty of all forms of art, Andrea writes poetry and performs spoken word, finding powerful expression in her creativity. She holds degrees from Indiana University, Purdue University, and Oakland University, which have equipped her with the knowledge and skills to excel both in her scientific career and her artistic endeavors. Andrea is also an avid traveler, always seeking new experiences and perspectives. Her unique blend of intellect, compassion, and creativity makes her a dynamic individual with a deep desire to make a positive impact in both the scientific and artistic communities.

BOARD MEMBER

(she/her)

Diamond Carswell brings over a decade of experience as a dance instructor, choreographer, and arts education professional whose life's work has been centered on what Living Arts Detroit is built to do. She has witnessed firsthand how creative expression builds confidence, discipline, and identity in young people, and the organization's commitment to culturally rooted arts education and community impact reflects the values she has carried throughout her career. Her background spans curriculum development, program leadership, creative direction, marketing strategy, and community engagement, with collaborative experience alongside organizations including Detroit Youth Choir, Detroit Leadership Academy, and a range of community-based youth programs. She holds degrees in Arts and Entertainment Management from Eastern Michigan University and Organizational Leadership from Central Michigan University, giving her both the theoretical grounding and practical experience to contribute to strategic planning, sustainable growth, and cross-sector partnership development. Diamond maintains deep roots across Detroit's arts, faith-based, and educational communities, with professional ties to collegiate networks and youth-serving organizations including Detroit Excellence in Youth Arts, and she is prepared to leverage those relationships in service of Living Arts' outreach, programming, and fundraising goals. For Diamond, joining the Living Arts board is a natural extension of a career devoted to expanding access to transformative arts experiences for Detroit youth.

BOARD MEMBER

(she/her)
Lily Blancas has spent 23 years building relationships across Southwest Detroit, and her connection to Living Arts Detroit's mission is both personal and professional. As a native Spanish speaker with deep roots in the community, she understands firsthand how important it is for young people to have culturally grounded spaces where they can explore identity, build confidence, and stay connected to where they come from. She brings program coordination, community engagement, and strategic communication skills developed through leadership roles with SHPE Detroit Professional and La Carpa Theatre Teen Ensemble, with hands-on experience supporting youth-centered programming, managing logistics, and strengthening outreach through digital platforms. Her bilingual capacity positions her to foster more inclusive communication and deeper engagement with the Spanish-speaking families Living Arts serves in Southwest Detroit. Lily's long-standing relationships with local families, youth programs, and community organizations make her a genuine connector, and she is committed to leveraging those ties to support program growth, expand visibility, and contribute to the organization's long-term sustainability. For Lily, joining the Living Arts board is an opportunity to put her skills, her network, and her belief in the power of the arts directly in service of the young people she has been part of this community alongside for over two decades.