NINA
Nina Brian-Smith (they/she)
I am a young, queer creative and relationship-builder currently residing in my birthplace of Philadelphia, PA. I recently completed a Masters in Music Education Pedagogy from the University of Massachusetts Amherst, where I also studied classical percussion and music therapy as an undergraduate. Outside of my work with the Collective, I am a music educator, primarily teaching percussion at Widener University and a few local high schools.
Having grown up in both Philly and Charleston, SC, I have been surrounded by deeply established grassroots community organizing for much of my life. Coupled with my upbringing by several strong, activist women and queer folks, my passion for social transformation through mutual aid and community care remains a life-long commitment.
As the newest member and facilitator, the Collective has offered me a loving container to explore and develop my skills in transformative justice education. Like countless others in our networks and communities, I have personally experienced the impact of learning through dialogue, lived experience, and radical interconnectedness. Having the opportunity to create and collaborate with people who bring so much expertise and nuance to this work energizes and sustains me in many other areas of my personal-political life.
Having grown up in both Philly and Charleston, SC, I have been surrounded by deeply established grassroots community organizing for much of my life. Coupled with my upbringing by several strong, activist women and queer folks, my passion for social transformation through mutual aid and community care remains a life-long commitment.
As the newest member and facilitator, the Collective has offered me a loving container to explore and develop my skills in transformative justice education. Like countless others in our networks and communities, I have personally experienced the impact of learning through dialogue, lived experience, and radical interconnectedness. Having the opportunity to create and collaborate with people who bring so much expertise and nuance to this work energizes and sustains me in many other areas of my personal-political life.