BOARD OF DIRECTORS

BOARD PRESIDENT

MaryLaura Mau, MPS (she/they), is a visual practitioner and business consultant. She runs MaryLaura Mau Arts & Consulting, located in Metro Detroit to empower her internationally based clients through interdisciplinary visual strategies, graphic recording and facilitation.

"Through my work, I bridge the art and business realms by incorporating a sensitivity to effective language and communication within interconnected networks poised for good. This means I lead with my values of creativity and support for future building.

I chose to put my support behind Living Arts because I am passionate about collaborating with organizations championing creative communities, cultivating inclusive perspectives, amplifying historically marginalized voices, and advocating for equity and inclusion in all decision-making processes. Living Arts embodies the qualities of a values-driven organization I see building a stronger future for the community, together.”

Connect with MaryLaura on LinkedIn.

BOARD VICE PRESIDENT

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BOARD TREASURER

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SECRETARY

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 MEMBER

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

Ron Dickerson (he/him) is a Banker and Vice President in J.P. Morgan Private Bank’s Birmingham office. He advises a diverse range of clients, including business owners, executives, professional athletes, young entrepreneurs and founders. Ron was born and raised in Detroit to a family that emphasized the importance of education, hard work and perseverance. He is a graduate of the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. Ron resides in Northville with his wife, their three children and two dogs. He enjoys spending time with his family, reading, cooking and playing golf.

BOARD MEMBER

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BOARD MEMBER

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, FINANCE COMMITTEE

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BOARD MEMBER

Andrea Transou (she/her) 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.