Sam P is from Braintree and has been living in Jamaica Plain for over 12 years.He founded Brain Arts Org in 2013 after starting it's first project, Boston Compass Newspaper, in 2010. He is passionate about creating and sharing platforms that uplift marginalized artists which for Sam began with DIY/punk culture in 2004 and has evolved into arts equity and advocacy in the past decade. In addition to playing bass for local rappers, vocalists and bands he is also the singer and songwriter for his own band Groan Man & The Slipped Discs. Check him out at www.SamPBostonMass.com

Michelle is a writer, publisher, editor and custom jeweler. She joined the Brain Arts team after meeting at the MOB Market at Dorchester Art Project and quickly elevated to editor and top administrator of the BCN Blog. Check out her link for her art and poetry books, jewelry and more!

Akbota started as a volunteer copyeditor for the Boston Compass Newspaper while they were a college student. After completing their term as Editor-in-Chief of Tufts University’s newspaper, they served as a print intern under Kevin Dacey, writing columns about food justice, local food, and comedy. Akbota graduated into the role of production manager for the newspaper and coordinates with writers, copyeditors, and designers to release monthly editions of the paper. They also work as a grant writer at local nonprofit Food For Free, and scribble many, incessant thoughts into their journal.

Marc is a Federally licensed tax accountant. Born in Boston, raised in NH, currently in Salem, MA with his wife and baby girl. Marc has nearly 20 years experience working with individuals, businesses, estates, trusts and non-profits. He is a musician who organizes experimental music performances in and around Boston since 2012. He believes free artistic expression is a path to self-knowledge and a way to grow empathy for others. Check out his new business Progressive Accounting LLC.

Emma started as a volunteer with Brain Arts Organization in 2014 and was super proud to be one of the Directors for the last 3 years! She ran the Communications department and the DAP store and managed public art projects. Now she is a volunteer again, having taken a job at Next Rung Technology this year, and focusing on finishing the systems building with operations she started while acting as director. She loves painting walls, getting paint on herself, getting artists paid, and advocating for creative workers worldwide. You can see her art at www.soleiarts.com

Amyas McKnight was Director Of Facilities at Dorchester Art Project till 2023 when he became leader of the new DAP Steering Committee. He is also the Founder of What's Happening Boston. Through various jobs McKNight discovered his strengths and passion for grassroots organizing while simultaneously beginning a career in the entertainment industry. In 2020 these callings merged when he started volunteering for Brain Arts Org and quickly proved a valuable asset to a hyper-local, mission-driven organization. As a lifelong Dorchester resident McKnight is passionate about realizing creative potential and bringing money and power back to his community. He managed all the facilities at Dorchester Art Project including the theater and performance space, gallery and exhibition space as well as the store and rental hall. He plans to pass the torch of BAO board member to the next bearer this fall 2023.

And of course shout out to our incredible VOLUNTEERS who have made BAO what it is today. There are hundreds of people who have lent their energy and passion to this organization in the past several years and we are forever grateful to them!