As the Programming/Community Outreach Coordinator at SFDFF, Laura Elaine Ellis co-curates the annual Raising Voices program. Ellis’ work has been recognized by the State of California and the Alameda Arts Commission for preserving African American art and culture. She is co-founder and Director of the African & African American Performing Arts Coalition, co-presenters of the Black Choreographers Festival: Here & Now (BCF). Ellis performs and choreographers with Dimensions Dance Theater and Flyaway Productions. She has served over 25 years on faculty for the Dance Departments at the Athenian School and CSU Eastbay.