NEW ORLEANS – KID smART, the New Orleans-based nonprofit dedicated to integrating arts education into public schools, proudly announces the addition of Trenton Thomas, Megan Manning and Courtney Washington to its board of directors.
“We’re truly thankful to welcome these dedicated leaders to our board,” said Elise Gallinot Goldman, executive director of KID smART. “Their insight, experience and commitment will strengthen our efforts to make arts-rich education accessible to every student throughout New Orleans.”
Thomas, widely known as “T-Ray the Violinist,” is a visionary artist known for his eclectic fusion sound that redefines the violin beyond its classical roots. A Recording Academy member, T-Ray has toured nationally and internationally, performing at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, Essence Festival, Voodoo Festival and more. He has shared stages with icons such as Frankie Beverly & Maze, Anthony Hamilton, Erykah Badu and Big Freedia, and collaborated with Grammy-nominated Tank and the Bangas. With performances spanning Fortune 500 companies, major festivals and cultural events, T-Ray has built a dynamic brand that blends style, innovation and artistry.
Manning began her career in the performing arts in New York City before transitioning to business, first on Wall Street and later in Louisiana. After earning her MBA from Loyola University New Orleans, she rose to CEO of Ross & Wallace, where she scaled operations and added millions in shareholder value at exit. In 2023, she co-founded Cucuron with Michael Manning leveraging her experience in business growth and her passion for the arts. At Cucuron, she is dedicated to transforming how art is sold and helping artists thrive while guiding collectors in developing their unique style.
Washington is a dynamic educational and business leader. She combines her expertise in communication, marketing and leadership with a passion for innovation. Her career spans K-12 and higher education environments, where she has made a lasting impact as both an educator and administrator. Previously, as Chief Communications and Community Affairs Officer for NOLA Public Schools and Community Engagement Specialist for Selma City Schools in Alabama, Washington developed district-wide communication initiatives, fostering transparency and connection. At Concordia College Alabama, she served as an Assistant Professor of Business in the Associate of Arts program where she empowered students to achieve academic and professional success.
For more information about KID smART’s board and its work to bring arts-rich education to New Orleans public schools, please visit kidsmart.org.
Founded in 1999, KID smART has served more than 63,000 students and 11,000 teachers, providing underserved students with the opportunity to experience dynamic, creative and relevant learning through the arts.
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About KID smART
Over the last two decades, KID smART has collaborated with more than 40 New Orleans public
schools to blend the arts into academic lessons to make classrooms more effective and joyful
places to learn. Through full-year artist residencies, students in KID smART Creative Schools
prove to grow academically, artistically and emotionally. KID smART also partners with national
thought leaders, including Harvard’s Project Zero Classroom, to incorporate best practices in
arts and education into its program model.