About
Our
Team
Tanya Cerda
Co-Founder, Trustee
+ Program Director
She/Her
Tanya Cerda is the Co-founder, Trustee of the N M Bodecker Creative Foundation, and the Founder, Board Chair of Sandy Bodecker Project, Inc. (collectively, “BODECKER FOUNDATION”) and is an interdisciplinary BIPOC artist whose vibrant identity and cultural heritage serve as powerful catalysts for fostering diverse and inclusive environments.
A graduate of Otis College of Art and Design in Los Angeles, California, Tanya’s academic and professional journey has provided her with a strong foundation in artistic principles and a rich exposure to a wide array of creative expressions. With over 15 years of experience in creative industries such as fashion, entertainment, and advertising, Tanya has developed a keen understanding of the transformative power that art and media play in shaping narratives and driving social change.
Motivated by her commitment to effect positive change, Tanya transitioned into arts education and philanthropy recognizing the profound impact she could have by fostering the growth and empowerment of emerging artists. When Tanya is not actively encouraging collaborations and aspiring to create spaces where underrepresented voices can flourish and be celebrated, she is at home listening to KEXP and All Classical Radio with her fiancé Ben and their dog Penny.
tanya@bodeckerfound.org
Tony Ozier
Studio Engineer +
Manager
He/Him
Tony Ozier is a multi-instrumentalist, producer, recording engineer, and music educator. He is passionate about bringing music production and studio engineering education to underserved communities and co-founded Beats | Lyrics | Leaders, which has brought workshops throughout the West Coast for over 10 years. He is the co-founder of the Portland Black Music Expo and the bandleader of the Doo Doo Funk All-Stars. He holds a degree in Recording Arts from Full Sail University in Orlando, FL.
tony@bodeckerfound.org
Jordan Souza
Youth Programs
Coordinator
She/Her
Jordan is an educator, writer, and editor passionate about propelling young voices. Jordan earned her BA in Sociology and her MA in Teaching and taught high school English for ten years. Simultaneously, she co-founded and edited Lilun Magazine, which published the work of 15-21 year old writers. After ten years in the classroom, Jordan pivoted towards working with youth outside of school and pursuing her writing. When Jordan is not working with young people or writing, you’ll most likely find her reading with a good cup of coffee in hand.
jordan@bodeckerfound.org
Jessica St. John
Director of
Advancement
She/Her
Jessica St. John is an advisor, ally, and environmentalist. She has guided partners through systems-level change efforts, focusing on sustainability, regenerative adaptation, and design. Her partners have included environmental organizations, groups specializing in organizational design and development, arts organizations, youth-focused organizations, and Fortune 500 companies. She has also served as the director of several prominent arts institutions in New York City. She’s thrilled to be able to support one of Portland’s most unique and innovative arts organizations and to help create the conditions for young people to discover their creative potential through engaging and immersive learning opportunities. In her free time, Jessica is a runner, practices meditation, and aspires to build a cabin in the woods from the ground up.
jessica@bodeckerfound.org
Kyra Watkins
Visuals Instructor
She/Her
Kyra Watkins is a Portland-based artist and muralist known for her work that combines portraiture with deep emotional narratives. Originally from Cincinnati, Ohio, Watkins has gained recognition for her community-centered art, often using portraiture to tell powerful stories. She has been involved in various public art projects. Her mural work often emphasizes connection, family, and remembrance, with a focus on human stories. Watkins also mentors youth in mural art and has collaborated with various community organizations.
kyra@bodeckerfound.org
Tanya Cerda
Co-Founder,
Trustee +
Program Director
She/Her
Tanya Cerda is the Co-founder, Trustee of the N M Bodecker Creative Foundation, and the Founder, Board Chair of Sandy Bodecker Project, Inc. (collectively, “BODECKER FOUNDATION”) and is an interdisciplinary BIPOC artist whose vibrant identity and cultural heritage serve as powerful catalysts for fostering diverse and inclusive environments.
A graduate of Otis College of Art and Design in Los Angeles, California, Tanya’s academic and professional journey has provided her with a strong foundation in artistic principles and a rich exposure to a wide array of creative expressions. With over 15 years of experience in creative industries such as fashion, entertainment, and advertising, Tanya has developed a keen understanding of the transformative power that art and media play in shaping narratives and driving social change.
Motivated by her commitment to effect positive change, Tanya transitioned into arts education and philanthropy recognizing the profound impact she could have by fostering the growth and empowerment of emerging artists. When Tanya is not actively encouraging collaborations and aspiring to create spaces where underrepresented voices can flourish and be celebrated, she is at home listening to KEXP and All Classical Radio with her fiancé Ben and their dog Penny.
tanya@bodeckerfound.org
Tony Ozier
Studio Engineer +
Manager
He/Him
Tony Ozier is a multi-instrumentalist, producer, recording engineer, and music educator. He is passionate about bringing music production and studio engineering education to underserved communities and co-founded Beats | Lyrics | Leaders, which has brought workshops throughout the West Coast for over 10 years. He is the co-founder of the Portland Black Music Expo and the bandleader of the Doo Doo Funk All-Stars. He holds a degree in Recording Arts from Full Sail University in Orlando, FL.
tony@bodeckerfound.org
Jordan Souza
Youth Programs
Coordinator
She/Her
Jordan is an educator, writer, and editor passionate about propelling young voices. Jordan earned her BA in Sociology and her MA in Teaching and taught high school English for ten years. Simultaneously, she co-founded and edited Lilun Magazine, which published the work of 15-21 year old writers. After ten years in the classroom, Jordan pivoted towards working with youth outside of school and pursuing her writing. When Jordan is not working with young people or writing, you’ll most likely find her reading with a good cup of coffee in hand.
jordan@bodeckerfound.org
Jessica St. John
Director of Advancement
She/Her
Jessica St. John is an advisor, ally, and environmentalist. She has guided partners through systems-level change efforts, focusing on sustainability, regenerative adaptation, and design. Her partners have included environmental organizations, groups specializing in organizational design and development, arts organizations, youth-focused organizations, and Fortune 500 companies. She has also served as the director of several prominent arts institutions in New York City. She’s thrilled to be able to support one of Portland’s most unique and innovative arts organizations and to help create the conditions for young people to discover their creative potential through engaging and immersive learning opportunities. In her free time, Jessica is a runner, practices meditation, and aspires to build a cabin in the woods from the ground up.
jessica@bodeckerfound.org
Kyra Watkins
Visuals Instructor
She/Her
Kyra Watkins is a Portland-based artist and muralist known for her work that combines portraiture with deep emotional narratives. Originally from Cincinnati, Ohio, Watkins has gained recognition for her community-centered art, often using portraiture to tell powerful stories. She has been involved in various public art projects. Her mural work often emphasizes connection, family, and remembrance, with a focus on human stories. Watkins also mentors youth in mural art and has collaborated with various community organizations.
kyra@bodeckerfound.org
Tanya Cerda
Co-Founder,
Trustee +
Program Director
She/Her
Tanya Cerda is the Co-founder, Trustee of the N M Bodecker Creative Foundation, and the Founder, Board Chair of Sandy Bodecker Project, Inc. (collectively, “BODECKER FOUNDATION”) and is an interdisciplinary BIPOC artist whose vibrant identity and cultural heritage serve as powerful catalysts for fostering diverse and inclusive environments.
A graduate of Otis College of Art and Design in Los Angeles, California, Tanya’s academic and professional journey has provided her with a strong foundation in artistic principles and a rich exposure to a wide array of creative expressions. With over 15 years of experience in creative industries such as fashion, entertainment, and advertising, Tanya has developed a keen understanding of the transformative power that art and media play in shaping narratives and driving social change.
Motivated by her commitment to effect positive change, Tanya transitioned into arts education and philanthropy recognizing the profound impact she could have by fostering the growth and empowerment of emerging artists. When Tanya is not actively encouraging collaborations and aspiring to create spaces where underrepresented voices can flourish and be celebrated, she is at home listening to KEXP and All Classical Radio with her fiancé Ben and their dog Penny.
tanya@bodeckerfound.org
Tony Ozier
Studio Engineer +
Manager
He/Him
Tony Ozier is a multi-instrumentalist, producer, recording engineer, and music educator. He is passionate about bringing music production and studio engineering education to underserved communities and co-founded Beats | Lyrics | Leaders, which has brought workshops throughout the West Coast for over 10 years. He is the co-founder of the Portland Black Music Expo and the bandleader of the Doo Doo Funk All-Stars. He holds a degree in Recording Arts from Full Sail University in Orlando, FL.
tony@bodeckerfound.org
Jordan Souza
Youth Programs
Coordinator
She/Her
Jordan is an educator, writer, and editor passionate about propelling young voices. Jordan earned her BA in Sociology and her MA in Teaching and taught high school English for ten years. Simultaneously, she co-founded and edited Lilun Magazine, which published the work of 15-21 year old writers. After ten years in the classroom, Jordan pivoted towards working with youth outside of school and pursuing her writing. When Jordan is not working with young people or writing, you’ll most likely find her reading with a good cup of coffee in hand.
jordan@bodeckerfound.org
Jessica St. John
Director of Advancement
She/Her
Jessica St. John is an advisor, ally, and environmentalist. She has guided partners through systems-level change efforts, focusing on sustainability, regenerative adaptation, and design. Her partners have included environmental organizations, groups specializing in organizational design and development, arts organizations, youth-focused organizations, and Fortune 500 companies. She has also served as the director of several prominent arts institutions in New York City. She’s thrilled to be able to support one of Portland’s most unique and innovative arts organizations and to help create the conditions for young people to discover their creative potential through engaging and immersive learning opportunities. In her free time, Jessica is a runner, practices meditation, and aspires to build a cabin in the woods from the ground up.
jessica@bodeckerfound.org
Kyra Watkins
Visuals Instructor
She/Her
Kyra Watkins is a Portland-based artist and muralist known for her work that combines portraiture with deep emotional narratives. Originally from Cincinnati, Ohio, Watkins has gained recognition for her community-centered art, often using portraiture to tell powerful stories. She has been involved in various public art projects. Her mural work often emphasizes connection, family, and remembrance, with a focus on human stories. Watkins also mentors youth in mural art and has collaborated with various community organizations.
kyra@bodeckerfound.org
