68: Arts for the Underserved — Reesie Davis

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">This week on 5.6.7.EIGHT, Aleksandra interviews Reesie Davis, CEO and Founder of</span> <a href="http://www.praizeproductions.com/"><span style= "font-weight: 400;">Praize Productions</span></a><span style= "font-weight: 400;">. Davis, who holds undergraduate and graduate degrees in education from Indiana University, taught for five years in public education prior to establishing her company. In her current role, Davis uses her platform to create award-winning productions infused with socially conscious messaging and to harness the arts to enrich underserved communities.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">As a trained educator, Reesie believes that art should make people feel, think, and ultimately act to make society better, and being on the southside of Chicago, she has witnessed firsthand the positive effects that the arts can have on a community. On the podcast, Reesie walks through her journey in education and dance that led her to this unique position and shares some invaluable thoughts around the importance of having a strong work ethic, partnered with a strong belief in yourself.</span></p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Moving Quotes:</strong></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“I knew I wanted to go to our underserved communities to help young artists of color and give them opportunity and exposure in the arts."</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“[Founding the company] has been a struggle, but it’s been all worth it. Because when I see the young artists I impact in my students and see the impact that this organization has in people’s lives and in our community, I know all of those sacrifices I had to make along the way were worth it."</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“Women are the heart and soul of this world; they influence everything.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“In life, there is no wasted experience. I use my education degree every single day in teaching the arts."</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“I thi