Jillian Amadi Roberts ‘11 

Since 1976, National Black History Month has had an endorsed theme as a part of the celebration. For 2024, the theme is "African Americans and the Arts," spanning the many impacts Black Americans have had on visual arts, music, dance, theater, and cultural movements. This month’s spotlight features a small group of Black GDS Alumni who have used their artistic talents and skills to be agents of change to create, uplift, and inspire. 

Introducing…Jillian Amadi Roberts ‘11 

Jillian is a dance teacher and choreographer.

“The arts were my safe space growing up: an environment that made me feel confident, supported, and celebrated during a time when self-esteem was tough to come by,” Jillian said, “Dance, music, photography, and theater gave me the opportunity to feel talented and accomplished in the midst of all the challenges growing up brings. I wanted to give that opportunity to young people with a knack for creativity and a desire to express themselves who may not have access to any other outlet.”

Jillian is grateful for all the leadership opportunities she was given at GDS that inspired her to become a teacher: Vinita Ahuja hired her as a camp counselor, which helped her learn how much she loved working with kids; Sammi Rosenfeld ‘09 and Hannah Klain ‘09 named her as co-director of Fata Morgana in her sophomore year, which taught her how to produce and direct performances and gave her countless opportunities to grow her choreography skills. Maria Watson and Laura Rosberg made her dance captain and cast her in roles in her junior and senior years that expanded her artistic range and technical skills, while also preparing her for collegiate theater and an off-Broadway play. Jan Tievsky connected her with Dana Tai Soon Burgess & Company, which gave her access to the professional concert dance world and movement experiences that she says she still carries with her into her classrooms daily.

“I can go back as far as 6th grade when Mayra Diaz, my 6th grade advisor and Spanish teacher, encouraged me to be confident in my identity by providing me with products that I could use to nourish my natural hair instead of damaging it with straighteners,” said Jillan, “I learned from all these teachers and community members how to truly invest in my students by connecting with them as humans, elevating their individual voices, and empowering them to be their best creative selves.”

Read more about Jillian in our Georgetown Days profile >>