In the final months of the Fellowship, the 2025 TYA/USA Emerging Leader Fellows reflect on their research trips and how the experience has impacted their TYA practice.

“No one cares how much you know until they know how much you care.” — Theodore Roosevelt

Hilda goes to New York!

Thanks to the TYA/USA Emerging Leaders Fellowship, I had the chance to travel to New York and visit two theatre organizations I deeply admire: The People’s Theatre and Rehabilitation Through the Arts. As Theatre for Change Senior Manager at Imagination Stage, I work with programs serving immigrant and incarcerated youth—so learning from these groups felt especially relevant. This trip was about growing, connecting, and finding new ways to strengthen our work.

Let me take you along for the ride.

The People’s Theatre (New York, NY)

Where Culture is Celebrated, Youth Are Empowered, and Community is Everything

The People’s Theatre is a performing arts organization dedicated to the development and production of immigrant-centered theatrical works. Beyond performance, their impact extends into a social justice leadership program that supports the holistic development of immigrant youth and youth of color, and a school-based theatre program that guides students through a journey of self-discovery and cultural celebration.

When I visited their main office in NYC (after getting very lost on the subway), I was welcomed by Reyna Erika Bonaparte Sandoz (Associate Education Director), Leticia Cortes Ortiz (Youth and Family Advocate), and Abe Johnson (Education Director) with bright smiles and so much patience. We jumped straight into conversation—about programming, challenges, community building, and more. They responded with generosity, honesty, and wisdom!

Then I got to sit in and observe several of their Academy workshops!

Key Take Aways
1. Community Outreach is Everything
Recruitment isn’t just flyers and emails—it’s trust-building, showing up, and becoming a part of the community fabric. Reyna, Leticia, and Abe helped me see that our own outreach efforts could go deeper. If we want to be known in our region, we’ve got to earn that recognition the grassroots way.

2. Our Programs Are a Gift, Not a Favor
It’s easy to slip into convincing students to join after-school programming. The People’s Theatre frames it differently—students get to be part of something meaningful. —it made me rethink our own approach. Let’s lean into the value of what we offer and frame participation as a privilege.

3. Teaching Artists Deserve Investment
A well-prepped, empowered teaching artist changes everything. Watching how The People’s Theatre supports their educators—with training, clarity, and intention—was a reminder that our facilitators are the heartbeat of our programs. Let’s give them the tools and trust they need to thrive.

Rehabilitation Through the Arts (RTA)

Where the arts model dignity

Rehabilitation Through the Arts (RTA) helps people in prison develop critical life skills through the arts. Their work models an approach to the justice system rooted in human dignity rather than punishment. RTA envisions a world where the arts serve as a powerful catalyst for personal transformation and societal change within the criminal legal system.

To witness this in action, I visited Bedford Hills Correctional Facility, where I had the pleasure of connecting with Charles Moore, RTA’s Director of Programs and Operations. I have to say: Charles is one of the most humble and grounded leaders I’ve ever met. Despite the enormous impact of the work RTA does, he carried himself with quiet confidence and genuine care.

He patiently answered every one of my (many!) questions and gave me insight into how RTA runs its programming inside correctional facilities. I also had the chance to observe some of their workshops firsthand, and what struck me most was not just the talent or structure—but the connection.

Key Take Aways
1. Rapport, Rapport, Rapport!
I was amazed by the level of respect in the room among students. That kind of environment doesn’t happen by accident—it’s cultivated. Watching the way the Teaching Artists and Charles engaged with the participants showed just how much effort they put into creating a safe, affirming space. The rapport they’ve built made all the difference.

2. Boundaries Matter
Working in a correctional environment brings many unique challenges. I shared some of my own experiences with Charles and asked how he’d approach them. His response was refreshingly clear: boundaries. Everyone deserves to participate, be respected, and be heard—and that means no one person should be allowed to compromise that space for others. It’s a tough balance, but a vital one.

3. There Is More Work to Be Done
As I learned more about RTA’s many different programs, it became even clearer that there is more to offer to these incarcerated communities. Art can help people experience life, healing, and transformation—especially inside prison walls. There’s more to do, but we are absolutely on the right path.

Final Thoughts: The Heart of the Work

Both The People’s Theatre and RTA are made up of passionate individuals who are walking the talk. They care deeply about their communities and are willing to go the extra mile to bring about real, lasting change.

I was incredibly fortunate to learn from them—and to see the work in action.

These experiences reminded me why we do what we do. They showed me the power of theatre not just as performance, but as connection, healing, and story telling.

I aim to continue using the arts to spread love, foster transformation, and stand in solidarity with those doing this beautiful, challenging, necessary work.

Author Hilda Lee Tijerina

Hilda Lee Tijerina

Where Theatre Meets Purpose