Meet Our Director

Martina Gipson Williams has been employed by the Theatre of the Performing Arts for over 15 years. She began her career as an Administrative Assistant and now serves as Director. During this time, she has facilitated Yazzy programs including out-of-town field trips, seminars and workshops, arts-in-education programs, Self-Love Seminars, and the Summer Morning Mix. Martina loves the Yazzy Youth Celebrating Jazz program and has a passion for students, parents, and the community. As a Human Service and Elementary Education graduate, Ms. Williams realizes the importance of the arts and how the arts benefits children in many ways including creativity, focus, discipline, problem solving, non-verbal communication, and collaboration.

Martina is the mother of 2 children, Julius & Amari, who have both grown up in the Yazzy program. She is also a member of the New Hope Baptist church where she serves as a choir member and youth leader. Her hobbies include singing, yoga, traveling, attending concerts, reading, kayaking, and listening to music. Her favorite quote is by John F. Kennedy, and it says: …I am certain that after the dust of centuries has passed over our cities, we, too, will be remembered not for victories or defeats in battle or in politics, but for our contribution to the human spirit.