Meet Our Team

Our Staff

Arianna Conley (she/her)

Development Manager

  • Arianna is passionate about building relationships and fostering collaborations that drive meaningful impact. With a career rooted in business development, strategic partnerships, and community engagement, she has successfully managed corporate partnerships, led account management initiatives, and executed engagement strategies that fuel growth. With experience across multiple industries, she excels at cultivating lasting connections, negotiating contracts, and identifying opportunities that benefit both organizations and their communities.

    Beyond business development, Arianna is a creative at heart. She has organized community-focused events, spearheaded networking opportunities, and developed innovative strategies to strengthen brand presence. Whether through visual art, event planning, or strategic storytelling, she thrives at the intersection of creativity and connection, ensuring that outreach efforts align with mission-driven goals.

    Now, as Development Manager at Handmade Arcade, Arianna is eager to support its mission of fostering inclusivity and opportunity in the arts. She looks forward to embedding herself in Pittsburgh’s creative community, championing local makers, and expanding HA’s reach through thoughtful partnerships.

  • I love to experiment with a variety of painting mediums.

  • I'm always on the lookout for candles and unique jewelry.

Emmy McDonnell

Program Operations Manager

  • Emmy McDonnell is a community development and applied economics professional passionate about connecting people, ideas, and resources. She holds a Master of Public Administration from the University of Vermont and has led initiatives that support small businesses, makers, and vulnerable communities. Emmy brings experience in program design, event coordination, and team leadership, with a focus on creating inclusive pathways for entrepreneurship and self-sufficiency. She is committed to using collaboration and creativity to help communities and organizations thrive.

    Over the past several years, Emmy has led programs in the U.S. and abroad that help individuals and organizations build skills, expand networks, and access resources. Her work includes coordinating statewide outreach initiatives, mentoring students in service-learning environments, designing workshops for diverse communities, managing large cross-functional teams, and planning complex events. Across these roles, she has partnered closely with small businesses, makers, and community-based organizations to develop creative, sustainable pathways to employment and entrepreneurship, with a consistent focus on equity and LGBTQIA+ inclusion within local economies.

    Guided by the belief that creativity and collaboration are powerful tools for resilience and growth, Emmy brings organizational expertise, empathy, and a lifelong connection to the maker community to every project. Whether managing operations, designing programs, or building partnerships, she works to create inclusive, vibrant opportunities that allow people and organizations to thrive. Emmy is excited to support her new organization’s mission and contribute her skills to fostering stronger, more equitable communities.

  • I love to repurpose clothing and furniture.

  • I am excited to find some fun jewelry to add to my collection.

Kelsey Ford (she/her)

Executive Director

  • Born and raised in Western Pennsylvania, Kelsey Ford has over a decade of experience as a strategic arts administrator. She holds a B.S. degree in Advertising & Public Relations as well as an M.A. degree in Arts Management and an M.S. degree in Library & Information Science. She has worked in artistic programming, marketing, fundraising, and event planning for several Pittsburgh arts and culture nonprofits, including the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, Pittsburgh Youth Chorus, City of Asylum, and Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh. She has contributed to many beloved Pittsburgh events, including the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust’s Children’s Theater Festival and City of Asylum’s Jazz Poetry Month. While at the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, she also created Bookish in the ‘Burgh, Pittsburgh’s Teen Book Festival. Kelsey is passionate about supporting nonprofits through strategic thinking that is grounded in equity and empathy.

  • I love art journaling with my partner.

  • I love all the paper goods - stickers, prints, zines, handmade books, etc.!

Kim Potenga (she/her)

Volunteer Coordinator

  • Kim is an events management professional with a breadth of experiences in project management, customer service, & creative problem-solving. She highly value collaboration as a means to building something bigger than possible individually, & she brings a knack for detailed logistical planning, creativity, & a sense of humor to any team she is a part of. She is also passionate about finding ways to prioritize safety, accessibility, diversity/inclusion, & environmental impact at every level.

Petra Floyd (she/they)

Education Coordinator

  • Petra is a post-disciplinary artist, designer, and educator with expertise in interdisciplinary creative projects. They create genre-defying art, grow and crafts hardshell gourds, teach art courses, and attend a bi-weekly musical improv night. They foster safer, inclusive learning environments for youth and adults while committed to equity, diversity, and accessibility.

    Petra is a Pittsburgh Creative Corps artist and member of Monmade's Green Leap. Their work has been supported by The Heinz Endowments, The Pittsburgh Foundation, the The Frank-Ratchye STUDIO for Creative Inquiry at Carnegie Mellon University, and the Greater Pittsburgh Arts Council.

  • I love making sculptural art with found, natural, and repurposed materials.

  • Earrings!

Our Board

Anissa Gilbert (she/her)

Strategic Planning Committee Chair

  • Anissa Gilbert is a payments product manager with over a decade of experience in the financial industry creating innovative digital solutions to enhance customer experience and drive revenue growth. Anissa is a Pittsburgh native & graduate of Duquesne University. For many years, she’s served as a volunteer and board member for several non-profit organizations focusing on youth education, building community, and advocating for underserved groups.

  • I love to make scrapbooks!

  • I get very excited about unique jewelry, stickers, and candles.

Ariel Beach-Westmoreland (they/them)

Secretary

  • Since 2022, Ariel Beach-Westmoreland (they/them) has served as Secretary on the Board of Handmade Arcade. They bring a dynamic background in event production and operations, having worked with organizations such as Remake Learning, Flyspace Productions, and XPogo LLC, where they produced events in 27 countries—including all seven continents—for audiences of up to 15,000 in-person and over 57 million virtually. A co-founder of Community Forge, Ariel has been instrumental in building mission-driven companies that champion equitable economies and youth development. Their work emphasizes collaboration, transparency, and equity, reflecting Handmade Arcade’s inclusive vision of supporting makers to achieve their creative and financial goals. Outside of work, Ariel channels their creativity into photography, muraling, and crafting—continuing to seek out quirky, community-focused projects that spark joy and positive impact.

  • I love to make photography zines for friends

  • I love the funky wood crafted kitchen products at the markets!

Beth Slagle (she/her)

Board Member

  • Beth A. Slagle is a business attorney at Meyer, Unkovic & Scott LLP, where she focuses on employment law, business disputes, insurance coverage, and advising entrepreneurs. She represents employers in matters such as contracts, discrimination claims, and internal investigations. With over 30 years of experience, Beth has recovered millions in insurance coverage for clients—including more than $100 million for one company. She is deeply committed to supporting women- and minority-owned businesses, helping them develop strategic solutions to complex legal and operational challenges. Beth also counsels startups and entrepreneurs on a wide range of business issues. She serves as Co-Chair of both the MUSolutions Practice Group and the firm’s Diversity Committee.

  • I'm drawn to all creative realms with particular emphasis on painting and photography.

  • Everything.

Calvin Jackson (he/him)

Vice President

  • Calvin Jackson is a cross-industry leader currently guiding programs and operations in the sports & venue technology sector. As a Senior Technical Program Manager, he works alongside Verizon to lead implementation of new product initiatives by overseeing programs that prioritizes product architecture, development and operations of high profile events. In this position, Calvin has led internal and external teams in various high-touch experiences, including Super Bowl LVI, Formula 1 Miami, Indy 500 and a multitude of NFL and NBA games. Previously, Calvin was a Technical Project Manager for Seegrid, an autonomous mobile robot company, and spearheaded operational efficiency and modernization improvements through a multi-million dollar technology program for a Fortune 100 company. Calvin earned an MBA from Robert Morris University, where he later served as a part-time professor. He also holds a Bachelor’s degree from Slippery Rock University and an active Project Management Professional (PMP) certification.

  • Building anything with my toddler-aged son

  • Paintings and functional art

Diane F Newland (she/her)

Treasurer

  • BSBA Accounting Robert Morris University, over 35 years in Finance and Accounting. Currently CFO of a large non profit in Pittsburgh. Hobbies include water color, photography, the sky and the beach. Appreciate talent in all forms, but music and art in particular. Even professionally, I tend to live my life from my heart.

  • Water color and photography

  • Anything cool and colorful

Nisha Blackwell (she/her)

Board Member


  • Nisha Blackwell is a purpose-driven entrepreneur, artist, and lead designer at Knotzland Bowties—a Sustainable Fashion company dedicated to environmental and social sustainability. Her visionary leadership has developed the frameworks for sourcing, rescuing, and repurposing discarded textiles into exquisite bowties intentionally made through providing flexible work-from-home sewing opportunities to people around the region.

    Since 2015, Knotzland has diverted over 8,000 lbs of textiles and materials from entering landfills. Nisha's navigation and completion of high-impact creative hubs, accelerators, business incubators, and programs locally and abroad have cultivated a community of investors, mentors, and devoted patrons. This community has allowed her to shape a business that provides some of the most unique one-of-a-kind wearables to a global clientele.

    Nisha Blackwell's commitment to the community is deeply ingrained and shaped through her board, community service, and consulting experiences with organizations like AmeriCorps, Pittsburgh Center for Creative Reuse, Strong Women Strong Girls, The Andy Warhol Museum, and other esteemed organizations. This lifelong dedication to sustainable, circular, and intentional community-building is stitched into every facet of her work. Her work has been recognized with awards from Girls Scout's Women of Distinction,  Pittsburgh Magazine’s Women in Business, Rotary Club Pittsburgh’s Ethics in Business,  Pittsburgh’s Smart 50 in Business, Facebook's Small Business Council, Pittsburgh Magazine’s 40 under 40, Pittsburgh Technology Council, Style Week Pittsburgh, and has been featured in internationally in expansive projects with Google Creative Lab, NYC, The W Hotel NYC, and Macy’s Atlanta. Nisha’s creativity and artistic endeavors extend beyond entrepreneurship, with her work being prominently exhibited at esteemed institutions such as the Carnegie Museum of Pittsburgh, Frick Museum, The Children's Museum, Concept Art Gallery, Contemporary Craft, and The Westmoreland Museum and selected by the Smithsonian Women’s Committee for a distinguished showcase titled Craft Optimism, further solidifying her status as a trailblazer in the realm of sustainable craftsmanship

Shaqui Scott (he/him)

President

  • As a Program Officer at the POISE Foundation, Shaqui Scott develops and implements grant programs that align with the foundation’s mission, focusing on strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, and program evaluation to ensure equitable funding and community impact. Previously, as Manager of Grants and Membership at the Greater Pittsburgh Arts Council, he oversaw all grant programs and led initiatives like the Black Arts Action Committee (BAAC) and Allegheny Arts Revival Grant, expanding funding for underrepresented communities. Shaqui holds an MBA in Management and a Bachelor’s in Business Management and Music from Seton Hill University. A guest lecturer and board member, he shares expertise in nonprofit management and philanthropy. Outside of work, he is an entrepreneur, musician, and comedian, curating stand-up shows, music events, and community programs throughout Pittsburgh.

  • Scrapbooks with my daughter

  • Paintings and sculptures

Not Pictured: Nicole Zellie Lann (Board Member)