Sovern is an intersectional
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We are committed to amplifying Black and Indigenous voices through our platform including BIWOC artists, makers and practitioners who lead our core programming.
Everything we do supports our community's mental health and well-being. We provide free and donation based offerings that provide nourishment and connection.
In addition to our group programming, we feature rotating art exhibitions, host seasonal markets and support emerging wellness practitioners who offer 1:1 services in our healing suite.
OUR WORLD IS SOFT, SAFE
& FULL OF POWER.
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STAFF
Nicole Shostak-Sabourian
Co-founder, Artistic Director With a B.A. from Cornell University in Art History, Nicole is passionate about building intersectional art and healing spaces that center decoloniality and she learns every day how to be a better ally in supporting Sovern's growth. After years of observing gross inequities and cultural appropriation across the fields of art and wellness as well as the barriers to access and inclusivity in for-profit models, she sought to build Sovern as a non-profit model solution. |
Cinthya Silverstein
Cultural Programs Director A photographer with a B.A. in Anthropology from the University of California Los Angeles, she is a natural observer, documenting the world around her by making images. Her work focuses on the power of visual narrative and addressing constructed ideas around space and identity. Her most current work focuses on addressing the visuality of birth, focusing on how birth photography can augment agency and liberation that can empower Black and Brown birthing bodies and impact maternal health outcomes. |
Maia Ramirez-Beaver
Operations Assistant Maia Ramirez-Beaver, born in 1998 in Los Angeles, California, is a versatile artist whose work reflects a profound connection to her roots and an unwavering commitment to sustainability. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Fine Arts with a specialized emphasis in painting and a minor in sustainability, forging a unique blend of artistic expression and environmental consciousness. "Sovern is a beautiful and diverse family and community, a place of creativity and safety. Being a team member at Sovern has been such an educational and fulfilling experience." |
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Christina Tajalli
Board President Senior Business Affairs Executive, Range Media Partners As Senior Business Affairs Executive, at Range Media Partners, Christina Tajalli negotiates and drafts above-the-line and license agreements. She is a member of FEME (Female Executives in Media & Entertainment) and its diversity committee. Christina came across Sovern as a community member in the pursuit of healing justice - seeking a place to grieve personal loss and to practice meaningful self-care. Sovern has taught her that the practice of wellness is a multifaceted endeavor - chief among them being surrounding yourself with other women of color who validate your lived experiences, empathize with your suffering and celebrate your joy and glory. |
Rena Braud
Board Member Realtor, Compass and RenaRealEstate With over thirty years of experience and expertise, Rena is one of Los Angeles' most trusted and top producing Realtors and Real Estate Strategists. Born and raised in South LA, Rena comes from a lineage of Real Estate Investors and legacy Realtors. Rena is passionate and skilled at bringing Californians' dreams of homeownership to life. Rena is grateful to be a part of Sovern's community and its mission of helping women heal through arts, movement and wellness. This kind of dedication is indeed incredibly important, as it recognizes the holistic nature of healing and well-being, empowers creativity and self discovery and inspires positive changes in a safe and non-judgmental space. |
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BJ Davis
Board Member Strategic Operational Executive BJ Davis is an accomplished strategic and operational executive with a remarkable track record of over 20 years in progressive leadership roles. BJ was introduced to Sovern and its co-founders by her sister, K’era Morgan, a mixed-media painter whose work has been shown at Sovern. She is drawn to Sovern’s mission and the ever-present powerful, safe, and welcoming energy. She is excited about the opportunity to collaborate and lend her talents to supporting Sovern’s mission. |