AS220 IMPACT: Amber Newmann
Amber Newmann
Practice Transformation Lead, Upstream USA
AS220 Broad Street Studio Alum
I learned about AS220 in 2002. My sister, Anjel, and I lived in Cranston. We would practice our dance routines at the community teen center after school let out. We met Suave, a local hip-hop entertainer, who informed us of auditions for a youth hip-hop performance group at AS220's Broad Street Studio. I became involved at the age of 12 and spent my adolescence involved with this miraculous organization. Straight up, AS220 raised me.
AS220 taught me the value of equity and meeting people where they're at. AS220 challenged me to look at things differently and keep an open mind, something I've applied to my work ever since. AS220 was the first space, as an adolescent, where I felt like I had a voice in a room full of adults. It was amazing to witness the ideas that my peers and I contributed come to fruition.
I have observed the hours, days, weeks, months, and years that AS220 staff have poured into ensuring that their teams and youth have a safe space. I have witnessed my sister transition from a 13-year-old youth to AS220's Co-Executive Director. I have witnessed AS220 change lives.