Company: Studio T Arts & Entertainment, Sacramento CA
Nomination Submitted by: LOOP Studios
Company Description: Studio T Arts & Entertainment provides arts and media training and social services to aid youth and their families in developing and growing confidence, community leadership, and a desire to thrive beyond their perceived limitations. Its mission is to help youth in resource starved communities develop critical creative and life skills, and to inspire them to maintain a positive academic focus.
Nomination Category: Individual Awards Categories
Nomination Sub Category: Female Executive of the Year – Government or Non-Profit –11 to 2,500 Employees
 Nomination Title: Tamaira "Miss Tee" Sandifer
- Which will you submit for your nomination in this category, a video of up to five (5) minutes, explaining the achievements since July 1, 2022 of the nominated woman, OR written answers to the questions? (Choose one):
Written answers to the questions
- If you are submitting a video of up to five (5) minutes in length, provide the URL of the video here, OR attach it to your entry via the "Add Attachments, Videos, or Links to This Entry" link above, through which you may also upload a copy of your video. If you are submitting written answers to the questions for this category, provide them in the spaces below:
- Briefly describe the nominated individual: history and past performance (up to 200 words):
Total 199 words used.
Miss Tee, founder and CEO of Studio T Arts & Entertainment, is a visionary leader and tireless advocate for youth empowerment. With 15+ years of experience, Miss Tee has transformed Studio T from a specialized hip-hop dance academy into a multifaceted arts and media training facility. She has reached over 880,000 (at-risk) youth, providing invaluable creative and entrepreneurial opportunities.
This year, Miss Tee spearheaded the Studio T expansion into a new 44,000 square-foot ‘Innovation Factory’, significantly enhancing the organization's capacity to offer diverse artistic disciplines. Her innovative approach to arts education teaches youth entrepreneurial skills alongside creative training, addressing a crucial gap in traditional education.
Miss Tee's dedication extends beyond the classroom. She has been a keynote speaker at numerous events, including the NAWBO "Own It!" conference, and has represented Studio T on prestigious platforms such as the Trumpet Awards and the White House ECCO event. Her relentless commitment to community service and youth development has garnered multiple accolades, including the Forbes 50 Culture Champion Award.
Miss Tee's remarkable achievements and unwavering passion make her a standout leader in the arts education sector, inspiring countless young people to pursue their dreams and thrive creatively and personally
- Outline the nominee's achievements since July 1 2022 that you wish to bring to the judges' attention (up to 250 words):
Total 243 words used.
Since July 1, 2022, Miss Tee has garnered numerous accolades, highlighting her impactful leadership in arts and community advocacy. She was named Woman of the Year by the California Legislative Women's Caucus, recognizing her success in developing youth arts programs that impart critical, creative and life skills.
Miss Tee served as the keynote speaker and workshop leader at the Mentoring Girls of Color Restoration Retreat. This event focused on radical rest, healing, and mentoring for Black and brown girls, underscoring her commitment to empowering young women of color.
As Chair of the Americans for the Arts’ Arts Education Council, Miss Tee has been pivotal in advocating for gender diversity and inclusion in arts education. She has collaborated with policymakers to promote inclusive arts education, mentored women to drive organizational change, and advocated for professional development and networking opportunities for women in the arts.
On the City of Sacramento’s Race & Cultural Equity Task Force, Miss Tee has developed and advocated for policies addressing gender and racial disparities. She organized community forums, supported women leadership programs, and facilitated cultural competency training for staff and community leaders.
Additionally, as a board member of California’s for the Arts, Miss Tee has championed equal opportunities for women in the arts, developed mentorship programs and promoted women artists and leaders. Her efforts ensure that programming and initiatives are inclusive of women from diverse cultural and socio-economic backgrounds, solidifying her legacy as a champion for gender equality and empowerment.
- Reference any attachments of supporting materials throughout this nomination and how they provide evidence of the claims you have made in this nomination (up to 250 words):
Total 6 words used.
Please see attached articles and videos.
- Explain why the achievements you have highlighted are unique or significant. If possible compare the achievements to the performance of other players in your industry and/or to the nominee's past performance (up to 250 words):
Total 250 words used.
Miss Tee’s achievements are uniquely significant in the context of arts education and community advocacy. Her leadership in expanding Studio T into a 44,000 square-foot facility marks a transformative step for the organization - enhancing the quality and scope of programs offered while setting a benchmark for other similar organizations in the industry.
Being recognized as Woman of the Year is a testament to her outstanding contributions. This accolade highlights her success in developing innovative youth programs that integrate arts and entrepreneurship, a combination not widely implemented in traditional educational frameworks. This recognition places her ahead of many in the industry who may focus solely on artistic or educational endeavors without integrating entrepreneurial skills.
As Americans for the Arts’ Arts Education Council Chair, Miss Tee has significantly influenced policy and advocacy efforts for arts education gender diversity and inclusion. Her ability to collaborate with policymakers and launch initiatives for professional development distinguishes her from others who may not engage at this level of policy advocacy.
Similarly, her role in the Race & Cultural Equity Task Force further underscores her commitment to addressing systemic issues and engaging in policy development and community advocacy at a deeper level than other industry players. Additionally, her board membership with California’s for the Arts, highlights her dedication to inclusivity and mentorship.
This multi-faceted approach to leadership and advocacy sets Miss Tee apart from her peers, making her achievements not only unique, but highly impactful in driving positive change in the arts and community sectors.
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