RECORDING: Building Connections in a Virtual World

How do we make meaningful connections in an increasingly online and Zoom-based world? We'll hear from Toya Lillard, Executive Director at viBe Theater Experience, and Quiana Agbai, Co-Founder & Director of Marketing at Trifecta Media Group and creator of the blog Harlem Lovebirds, on how we can continue to feel connected even while we are apart. They will also discuss how we can use those connections to fight for increased inclusion. This conversation will be moderated by Lauren Hagerty, Director of Marketing & Community at PowerToFly.

Toya Lillard (She/Her)

Toya Lillard is a theater director, artist, activist and educator. A native Houstonian, Toya graduated from Houston’s High School for Performing and Visual Arts. She has directed plays, developed curricula, led advocacy efforts and implemented innovative teaching artist training programs both in and out of our city’s schools. Prior to joining viBe, Toya served as Director of School Programs for The New York Philharmonic’s Education Department, where she helped to develop its nationally recognized School Partnership Program. In addition to leading viBe Theater Experience, Toya is also part-time faculty at The New School, where she teaches Global Dramatic Literature, Devised Theatre, and Portfolio 1. Toya is also an adjunct professor at CUNY CityTech, where she teaches Black Theater. Toya holds a B.A. from Vassar College, and an M.A. from New York University’s Gallatin School of Individualized Study. Toya serves on the Board of the New York City Arts in Education Roundtable, and is an Affiliate Representative on the Board of the Downtown Brooklyn Arts Alliance.

Quiana Agbai (She/Her)

Quiana Agbai resides in Boston with her husband and two children ages 6 and 10. She has been covering urban family life on her blog Harlem Lovebirds since 2009. Quiana launched Trifecta Media Group, a marketing, public relations, and graphic design firm with her sisters in 2014, catering to start-up companies spanning industries such as health and wellness, entertainment, and technology. Additionally, through Quiana’s blog and experience as an entrepreneur she has spoken at social media conferences such as BlogHer, Blogalicious, Mom 2.0, and Altitude Summit covering topics including privacy, using social media for social change, and using one’s blog to pivot to other business opportunities. Quiana is a Toastmaster, a volunteer with Moms Demand Action where she was most recently the Boston Community Outreach Lead for 2 1⁄2 years and is involved with several other community organizations as well.