About Us
We use three main strategies to bring our mission to life.
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Neighbors experience relationships, care, belonging, and affirmation of their humanity.
We believe that everyone has the right to belong, and we work hard to make sure neighbors experience relationships - not transactions - when they are at GAAH. Cultivating environments that honor and affirm people’s humanity, culture, and identity is critical to what we do.
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Neighbors gain awareness of self and others through creativity, expression, curiosity, empathy, and learning.
Providing resources and opportunities to explore the arts and access quality education is such an important part of being human. We encourage everyone who walks through our doors to build awareness of self and others through creativity, expression, curiosity, empathy, and learning.
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Neighbors are connected to and influence systems to create more equitable outcomes.
We know that we cannot change the world without changing systems of oppression, and we aim to do that with our community members in the lead. We actively connect and engage with individuals within institutions, systems, & structures to advocate for neighbors, and we also connect our neighbors to resources, supports, and opportunities to influence and change the systems that impact our communities each day.
We’re Hiring!
We are currently hiring for the following positions:
To apply, send your resume and cover letter to hiring@gaah.org. Applications for all positions will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the positions are filled.
The key characteristics that we look for in employees, volunteers, and board members are:
Eager to learn and unlearn: We are willing to lean into discomfort to better understand each other and those we serve.
Accountable to the team: We build trust and community by taking responsibility for our actions, even when good intentions have negative consequences.
Committed to the neighborhood: We cultivate a flourishing neighborhood by practicing reciprocity and listening well.
The critical actions that we expect all employees to participate in and be comfortable doing are:
Engaging with youth: We actively support and engage with the young people we serve.
Calling out injustice: We help make things work for our neighbors by challenging systems, cultural norms, and personal biases.
Sharing joy: We express and celebrate the things that bring joy, the good in others, and the good in situations.
Does this sound like you? Apply today!
Meet Our Team
Meet Our Team
Steff Rosalez
she/her • ceo
Steff is an artist and musician who started working at GAAH in 2011 because of her passion for the arts and community. In her role as CEO, she loves working to ensure our community has access to environments of care, creativity, and curiosity. Being able to use her creativity and problem-solving skills to make our community stronger is one of her favorite things about her role at GAAH. Steff loves to play music and use synthesizers in her band, How to Live Together. She lives with her partner and their three cats and always looks for opportunities to learn more about the world and travel.
srosalez@gaah.org • 920.659.6966
Jes Kramer
she/her • cfo
Jes is proud to support the work at GAAH behind the scenes, managing the organization's finances and systems. As CFO, she finds great joy in making complicated systems simpler so that they can benefit the people who navigate them. Jes got involved with the organization through Girls Rock! Grand Rapids, where she was a volunteer band coach and instrument instructor for many years before becoming an employee. Outside of work, she enjoys playing music in her one-woman band, hanging out with her son, reading, and cooking.
jkramer@gaah.org • 616.742.0692
Alex Kuiper
He/him • COO
Alex is a lifelong Grand Rapidian, an educator by trade, and an arts enthusiast by passion. Alex spent almost ten years of his career in Godfrey-Lee Public Schools as both a teacher and building administrator. He also helped to direct theater and coached the first Forensics (speech & debate) team. In his role as COO, he loves working at the cross section of community, youth development and the arts. He is passionate about making and working in spaces that create a sense of belonging for all who enter. Outside of work, he enjoys hosting trivia at local restaurants, performing karaoke, and being with friends and family.
Akuiper@gaah.org • 616.742.0692 ext. 1104
Alejandra Gallegos-Ordaz
She/her
Cook Library Center • Cook Library center MANAGER
Alejandra loves providing community support in many ways, but being behind the scenes is her favorite way to make things happen! Creating processes and organizing things are some of her professional passions. Wherever she goes, it’s important to her to create an environment where everyone feels valued and welcome. She leads her work with patience, compassion, and empathy. Alejandra grew up in Holland, MI, and graduated with a degree in Sociology from the University of Michigan. Her background in sociology highly influences her goals and values. Advocacy and justice form part of her professional and personal life to create a more equitable, loving community. In her free time, she loves to cuddle with her cats, be creative by drawing and painting, and spend time with her loved ones.
Agallegosordaz@gaah.org • 616.475.1150
Sandra Rodriguez-Ramirez
she/her
Cook Library Center • K-8 Coordinator
Sandra came to work at GAAH by chance. In 2017, there was a great need for someone to help work with students, patrons, and neighbors at the library center, and Sandra answered the call. The teens and staff who interviewed her immediately noticed that she put people at ease, and she still does that today. Sandra fell in love with the community, culture, and stories told in the space. Years later, she continues to connect and build long-standing relationships. She loves to work with her group as the Elementary Coordinator and the many people who come to our spaces each day. She enjoys motivating people to follow their dreams and is inspired by all those who interact with her.
When not at work, Sandra enjoys reading, spending time with family, watching movies, charging her social battery, playing with her pet husky, and exploring different cuisines with family and friends.
srodriguezramirez@gaah.org • 616.475.1150
Teen Leaders Coordinator
We are hiring for this position! Click here to see the full job posting.
Send your resume and Cover letter to hiring@gaah.org to apply!
Resumes will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
Cook Arts Center Manager
We are hiring for this position! Click here to see the full job posting.
Send your resume and Cover letter to hiring@gaah.org to apply!
Resumes will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
Sarah Fagerman
she/HER
Cook ARTS Center • Studio Manager
Sarah joined GAAH in September 2024, returning to Grand Rapids after spending nearly eight years working in arts programming, education, and exhibitions in Chicago. She is particularly excited about the ways that art allows us to connect deeply and authentically with one another. Sarah believes that the process of creative discovery is empowering on an individual and communal level. As the Studio Manager, Sarah hopes to create spaces where all feel welcome and empowered to explore and express their inner artist. In her free time, you can find Sarah tending to her plants and garden, curled up with a good book, or engaging in her own mixed media arts practice.
Sfagerman@gaah.org • 616.742.0692
Ale Guzman
she/HER
Cook ARTS Center • Program Assistant
Ale is an artist and an overall creative person. She loves to support kids and neighbors in finding and sharing their joy. Helping others find their own talent and artistic side is one of Ale’s favorite things to do and what brings her to the GAAH team. Before joining the team at GAAH as the Cook Arts Center Program Assistant, Ale spent several years teaching classes at the Cook Arts Center and Cook Library Center. She raised her family in the neighborhood and is always looking for new ways to learn, be involved in the community, and help people tap into their creative side!
Aguzman@gaah.org • 616.742.0692
Development and Events Manager
We are hiring for this position! Click here to see the full job posting.
Send your resume and Cover letter to hiring@gaah.org to apply!
Resumes will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
Join Us
Our employees work closely with many other community members and contract staff who are critical parts of our team. Contract staff members teach classes, tutor students, lead housekeeping, and more!
Regardless of their role, each member of our team works to embody our key characteristics, and practices being eager to learn and unlearn, accountable to the team, and committed to the neighborhood. We also ask our team members to do their best each day to take one or all three of our critical actions: engage with youth, call out injustice, or share joy!
Does this sound like you? We are always looking for more passionate neighbors, artists, musicians, dancers, tutors, and activity leaders to join our contract staff team!
Meet Our Board
Meet Our Board
Ricardo Benavidez
HE/HIM
Ktisis Capital • President
I instantly fell in love with the work of GAAH - the neighborhood and the vast intersection of identities the organization serves in is inspiring. I am excited by the organization’s and staff’s potential to affect systemic change in the Roosevelt Park neighborhood specifically and the philanthropic sector broadly.
Briana Trudell
she/her
Bradbury Miller Associates • VICE PRESIDENT
GAAH is such an important organization in our community. It provides our neighbors with a safe and caring space where kids and families can build community, try new things, and grow. The staff take the time to really get to know the neighbors and make them feel welcome and empowered.
Scott Harris
HE/HIM
PNC BANK • Treasurer
I love seeing kids allowed to be kids, be happy, find themselves, and feel safe. I know GAAH creates those spaces and when a board position opened, specifically for Treasurer, it matched my skill set and I wanted to help.
Nancy Toledo Jimenez
she/her/ella
Downtown Grand Rapids Inc.
I joined the board because GAAH is awesome and I wanted to give back to the organization that helped me tap into my creativity. Growing up, I'd go to GAAH's summer camps and I loved trying new things like pottery, guitar, violin etc. I'm excited to continue to champion the work of GAAH and help advance it.
Addie Donley
SHE/HER
URBAN CORE COLLECTIVE
GAAH creates an exceptionally inclusive environment, embracing everyone who walks through its doors. Their positive impact on the community is profound, as they not only provide essential resources but also cultivate a sense of belonging. By offering kids the opportunity to try activities they may not have otherwise considered, GAAH opens doors to new experiences and personal growth. Being involved in this mission is both fulfilling and transformative, allowing us to witness the joy and confidence that come from stepping outside one’s comfort zone.
Ebony Moore
SHE/HER
HOPE NETWORK
The support provided to my daughter from the organization touched me. I’m excited to continue to stay involved in the community in which I work and live.
Douglas Titus
he/him
Local Artist
I chose to become a part of the board of directors with the primary goal of sharing my skills and experiences with the children in our community. Believing in the profound impact of collective efforts, I am dedicated to leveraging my expertise to positively influence the lives of these kids.
Drew Sorenson
he/him
Wolverine Building Group
I have always loved kids and the energy, excitement, positivity, curiosity and hope they can give. I'm excited to be on the board and support the organization’s commitment to supporting the kids in these neighborhoods. I'm also really excited to help with their building needs.
Luis Perez
he/him
Steelcase
As someone who has benefited from the programs offered at GAAH, I find it incredibly rewarding to give back by offering my time, commitment, and experience. As the Cesar Chavez community continues to grow, it is crucial that we prioritize the well-being of our community, and I believe GAAH has already been doing this for several years. I am also excited to support collaboration between GAAH and other community organizations that are doing great work, expanding free programming opportunities to students.
Vanessa Cervantes
she/her/ella
Kent School Services Network
When I worked at GAAH, I felt this place was my home. I felt connected with the families and youth. We became one big familia. I was excited to join this board and keep in touch with everything they do. I love seeing the kids when they showcase their artwork, dance, and more. I loved the experience of working at the organization and having my kids attend program.
Want to join this group of passionate changemakers and help lead engagement even more intentionally with our community?
The first step for those interested in joining the GAAH Board of Directors is to take a Board Service Readiness Quiz, and connect with our CEO to discuss the results!