Tony Johnson is an “artivist” (artist-activist) who bridges the realms of creative endeavor, equity, and educational policy.  He is the Associate Dean of Student Social Equity & Inclusion at Rhode Island School of Design (RISD). In this role, he provides strategic leadership in realizing an environment where advancing inclusion and equity are at the core of the college student experience and where artist and designers achieve the personal and socio-cultural development required to meet today’s global contexts.  His previous positions have included, Assistant Dean of Student Affairs, Director of Intercultural Student Engagement, and Admissions Officer specializing in the recruitment of under-represented communities.

In addition to working with arts institutions, Johnson serves on regional and national committees and boards dedicated to promoting cultural understanding, systemic reform, and human justice. Johnson is chair emeritus of RISD’s annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Series.  During his chair tenure, he facilitated a vision and plan for sustainable alliances between arts institutions and justice leaders including: Angela Davis, Harry Belafonte, Marian Wright Edelman, Danny Glover, Ambassador Andrew Young, and Emory Douglas. 

Johnson’s twenty plus year involvement in the performing arts has included performances and collaborations with Grammy, Dove, and Stellar award recording artists as well as respected theatre companies. Ultimately, he seeks to leverage the universal powers of visual art, music, and theatre as ways to build communities of understanding and peace.

Johnson holds a BFA from Rhode Island School of Design and a MS degree from the University of Rhode Island in Human Development and Family Studies with a concentration in College Student Personnel.  A Philadelphia native, he is married to Caribbean fine artist, Monique Rolle-Johnson ’92 PT and the father of a young-adult drummer.

Jade Johnson is the Assistant Director of Diversity Programs in the Office of Intercultural Student Engagement at the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD). In this role, she coordinates programming that is intended to educate students, faculty, and staff on matters of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Her previous positions have included: Coordinator of Diversity and Inclusion at the Central Michigan University College of Medicine, Graduate Assistant of the Office of Diversity Education (CMU), and host/producer of the Diversity Diagnoses podcast. 

Johnson holds a BS and an MA degree from Central Michigan University in Broadcast and Cinematic Arts with a concentration in Electronic Media Studies and Journalism. Johnson is a Michigan native, proud aunt, and a Jeopardy! fanatic.

Jennifer Recinos is the Assistant Director of First Generation Student Support for the office of Intercultural Student Engagement. She will be managing the First Generation to College Pre- Orientation program (FGC PoP) as well as Project Thrive, our multi-year student support and learning community program. Both programs are designed specifically for RISD students whose parents did not attend or did not complete college. Jennifer has 7 years of higher education experience working within Arts Education and Admissions. She was born and raised in Providence, RI. She is a New Urban Arts and College Visions Alumn and identifies as a first-generation, queer, college graduate of Guatemalan descent. Jennifer graduated from Brandeis University with degrees in International Studies as well as Film, TV and Interactive Media. Food and Photography is always on her mind.

Simone Tubman earned a Juris Doctor from the Northeastern University School of Law and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Sociology from Providence College. Simone serves as RISD's Institutional Discrimination Officer + Deputy Title IX Coordinator charged with supporting and investigating complaints filed under RISD's Title IX, Sexual Misconduct, and Non-Discrimination policies. Simone has authored and revised campus policies related to discrimination, harassment, and Title IX. She is a trained Civil Rights Investigator and Title IX Coordinator; as well as a licensed attorney in both Rhode Island and Massachusetts and has extensive experience and expertise in investigations and responding to complaints. She also has a deep commitment to working with our community on taking proactive steps to educate themselves on the best ways to approach difficult interpersonal situations and hosts programs on these topics. She also partners regularly with Rhode Island colleges, local law enforcement, the court system, and Providence area agencies who provide support to our campus community. 

Alyssa Roush graduated from Shepherd University in Shepherdstown, West Virginia with a master’s degree in College Student Development and Administration with an emphasis on student leadership, multicultural student affairs, and Title IX.

Alyssa is a part-time embroidery artist and full-time DEI practitioner passionate about consent education, gender- and power-based violence prevention, conversations about gender identity development, and creating inclusive & equitable change with and for students