We are excited to announce the addition of new advisory member, Diana Baird N’Diaye.
Diana brings experience as a visionary multidisciplinary artist, scholar, cultural activist, and mental health advocate who continues to shape and enrich the fabric of society. Her relentless dedication, groundbreaking contributions, and enduring legacy stand as a testament to her commitment to fostering creativity, understanding, inclusivity, and holistic well-being.
Recently retired from her position as Senior Curator and Cultural Heritage Specialist at the Smithsonian Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage, Diana e currently is Creative Director of the African American Craft Alliance and a Fulbright specialist curating the United States Pavilion at the 2024 DakArt Biennale. She has served as a Family-to-Family teacher for the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill and as a parent disability advocate in Fairfax County Public Schools.
Her awards include the Smithsonian Secretary’s Research Prize for the 2016 co-authored book, Curatorial Conversations: Reflections on the Folklife Festival and the Americo Paredes Prize in recognition of community-centered research in the Folklore field. In 2022, N’Diaye was appointed to the American Crafts Council College of Fellows. She is also a Fellow of the American Folklore Society, and a member of the Board of Directors of the Center for Craft.
Diana maintains an active studio/design practice as a member of Prince Georges County’s Gateway/Brentwood studio. Her artwork is deeply rooted in healing practices, and she interrogates the connections between family, social, cultural identities, history, and environment.
Holistic Homes, LLC enthusiastically welcomes Diana N’Diaye to our leadership team. She will undoubtedly bring invaluable insights and guidance to our mission of providing permanent supportive housing for individuals with mental health conditions.
