A trailblazing veteran and passionate LGBTQ+ advocate joins our board to champion inclusive art and community empowerment.
Rockville, Maryland – Community Building Art Works (CBAW) is proud to announce that Alleria Stanley has joined its Board of Directors. A combat veteran and distinguished former member of the United States Army, Ms. Stanley served for twenty years—a tenure marked by groundbreaking milestones as one of the first transgender service members to transition while on active duty and continue her service through retirement. Her military career, which included roles as an Apache helicopter repairer and radiology technologist, as well as a deployment to Afghanistan, uniquely informs her commitment to service and advocacy.
“Alleria has been a valuable member of our community for years—first as a participant, and later as a volunteer and ambassador for our programs,” said Seema Reza, CEO and Chair. “We are excited to welcome Alleria to our board. Her passion for the well-being of all veterans, and unique perspective will undoubtedly strengthen our ability to serve the community and drive impactful art initiatives.”
“As a 20-year retired U.S. Army veteran and a passionate advocate for the LGBTQ+ community, I have dedicated my life to service and community building, and I am deeply inspired by CBAW’s mission to use art to transform the lives of individuals and communities,” remarked Alleria Stanley. “Moreover, my experience as an advocate for the LGBTQ+ community has given me a deep understanding of the power of art to create social change and promote healing and understanding.”
With a proven track record of leading and managing teams, developing and implementing strategic initiatives, and building consensus across diverse groups, Alleria is well equipped to provide strong strategic guidance and foster creative collaboration. As our organization continues to expand its outreach and deepen its commitment to inclusive excellence in the arts, this appointment marks a pivotal step in our ongoing journey.
Community Building Art Works (CBAW) builds bridges between veterans and citizens using the language of creative expression to promote empathy, foster understanding, and build authentic community. We envision a world where shared artistic expression creates sacred experiences that fuel transformation, ignite connection, and build understanding across differences for veterans and citizens alike. Our vision is to be a driving force ensuring every individual finds their voice, purpose, and belonging. For more information about our work and upcoming initiatives, please visit cbaw.org
Media Contact: Seema Reza, CEO & Chair, comms@cbaw.org
CBAW Marketing & Communications Manager
Rob Haney is an artist, writer, and graphic designer with a passion for making slick-looking and fun images that catch the eye and draw viewers in. Rob worked for over 10 years in retail banking and management in their previous life, before returning to school and earning an Associates of Arts with Honors from Rock Valley College in 2012. An early addict to Twitter, Rob enjoys liking and resharing cool stuff and interacting with people who hold similar interests on the internet. When not online, Rob writes and reads poetry, creates both physical and digital artwork, and watches British mystery shows.