Board of Directors

Meet our NEW board and committee members!

LADY A/Board Of Directors

Lady A - #TheRealLadyA,  known as “The Hardest Workin Woman in Blues, Soul, Funk & Gospel,” proudly represents “the Emerald City,” Seattle, Washington. A powerhouse vocalist, producer, singer, songwriter, community activist and storyteller, she brings heart, truth, and purpose to every stage she steps on. There’s always a message in her music, whether she’s lifting spirits, sparking reflection, or calling for change. A two-time Washington Blues Society Best Performer of the Year (2020, 2021) and 2021 Best Female Vocalist of the Year, Lady A’s impact continues to grow. In 2025, she won the Patty Allen Entertainer of the Year award. Her honors also include multiple Blues Blast Music Award nominations, a Pacific NW Soul Café Best Entertainer of the Year nomination, and International Singer-Songwriter Association nominations for USA Female Entertainer, Vocalist, Songwriter, and Music Video of the Year. Beyond the stage, Lady A’s work in the community runs deep. Through Lady A Productions and newly formed Lady A’s Blues and Blessings Foundation, she mentors youth, supports seniors, the unhoused in the community, leads Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion workshops, and provides music events and educational programs. She also assists musicians locally and nationally, helping connect them with events and venues as they travel through Washington State. Whether it’s opening doors or creating new ones, she makes sure artists have opportunities to be heard. Lady A is also a weekly radio personality on the Walter Trout Blues Rock Radio Show on the TGRN (The Grits Roots Network), where she champions local and national artists and shines a spotlight on Black women in music. A national and international touring and recording artist and festival favorite, Lady A captivates audiences with performances that educate, inspire, and warm the heart. Like a good pot of gumbo, she always serves it up hot.   Her Motto:  Be Blessed and be a Blessing!

Keeshea Pratt/Board Of Directors

Keeshea Pratt is a powerhouse vocalist born and raised in Mississippi, with a voice rooted in Gospel, Soul, and Blues and a range that effortlessly spans classical and jazz. Inspired early by Mississippi blues and shaped by traveling the gospel circuit with her mother, she developed a commanding style that blends church-bred conviction with fearless contemporary fire. In 2018, Keeshea rose to international prominence after winning the prestigious International Blues Challenge, one of the most respected competitions in the genre. Riding that momentum, she released her debut project Believe, which earned her and her band the 2019 Living Blues Award for New Recordings — Best Debut. Since then, Keeshea has toured extensively both nationally and internationally, delivering high-impact performances that feel equal parts concert, revival, and testimony. Known for her electrifying stage presence and deep emotional connection with audiences, she has become one of today’s most sought-after live performers. Backed by a dynamic band featuring her signature horn section, Keeshea is recognized for unforgettable live shows and artistic authenticity. She has shared stages with notable artists across genres including Bobby Rush, Christone “Kingfish” Ingram, Latimore, Danielle Nicole, and Maze, earning widespread respect for her vocal power, professionalism, and emotional truth. In 2026, Keeshea was elected to the board of the National Women in Blues, supporting the visibility, equity, and advancement of women in the genre. Also in January 2026, she expanded her impact beyond performance by launching Artist Development with Keeshea Pratt: Command Your Stage. Through this program, she mentors emerging and professional artists in stage presence, preparation, and career sustainability — equipping them to perform with authority, confidence, and excellence. Whether headlining a festival, performing in an intimate setting, or developing the next generation of talent, Keeshea Pratt remains committed to one mission: using her voice to move people, open hearts, and honor the legacy of the blues. “Just like a caterpillar transitioning into a butterfly, embrace the process of transformation so you can become everything you were destined to be.” — Keeshea Pratt

An Diaz/Board Of Directors

Passionate about Blues and Gospel, An Díaz has traveled the world thanks to Black American Music. After releasing her Gospel Blues debut album [Between Two Worlds, 2017] the warm reception was unanimous in concert halls and festivals in Argentina, Brazil, Israel, Poland, Spain, France, Austria, Italy, and more. Over the past ten years, An has proved her versatility as a singer-songwriter-vocalist and facilitator. She has been a member of several gospel choirs in Buenos Aires and Paris, recorded backing vocals for numerous Argentine, American and French artists, and was the lead vocalist at Gintonics Blues&Soul, Nina Sessions (the Nina Simone homage show in Buenos Aires) and An Díaz & Yokatta Brothers, her current project. As a facilitator, she’s shared her knowledge about African American Culture through her masterclasses and private coaching (English for Singers: pronunciation and interpretation). She's worked closely with Blues dancers in Argentina and France teaching masterclasses that focus on seeing music, lyrics and culture through a multifaceted lens. The Future: Following her second studio album [Alana, 2023], numerous international awards and festivals, [Komorebi in New Orleans, 2024] was recorded at Blue Velvet and presented at the New Orleans Jazz Museum. A will continue to share the culture, sense of humor and existentialist touch of Blues and Gospel. With Yokatta Brothers, their live show “Hip Shakin’ Tour”, which includes Blues dancers on stage, is coming to your city soon!

Andrea Marr/Board Of Directors

Andrea Marr started singing the blues in 1997, when a blues jam changed her musical direction forever. Previously a cover band singer, she fell in love with the blues, then released her first blues album in 1997, going on to record 10 albums to date. She has represented Australia 3 times at the IBC’s, twice reaching the semi finals. Once with her Andrea Marr Band and once with her duo The McNaMarr Project. Andrea has won many awards in Australia including the Australian Female Blues Vocalist of the year award and has been inducted into the Blues Music Victoria Hall of Fame. Andrea is currently the Ambassador for women in blues for Blues Music Victoria, has had 4 number one blues albums in Australia and is a passionate teacher and mentor for Women in blues, regularly doing workshops and hosting showcases and events for WiB. 

COMMITTEE DIRECTOR

Diane Rudolph

Diane is the President of the Ozark Blues Society of NW Arkansas, and a professional drummer.  She began her playing career in 1986 where she cut her teeth in the explosive, multi-cultural South Florida music scene.  The next 20 years gave her extensive experience in both session and live playing.  She owns and manages two businesses in NW Arkansas, where her family relocated in 2006.  She loves teaching, singing, playing bass, recording, directing musical projects, and volunteering as a musician contributor for the Pinetop Perkins Foundation.  She is the founding drummer and musical director for NWA’s Divas on Fire, and also drums for the Delta Divas showcase band.  Diane has held down the drum chair as house band drummer for the National WIB Showcase on Beale Street in both 2025 and 2026.

COMMITTEE MEMBERS

Heather Statham - Outreach Committee Chair

Heather Statham is a singer, performer, and vocal coach based in South Carolina. She is the frontwoman for the blues/soul  band THUNDERGYPSY, known for their soulful Southern sound and dynamic live performances. THUNDERGYPSY participated in the International Blues Challenge in 2018, and Heather later performed in the National Women in Blues Showcase in 2020 and the virtual showcase in 2021. The band also created a tribute show and album, Ladies of the Blues, celebrating the music and legacy of influential women in blues. In addition to performing, Heather works as a vocal and performance coach, helping artists build confidence, authenticity, and stage presence.

Ann Bello/Outreach

Anne Bello, based in Newberry, Florida, has been an active member of the blues community since 2019 through her involvement with the Blues Foundation and the North Central Florida Blues Society. She brings extensive expertise in the music business, including distribution, publishing, and consulting, as well as website and social media administration for music professionals. Anne has contributed behind the scenes to blues music education and artist support, and she is a dedicated advocate for Women in Blues initiatives. She proudly supports the Women in Blues Showcase in Memphis, assisting those lucky enough to be selected by the drawing, taking pictures, promoting the showcase, answering questions, and helping artists navigate the business side of music while empowering women to succeed in the industry. Her passion lies in preserving the blues tradition while fostering opportunities for artists to thrive.

Dave Harrison/Outreach

Dave is the creator and producer of the syndicated “The Blues In The Blood Show”…. Thanks to many great musicians, he’s been pumping out blues shows since 2006 and currently has affiliates in the USA (California, Florida, and Virginia), Scotland. United Kingdom, the Philippines, and other locations. Typical episodes involve a Women in Blues set each show! He’s been heavily involved through the years in blues societies primarily in the Virginia area, and has helped with blues festivals for over 15 years. He was an Internal Blues Challenge coordinator for over 10 years and has judged blues challenges on the east coast and in Memphis for almost 20 years. He also runs The BluzNdaBlood Radio Network 24/7, which hosts two Women in Blues Hours each day! Dave is retired after serving in the USAF, followed by a 40 year career in higher education! A little known fact is that he was the first Radio DJ to reach out to the organization in 2007 and has always supported WiB long before it became popular.

Jayme Fallon/Sales & Marketing

Meet Jayme Fallon - an Artist Manager and Booking Agent with a passion for elevating talent and building meaningful careers. She thrives in the heart of the music world, connecting artists with the right opportunities, shaping visions and keeping the wheels turning behind the scenes. Music has been a driving force since Jayme's childhood, thanks to both parents who filled their home with almost every genre imaginable. Thank you, Mom, for introducing me to Sam Cooke! A lead singer, drummer and former recording and touring musician, she brings an artist's perspective to everything she does. Her former work in Country, and now Blues - spanning merchandising, touring operations, booking and fan engagement - has given her a 360° view of what truly supports an artist's success. Beyond the industry grind, Jayme channels her creativity into graphic design, editing and learning Bass guitar. Whether she's working with her artist, Tullie, or developing new skills herself, she's always creating, refining and pushing things forward with the focus on making good things happen.

Cristy Benvenutti - Sales/Marketing Chair & Social Media

Cristy Benvenutti is a strategic advisor, entrepreneur, and nonprofit leader with expertise in finance, operations, and sales. She is President and Treasurer of the North Jersey Blues Society, where she has expanded membership, built a strong digital presence, and led community events celebrating blues music and education. Cristy is also the founder of Designs by Cristy B, creating handcrafted, one-of-a-kind jewelry. With senior leadership experience at Spectrum, AT&T Wireless, and Mobile ESPN, and a BS in Accounting from Ramapo College, Cristy combines operational expertise, creativity, and community impact in all her work.  

Samantha Muffett/Social Media

Samantha hails from Merrillville, Indiana and has been working in her community and around the world to build a better space for musicians of all kinds. With a background in sales, management, and marketing, she became the Founder/CEO of Shocaroff Management Company in 2019. With her sharp business sense she is already changing the landscape of the blues music world. Her fresh perspective on the industry is allowing for a more level playing field for independent artists. She is bringing in a younger generation of blues fans and understanding the potential that has been missing in this genre of music. Shocaroff Management is a one stop shop for indie artists, providing opportunities for growth wherever the artist needs it. She has been a talent buyer for multiple music festivals. Including the Women In Blues Festival in Valparaiso, IN. Samantha(President) along with Kenny Kinsey(Vice President) and Rob Sabie(Treasurer) founded Blues Steel Blues Society in 2021. It is a non for profit 501 C3 music society dedicated to building the awareness of Blues music and teaching the next generation about different styles of music. The society has grown to over 100 members and has plans to hold one of their own festivals one day in the near future.

Shirley McCoy/Sales & Marketing

Shirley is a Norcal Native with a deep appreciation and love for blues music. She fell in love with live music growing up in the Bay Area, attending concerts several times a week. She works as the Office Manager at the non-profit community radio station, KZFR 90.1 FM, which has only furthered her knowledge of music and given her the privilege to get to interview some noteworthy names.  She also proudly serves on the Board of the Sacramento Blues Society, the third oldest blues society in the United States. She chairs the SBS's International Blues Challenge Committee. She looks forward to serving on the Marketing Committee of the National Women in Blues and continuing to help empower and showcase the powerhouse women in the blues. 

Susan Angeleti/Sales & Marketing

Susan has several years work experience in Sales( Automobile Sales and Vacations Sales) and worked at Country Nissan & Lia Toyota Car Sales, Vacation Sales w Silverleaf Resorts at Oak and Spruce in Lee, Mass. Also did Vacation Sales in South Florida. She also Worked for Rob Fisher Productions putting on Benefit Concerts with Live Bands and Entertainment, where we did promotion, press, booking bands and audio engineers, and acquired Sponsors for each Benefit for The Western Mass Food Bank, Toys For Tots, Shriners Hospital, Feed The Children,  The VA Hospital and more. She also did her own promotions as Singer & Leader of Susan Angeletti Blues & Roots Band with 7 Cds released over last 25 years. She performed  at The Fillmore West, House of Blues in LV and Hollywood, CA, The Bottom Line ( NY City), Curaçao International Blues Festival Headliner, Biscuits & Blues San Francisco, Toads Place, The Calvin Theatre, The Iron Horse Music Hall, Jazz, The Retcher Theatre, The Colonial Theatre, among others. Susan toured w Bluesman, Johnny Winter, and also shared stages with BB King, Dicky Betts, Luther Guitar Jr Johnson (Muddy Waters Band), Shemekia Copeland, John Hammond Jr, Michael Burkes, Tommy Castro, Gina Coleman and many other blues artists .

Angela Buffington - Fundraising Committee Chair & Social Media

President, Trinity River Blues Society, Angela Buffington is a published author, public speaker, and respected cultural leader in the North Texas arts and music community. As President of the Trinity River Blues Society, she leads with vision and purpose, championing the preservation, promotion, and advancement of blues music while creating meaningful opportunities that connect artists, audiences, and communities. A corporate accountant by profession, Angela brings a sophisticated blend of business acumen and strategic leadership to her role. She is deeply involved in the business side of the music industry, with expertise in event production, artist relations, and organizational growth. Under her direction, the organization has expanded its influence through signature programming, youth initiatives, artist development, and high-impact community partnerships, reinforcing its standing as an affiliate of The Blues Foundation. Angela’s leadership extends beyond a single organization. She serves as Chairperson for Women in Blues, where she drives fundraising and advocacy efforts that elevate and support women in the genre. She is also an administrator for Texas Women in Music and a board member of Southside Preservation Hall, contributing to the preservation of culturally significant music spaces. In addition to her leadership roles, Angela curates, produces, and books festivals and live music experiences, bringing together talent and community through thoughtfully executed events that reflect both artistic excellence and strong business strategy. She is the creator and host of the Back History Podcast, a platform dedicated to uncovering powerful, often untold stories that highlight the journeys of artists, leaders, and change-makers. Renowned for her commanding presence and authentic voice, Angela is a sought-after public speaker and Mistress of Ceremonies for concerts, festivals, and major cultural events. Her influence has been recognized with honors including Fort Worth Weekly Readers’ Choice Best Influencer, reflecting her impact, visibility, and dedication to the community she serves. Driven by purpose, excellence, and a commitment to legacy, Angela Buffington continues to bridge business, culture, and music while building platforms that preserve the blues and inspire future generations.

Kimberly Trevallion/Fundraising

KAT Blue is a blues vocalist, bandleader, and nonprofit finance professional with nearly a decade of experience in nonprofit accounting and financial management. She is a Certified Nonprofit Accounting Professional (CNAP) and holds an SPHR, bringing both fiscal expertise and organizational leadership to her work. As the leader of KAT Blue & The True Believers, she performs throughout the Midwest and is currently working on the band’s second release. KAT is also an active event producer, organizing annual showcases including House of Blues and Southside Blues Fest, where she prioritizes hiring and promoting female blues artists. In her nonprofit career, KAT has led and supported large-scale fundraising initiatives, including a multi-million-dollar annual campaign with the Boy Scouts of America and a major citywide Red Kettle program for the Salvation Army. Her work has spanned campaign development, volunteer training, donor and pledge tracking, financial oversight, and end-to-end reporting—giving her a comprehensive understanding of how successful fundraising efforts are built and sustained. KAT is committed to advancing equity in blues by actively creating performance opportunities and increasing visibility for women in the genre. She brings a unique combination of financial leadership, fundraising experience, and on-the-ground music industry insight to support the mission of National Women in Blues.

Retired from the Board: Former VP - Terri Robbins, Teeny Tucker, Lea Gilmore, Lamont Jack Pearly (Jack DaPappas), Tim Fik, Lori Graboyes, Tom Watson, Brian Lucas, Peter Lauro.