2015 Women to Watch Award in Arts
Q&A with Arts category winner LaRaisha Burnette
The 2015 WILMA's Women to Watch Award winner in the Arts category is LARAISHA BURNETTE, theater actress and center services coordinator for the CFCC Humanities and Fine Arts Center.
Burnette played her first lead role this year, channeling the iconic Billie Holliday in Thalian Association’s Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar & Grill. Active on the local theater scene, Burnette says she has done productions with almost every theater company in town.
Burnette also recently started as center services coordinator for the new Cape Fear Community College's Humanities and Fine Arts Center and also is the front woman for the band LaCi. She hasn’t ruled out a return to New York one day, but when she does, she hopes to bring the feeling of community with her.
WILMA: What inspired you to pick the field you’re in now?
"As a performer for many years, I've always wanted to become fluent in the process of creating a production. This transition into an arts administrator role seemed fitting. I have so much more appreciation for my craft now that I get to be involved from the ground level up."
Are there any mentors or role models, famous or personal, you've looked to in your career?
" My mother is a constant in my life. She has shown me that it's not what you've endured that makes you but what you make of what you've endured. She is my life line."
What do you hope to be doing in the years to come?
"I hope to be pursuing my performing career full time — recorded music and film at the forefront. I also hope to have babies and a thriving home life with my beautiful partner, Christian Dionne."
As a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
"An architect or a guardian ad litem. I love building things and solving problems."
What has being named a finalist, and a now winner, in the Women to Watch Awards meant for you personally and professionally?
"This nomination has propelled me into the next phase of my professional life. The win has served as affirmation that I am on the right path for my life's purpose."
Anyone you'd like to thank in relation to the award or any other comments to share?
"Peggy O'Leary, for giving me a shot and believing in me. Susan Carbonara for being a friend and mentor. Chiaki Ito for being the best surrogate big sister in the whole wide world, your friendship is unparalleled. For my peers, especially women whose actions speak louder than words. Caitlin Becka, Amy Smith, my sisters to name a few. I'm blessed to have strong and brilliant women in my life."
To view more of photographer Erik Maasch’s work, go to websta.me/n/emaasch
