Meet Zekeria Holcomb, Site Manager of the brand-new A4L Afterschool program at Laura C. Saunders Elementary School. Whether she’s guiding staff, supporting students, or making art with her son on the weekends, Zekeria brings joy, resilience, and authenticity to everything she does.
What brought you to A4L and how long have you been with the organization?
What brought me to A4L was [Senior Program Director] Ms. Dia Carter Webb. I saw her at my previous job and she saw how I was interacting with the kids and asked if I wanted to work in the summer. I’ve been with the organization since July 2024.
What is your day-to-day at A4L like?
A typical day for me as an A4L site manager involves a lot. I communicate organizational needs, oversee employees’ performance, provide guidance, support, identify development needs, and manage the relationship between staff and the organization so that each is successful.
Tell us some fun facts about you.
I love being a mom to my two year old son. I like dressing up nice, I like trying new restaurants, and I like doing fun activities with my son.
Do you have an artistic or non-artistic accomplishment you’re most proud of?
My non-artistic accomplishment I am most proud of is being a great mom to my son every single day.
What has been a life lesson you’ve learned through the arts?
The creativity and the ability to make things that come out bad turn into something good.
What inspires you about the work A4L does?
Giving kids with and without a disability a great opportunity to experience the arts that most schools no longer have anymore.
Do you have an impactful A4L story to share?
Yes, I’ve been working with A4L for almost a year now and the previous jobs I had were nothing compared to them. They’ve taught me how to be creative, more patient, and responsible in a short period of time. I have seen so much improvement and growth within myself, even as a mom. For that I am very grateful and thankful to A4L for giving me this opportunity and believing in me.
Are you involved in any cool projects outside of A4L that you want to share?
No, but I do fun and cool art projects with my son on the weekends.