Executive Board

Sheldon K.X. Reid ’96, GSE ’98
Director

Taina Rico ’24 (she/her)
President

Hey! My name is Taina Rico and I am so incredibly honored and excited to be serving as Kuumba’s president for the 2023-24 year. I am a junior living in Leverett House studying History of Science with a secondary in Ethnicity, Migration, and Rights on the pre-med track. To me, Kuumba truly is a family I am proud and blessed to be a part of. Home is defined as a place that offers safety, security, and stability. Kuumba has been this place for me and so much more. Outside of Kuumba, I volunteer for an organization called We Got Us and Iand dabble in photography. Sending so much Kuumbalove; I can’t wait for another incredible year with you all!

Sandra Mwangi ’24 (she/her)
Vice-President

Hello! My name is Sandra, I’m a senior in Adams House studying Psychology with a secondary in Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies. I’m very honored and excited to be serving as Kuumba vice president this year! Outside of Kuumba I’m involved with HASA and I enjoy reading fiction, listening to afrobeats, and going on walks by the river. I’m very excited to be on Kuumboard this year, and i look forward to interacting with y’all at the concerts, BAF and wintour! .

Khalila Lord-Arond ’25 (she/they)
Recording Secretary

I am a junior concentrating in Neurobiology with a secondary in film. I live in Kirkland House! I am looking forward to singing with everyone again, reconnecting with my beloved kuumbabes, and welcoming any new ones this year!!

Robyn Boyland ’26 (she/her)
Recording Secretary

Hey there, Kuumbabes! My name is Robyn, and I’m a sophomore in THEE BEST HOUSE, Kirkland. I’m a tentative Government concentrator with a Psychology secondary. I’m a military kid, but my dad retired in Nebraska, so the cornfields are what I call home. In my free time, I love curating outfits and delving into all things music: writing, singing, listening—I love it all! I am beyond excited to serve as your Rec Sec this year and am absolutely ecstatic to establish Kuummunity and help make this choir into a family! I can’t wait to get to know you all! My door is always open, and I’ll never turn down a boba date (it’s lowkey an addiction lol) See you Kuumorrow!

Nadia Fairfax ’26 (she/her)
Corresponding Secretary

Hi! I’m Nadia, a sophomore in Adams planning to concentrate in English! I’m the corresponding secretary this year, and I can’t wait for alumni and choir engagement. Outside of Kuumba, I’m a staff writer for The Crimson, and I’m on the sports board covering the track and field team! I’m also a part of the Alberta V. Scott Mentoring Program through ABHW! Looking forward to a great year!

 

Mia Montrose  ’26 (she/her) Librarian

Hey, I’m the Kuumba Librarian this year! I’m a sophomore in Kirkland planning to concentrate in environmental sciences and engineering with a secondary in social anthropology, but check back in with me in a semester😖 I’m super excited to get a firsthand look at all of Kuumba’s digital and preserved artifacts that go all the way back to 1970! When I’m not in the Kuumba office, you’ll probably find me planning events as the social chair for the Harvard Caribbean Club 🎉

Anaya Zachery ’26
Director of Publicity

Hi! I’m a sophomore in Leverett house, and plan to concentrate in neuroscience + women, gender, and sexuality studies. I cannot wait for the incredible upcoming Kuumba year. and am so excited to reconnect with our Kuumba family, whether you are a returning or new singer!

 

Cassandra  Brewster ’24 (she/her)
Director of Development

Hello everyone! My name is Cassandra Brewster, and I am from Brooklyn, New York. I am a senior pursuing a joint concentration in History & Science and Sociology. This year for Kuumba, I am looking forward spending time with my fellow Kuumbabes and strengthening friendships within the choir. I am also looking forward to meeting any new choir members! In addition to Kuumba, I am involved in the Cabot House Committee, and I am an intern at the Women’s Center.

Olusola Babalola ’24 (she/her)
Business Manager

Hi! My name is Olusola Babalola, I’m a senior in Cabot House studying Human Developmental and Regenerative Biology, with a language citation in Yoruba. On campus, I’m involved with the Association of Black Harvard Women, Women in Medicine, Harvard Synapse, and PBHA. This year, I’m looking forward to serving both the Harvard and greater Boston communities with the voices of Kuumba.

 

Anika Allen ’24 (she/her)
Inclusivity Chair

Hey! My name is Anika, I’m a senior in Adams House concentrating in Neuroscience with a secondary in African American Studies. I’m super excited to serve as Inclusivity Chair for Kuumba this year! Outside of Kuumba, I enjoy rock climbing, reading, and playing card and board games. I look forward to seeing you all this year!

Julian handler ’24 (he/him)
Tour Manager

I’m a senior in Kirkland concentrating in Integrative Biology and getting a secondary in Global Health and Health Policy. I’m looking forward to my first Spring Tour. Outside of Kuumba I do a variety of other activities like run and teach CIVICS.

Mark Kogo ’26 (he/him)
BAF Chair

Hello! My name is Mark. I’m a Sophomore living in Cabot. I plan on studying Sociology and Computer Science. This year, I am looking forward to holding space with the talented Kuumba singers, helping plan the Black Arts Festival, and meeting new Kuumbabes!