Our Roots
The June Howes Stradford Foundation, is driven by a single goal; to do our part in making the world a better place for all.
The Howes family, from England, has an unbroken ancestry from 1066 June Howes is a descendent of that lineage. She visited her ancestral home ‘Morningthorpe Manor’ in Norfolk, England several times during her life. She passed away in 2015 at the age of 97.
As a long-time resident of Chicago's Hyde Park / Kenwood neighborhood, a business owner, leader and community developer, June has made immeasurable contributions to the society and culture of the area.
The foundation was formed to honor her memory and the generous spirit she exuded in an effort to help those creative individuals who needed support.
Established in 2017
TeaKEYm
KEY PEOPLE: Dedication. Expertise. Passion.
This is your Team section. It's a great place to introduce your team and talk about what makes it special, such as your culture or work philosophy. Don't be afraid to illustrate personality and character to help users connect with your team.
President & CEO
DR. LESLEE STRADFORD
Dr. Stradford founded the JHS Foundation with the vision and drive to improve upon the outreach to National and International Arts Education programs. Earning a BAE, BFA & MFA from The School of the Art Institute of Chicago & her Ed.D. from Illinois State University. Dr. Stradford has served as Academic Dean and Tenured Art Faculty.
DIRECTOR
REMI VAUGHN-RICHARDS
Remi Vaughn-Richards is a Nigerian-British Award Winning Filmmaker. She has worked on such films as Judge Dredd (1995) and Eyes Wide Shut (1999). In 2015 Pulse Magazine named her as a Nigerian filmmaker you should know. She has worked with BBC World Service documentary dramas, and Remi, from our beginning, has added her International expertise to the benefit of the JHSF. (film attached)
DIRECTOR
JULIE KEYES
Keyes Art is a global art consultancy firm bringing more than 30 years of experience. Keyes Art Gallery in Sag Harbor N.Y. showcases the works of both emerging and celebrated artists, working closely with clients specializing in the sale.
Director:
CLAUDE LAWRENCE
International Artist and Jazz Musician joins our foundation with the hope of providing an advantage to benefit members through public performance & other exhibitions attracting creative individuals helping to expand their audiences
Vice President
DR. JACQUELINE BONTEMPS
Dr. Bontemps has been with JHS from the very beginning (2018) She is Chair of the Fine Art Department at Hampton University,Hampton Va. and Director of the Student and ProfessionalArt Exhibitions.
Dr. Bontemps' suggestions,support and recommendations have proven
invaluable in its success.
Executive Secretary
JUANITA TEMPLE
"Dealing with the challenges of today requires problem-solvers who bring different perspectives and are willing to take risks. June Howes Stradford Foundation emerged out of a pursuit to inspire and support the community, and a desire for actions to speak louder than words."
WELCOME
Victoria Rogers: Our New Trusteé
Victoria currently works at Autodesk, where she leads a strategy team for the COO organization. She has worked as an Advisor at X [Google X] where she focused on generative AI and as the Director of Arts at Kickstarter, where she raised over $9.6M for 220 cultural projects from over 93K people. Victoria holds an MBA from Stanford University, an MFA in Industrial and Civic Service Design from Parsons School of Design, and a BA in Art History from Yale University.
Victoria is a board member of the Brooklyn Museum, the Studio Museum in Harlem, the Terra Foundation, and the Black Trustee Alliance for Art Museums.
