NAEA Open Studio Conversation | Convention 101: Navigating the NAEA26 Experience

Art & Cultural Responsiveness Facilitator, Disrupting Norms

Libya Doman is a National Board–certified art and cultural responsiveness educator who serves as a resource teacher in her district’s fine arts office, supporting the work of more than 400 art teachers. Beyond her school system, she guides educators through complex topics often deemed taboo. Currently, she serves on the NAEA’s ED&I Commission, is a trustee of the National Art Education Foundation, and facilitates through the School for Art Leaders initiative.   

Her strategic leadership also focuses on access for the youngest learners; she initiated the district’s first preK art curriculum, establishing foundational visual literacy for students eligible for Head Start/Title I services.   

A proud alumna of Spelman College and Moore College of Art & Design, she holds a master’s degree from Teachers College, Columbia University. Her work is recognized across the field, culminating in honors as both Virginia’s 2020 State Art Educator of the Year and State Elementary Art Educator of the Year. 

Acting Art Educational Specialist, Fairfax County Public Schools

Susan Silva is an artist, educator, and advocate for the transformative power of creativity. She has dedicated her career to helping others discover their artistic voice in the classroom, studio, and community. As an art teacher, she has guided a myriad of students—from curious beginners to emerging creatives—encouraging confidence, curiosity, and the joy of visual expression.   

Beyond the classroom, Susan is deeply engaged in her own artistic practice, working across media including mixed-media collage and photography inspired by everyday moments. She views art not only as a product but as a way of life—one that fosters connection, reflection, and play. I am running a few minutes late; my previous meeting is running over.  

Her work has been featured in galleries, exhibitions, and community spaces, yet she values most the relationships shaped through art. Whether mentoring students or collaborating with artists, Susan celebrates the creative spark that brings people together. 

Visual Arts Content Specialist, Chicago Public Schools, Department of Arts Education 

Alicia Kopec is a transformative arts education leader with more than 15 years of experience advancing equity, creativity, and belonging across Chicago Public Schools (CPS). As the district’s visual arts content specialist, she shapes vision, strategy, and professional learning for arts instruction across more than 650 schools. Alicia develops districtwide frameworks, leads major professional learning initiatives, and partners with educators and cultural institutions to strengthen arts experiences for all students.   

Grounded in the belief that arts education is a human right, Alicia centers culturally responsive practice, student agency, and artmaking as powerful pathways for young people to explore identity and make meaning. Her work includes creating innovative preK–12 arts resources, guiding teacher cohorts, and elevating local and contemporary artists who reflect the diversity of CPS students.   

Alicia is dedicated to cultivating joyful, inclusive learning communities where teachers and students feel supported, inspired, and empowered to grow through the arts.