Red Clay Dance Company Welcomes Three New Board Members
Red Clay Dance Company is proud to welcome Yasmin Curtis, Brian Thomas and Hana Viswanathan to its Board of Directors.
Each brings a distinct combination of professional expertise, community leadership and personal connection to the arts. Together, their perspectives will strengthen Red Clay’s continued growth and our ability to advance Artivism In Motion.
Yasmin Curtis
Yasmin Curtis is a Chicago native who grew up on the city’s South Side and has been part of its business community for more than a decade.
Guided by her passion for community development and entrepreneurship, Yasmin launched Two Fish Crab Shack Co. in Bronzeville in 2016. She envisioned a vibrant dining destination that would contribute to the growth of the neighborhood while providing South Side residents with a high-quality experience closer to home.
Trained in economics, Yasmin used market analysis to identify the lack of quality dining options available on the South Side. The early success of Two Fish Crab Shack demonstrated her ability to recognize opportunities and build a business responsive to the community it serves.
When restaurants faced unprecedented disruption, Yasmin adapted by transforming some of the company’s most popular offerings into consumer-packaged products sold through grocery stores across the country.
Through her entrepreneurial journey, Yasmin has demonstrated a commitment to innovation, community development and creating opportunities on Chicago’s South Side. She brings to Red Clay’s Board a combination of business insight, adaptability and a genuine commitment to making a lasting impact.
Brian Thomas
Brian Thomas is based in Brooklyn, New York. He earned his bachelor’s degree in social psychology and Africana studies from Williams College in 2012.
After graduating, Brian began a career in education that has included work with Harlem Children’s Zone, Uncommon Schools, Zeta Charter Schools and Ascend Charter Schools. His experience spans operations support, on-site operations management, organization-wide operations and operations strategy.
Brian served as chair of the Williams College Black Alumni Network from 2014 through 2018 and as a trustee of the Williams College Gaudino Board from 2023 through 2026.
His relationship with the performing arts began in 2006, when he started stepping in high school. He continued exploring step, spoken word and Latin dance throughout college and beyond. Brian credits these forms of artistic expression with helping him develop the confidence that has shaped other areas of his personal and professional life.
Brian brings to Red Clay’s Board extensive operational experience, strategic thinking and a personal understanding of the role artistic expression can play in individual growth.
Hana Viswanathan
Hana Viswanathan serves as Vice President and Senior Nonprofit Business Relationship Manager at JPMorganChase, where she provides customized banking and financial services to mission-driven organizations throughout Chicago and the Great Lakes region.
Before entering her current role, Hana served as Vice President and Banker at J.P. Morgan Private Bank in Chicago, advising business owners, executives, families and nonprofit organizations with substantial assets and complex financial needs. She previously worked as a private wealth advisor at Goldman Sachs.
Hana began her career in nonprofit fundraising, including roles as a major gifts officer at Martha’s Table and Polaris Project. Those foundational experiences inspired her continued commitment to nonprofits and the communities they serve.
In addition to Red Clay Dance Company’s Board, Hana serves on the Ambassadors Board of Uniting Voices Chicago, formerly Chicago Children’s Choir. She previously served on the Associate Board of The Gray Matter Experience. She is passionate about creativity and inclusive economic growth.
Hana grew up in Washington, D.C., and has called Chicago home since 2021. Outside of work, she enjoys staying active, spending time outdoors and exploring Chicago’s cultural, culinary and community experiences.
She holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and an MBA from the University of Michigan’s Ross School of Business.
Strengthening Our Village
Yasmin, Brian and Hana expand the range of professional expertise, lived experience and community insight guiding Red Clay Dance Company.
Their leadership will help support our sustainable growth, deepen our community connections and strengthen our commitment to creating, performing and teaching dances of the African Diaspora.
Please join us in welcoming Yasmin Curtis, Brian Thomas and Hana Viswanathan to the Red Clay Dance Company village.
