The Empowerment Camp at Unity Performing Arts Foundation is designed to provide an intensive youth development experience that strengthens character, builds confidence, and enhances artistic and leadership skills. The camp focuses on helping students grow personally and creatively while reinforcing discipline, teamwork, and self-expression. It serves as a concentrated environment where students are encouraged to discover their voice, develop leadership qualities, and improve their performance within a structured, positive culture.
The camp offers students an opportunity to connect with new participants and build stronger relationships with one another across many different backgrounds. This interaction fosters teamwork, collaboration, and mutual respect while creating a sense of unity among students. Throughout the weekend, students also participate in workshops conducted by professionals from the broader community. These guest presenters dedicate time to teaching, training, and preparing students, while exposing them to career paths, life skills, and personal development opportunities that extend beyond the arts.
A highlight of the camp is a student-produced talent show organized and led by the students themselves. This experience encourages leadership, creativity, and teamwork, while providing performance opportunities in a supportive environment. Students are responsible for developing ideas, coordinating performances, and working collaboratively to produce the showcase, allowing them to apply both artistic and leadership skills learned during the camp.
The camp concludes with a closing chapel conducted by a local minister from the community. This time is focused on inspiration, reflection, and encouragement, reinforcing the values and personal growth gained during the camp experience. The chapel serves as a meaningful finale, bringing together the lessons of character, leadership, and unity developed throughout the weekend.
The Empowerment Camp is structured as an intensive weekend experience held during the spring, taking place Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. This format creates an immersive environment where students can fully engage in artistic training, leadership development, relationship-building, and personal growth within a focused, impactful timeframe.
SATURDAY SPEAKERS
Joe Jordan
President & CEO, Boys & Girls Clubs of Northeast Indiana
Joe Jordan is a lifelong resident of Fort Wayne, Indiana. He currently serves as the President & CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Northeast Indiana. Joe has more than 38 years of executive-level experience in organizational management, working with community organizations whose primary focus is youth and family development.
Joe earned his Bachelor’s degree in Business Management from Indiana Institute of Technology and his Master’s degree in Management from Indiana Wesleyan University. Throughout his career, Joe has developed a reputation for creating and implementing innovative programs that expand opportunities for young people and help them reach their full potential.
Joe currently serves on a number of local and state boards, continuing his commitment to strengthening communities and expanding opportunities for youth and families.
“I am so fortunate to have the opportunity to work for such an awesome organization and be part of this tremendous national movement. I am excited because of the relevance and the impact we are having on thousands of lives.”
Throughout his career, Joe has received numerous honors recognizing his leadership and impact, including CEO of the Year for the State of Indiana, the Heart & Soul Award (2019), the Heart & Spirit Award (2020), and the Indiana Governor’s Sagamore of the Wabash Award (2024).
Captain Andrea Burton
Fire & Life Safety Educator, Fort Wayne Fire Department
Andrea Burton has been a member of the Fort Wayne Fire Department for 24 years. She is a certified firefighter, inspector, emergency medical technician, instructor, and public safety educator. As a captain, she promotes fire safety education at the Survive Alive House at the Safety Village and travels the city delivering fire safety messages of prevention, planning, practicing emergency plans, career exploration, fire extinguisher use, and burn and fall prevention through programming for children through older adults and while in attendance at community outreach engagements.
Andrea received a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Purdue University. Her current and past community involvement consists of parent teacher and student association member, 100 plus Women Who Care member, Indiana Black Expo Fort Wayne Chapter board of directors, YMCA Metro board of directors, and youth mentor for Rise Together. She is an active member of New Covenant Worship/Impact Center. Andrea is a graduate of Greater Fort Wayne’s Leadership Fort Wayne. She has received honors such as the Indiana Tech Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Vanguard Award and she has been awarded champion for multiple years in the annual YMCA Childcare Chili Contest.
Andrea has had the opportunity to serve as chairperson for the Diversity and Inclusion committee for the fire department. The Diversity and Inclusion committee’s inception was inspired by the city-wide and nationally recognized United Front Initiative for racial equality, equity, and awareness through a shared humanity perspective. In a simple statement, Andrea is a believer in God, a wife, a mother, and a Fort Wayne native with a passion for people and purpose. Driven by the idea of thriving to become the best version of herself, she believes that anything can be achieved with teamwork and dedication. She often says, “Hard work will get us there, but heart work will keep us there!”
Cindy White
Mindful Movement, UNITY
Cindy White is a dynamic leader, educator, and wellness advocate with a lifelong commitment to empowering individuals and strengthening communities. With a professional background that spans critical care nursing, case management, and executive human resources leadership, Cindy brings a unique blend of compassion, expertise, and people-centered leadership to everything she does.
Currently serving as a Human Resources Consultant and Adjunct Instructor in Health Careers, Cindy is passionate about teaching, mentoring, and helping others grow both personally and professionally. Her work has consistently focused on supporting individuals through change, building inclusive environments, and promoting overall well-being.
Cindy is a certified yoga and social-emotional learning instructor, a professional coach, and a mindfulness facilitator. She integrates these practices to help individuals reduce stress, build resilience, and connect mind and body. At this year’s Unity Performing Arts Empowerment Camp, she is excited to return and lead engaging yoga sessions for both students and adults, continuing her commitment to holistic wellness and community empowerment.
Cindy is proud to support Unity Performing Arts alongside her husband, Marshall White, CEO of Unity Performing Arts Foundation.
Briana Alvarez
UNITY Alumni
Briana Alvarez is honored to return as a guest speaker for a program that has played a
meaningful role in her life. She first joined the organization at the age of 9, and now, at 30, she
is grateful for the opportunity to give back to a community that helped shape who she is today.
Briana went on to pursue her passion for creativity, earning a degree in Fine Art. In 2017, she
started her own business in Fort Wayne, curating art shows that highlight diverse voices and
creative expression. In 2020, she moved to Chicago, where she continued to grow and expand
her work over the course of five years before recently returning to Fort Wayne.
Today, Briana serves as the Executive Assistant at Early Childhood Alliance, supporting
initiatives that positively impact young children and families in the community.
She is excited to connect with and encourage the next generation and is grateful for the
opportunity to pour back into a program that has given her so much.
Veronica Townes
Salon Owner & Beauty Educator, Optimistic’s Enterprise Full Service Salon
I am an experienced Salon Owner with a demonstrated history of educating, coaching, and mentoring in the beauty and barber industry. I am a Beauty Incubator-Skilled in position placement for start-up beauty professionals.
Dedicated CTE Cosmetology Instructor, I enjoy science and chemistry related to Trichology Research/Analysis. I provide Hair & Scalp therapy/treatment recommendations for men and women. I enjoy in-depth Beauty & Cosmetics research, development, and product customization. I have a serious work ethic, commitment, and strong community pride. I want collaborations with local nonprofit or for-profit organizations. Also, I am a private educator for advanced cosmetology training and refresher courses. I am the bridge between the dermatologist and the cosmetologist regarding the various types of Alopecia. I am here to serve.
SUNDAY SPEAKERS
Albert T. Brownlee, JD, MBA
Senior Pastor, Come As You Are Community Church
Pastor Albert T. Brownlee is a dynamic servant leader, communicator, and creative visionary committed to faith, justice, and community impact. As a pastor, teacher, nonprofit executive, and arts advocate, he blends spiritual insight with practical leadership to inspire transformation both inside and beyond the church.
Albert is the founder of initiatives that merge culture and purpose, producing theatrical and community-centered experiences that address social issues while uplifting underserved populations. With a background in mediation and an emerging legal career, he is deeply passionate about advocacy, conflict resolution, and advancing equitable solutions within the communities he serves.
Known for his compelling preaching, strategic leadership, and genuine heart for people, Albert leads with clarity, conviction, and compassion. His work consistently reflects a commitment to Christ, community, connection, and culture—building bridges that empower individuals and strengthen families for generations to come.
Albert earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Clark Atlanta University, followed by a Bachelor of General Studies with a concentration in Pre-Law and a Master of Business Administration from Indiana University. He also holds a Juris Doctor and Certificate in Conflict Resolution Theory and Practice from Mitchell Hamline School of Law, as well as a Certificate in Ministerial Introduction from Aenon Bible College.
Albert has been happily married to his wife, Tamarah, for 21 years. Together they have been blessed to serve as parents to four children, one daughter-in-love, and two grandchildren.
Marshall A. White
Founder & CEO, Unity Performing Arts Foundation
Marshall A. White is the distinguished Founder and CEO of Unity Performing Arts Foundation in Fort Wayne, Indiana, where he also serves as the Director and Life Coach for the Voices of Unity Youth Choir. Since its inception in July 2000, UNITY has been committed to cultivating character, artistry, and leadership in young people through various performing arts disciplines, including choral music, dance, drama, and more.
Under White’s leadership, the Voices of Unity Youth Choir has garnered widespread acclaim, earning the prestigious World Grand Champion title twice and securing six gold medals at the World Choir Games in 2010, 2012, 2014, and most recently, in Auckland, New Zealand, in July 2024. The choir also completed a four-country European tour in 2016, highlighted by an exceptional performance at the Vatican.
White’s leadership has led to performances alongside renowned artists and at esteemed events, establishing the choir’s reputation on both national and international stages. He attended Indiana University-Purdue University, Fort Wayne, and studied electronic technology and vocal and music theory. He received direct training from the late jazz pianist Willie Pickens at the American Conservatory of Music in Chicago. White’s visionary leadership has been recognized with numerous awards. He is also a dedicated family man, married Cynthia White in 1994, and has three children and a stepson.
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