Malia’Kekia Nicolini (‘Oia/she/they) is kanaka maoli, they received their inoa (name) traditionally from an inoa po (mothers dream) that held both an inoa ho’ailona (symbol) and their inoa ulaleo (ancestors voice). Malia’Kekia is an artistic director, speaker, arts curriculum designer, and gratitude enthusiast. ‘Oia is the Co-Founder of Play Pathways Initiative specializing in teaching play-based strategies for the realms of education and business. Malia’Kekia is the BOLD (Building Opportunity for Leadership and Development) Co-Chair for the American College Theater Festival, Region 1. Training includes: artEquity’s BIPOC Leadership Circle 2022, Arts & Cultural Organization Management 2024 (American Repertory Theater), BFA (Music Theater). 'Oia has collaborated with Penumbra Theatre, Howlround Theater Commons, ArtsEmerson and more. Malia’Kekia weaves all of their experience together to empower dreams and create sustainability towards a play-integrated world. Learn more about Malia’Kekia by listening to her guest episode on Building Our Own Tables Podcast: From Perfectionism to Play, hosted by Yura Sapi and produced by Howlround Theater Commons. www.playpathways.com
