Executive Director

Joe Tolbert Jr. is a cultural strategist and facilitator dedicated to strengthening creative ecosystems in Appalachia. As Executive Director of the Waymakers Collective, he leads initiatives that expand opportunities for artists and cultural practitioners while advocating for sustainable investment in the arts.

With degrees from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, and Union Theological Seminary, Joe’s leadership has been recognized through fellowships with National Arts Strategies and the Intercultural Leadership Institute.

His work focuses on fostering innovation, securing fair access to resources, and empowering artists to drive cultural growth. Through his strategic leadership, Joe continues to position Appalachia as a hub for artistic excellence and creative resilience.

Renowned as West Virginia’s First Lady of Soul, Doris is an acclaimed singer-songwriter, visual artist, and cultural historian dedicated to preserving and elevating Appalachian musical traditions.

As the creator and producer of Those Who Came Before, she documents the rich history of Black musicians in West Virginia, ensuring their contributions remain part of the region’s cultural legacy. Her original song “Go Higher” gained national recognition, leading to a performance at a historic inaugural event in Washington, D.C.

Lady D has performed alongside legendary blues artists and continues to bring history to life through her one-woman theatrical production, The Lady and the Empress, celebrating the legacy of Bessie Smith.

Through music, storytelling, and visual art, Lady D remains a powerful force in Appalachian culture, using her platform to amplify artistic expression and historic preservation.

Geonoah, known artistically as geonovah, is a Hip-Hop artist, cultural innovator, and community builder from Big Stone Gap, Virginia. His work expands the landscape of Appalachian artistry, creating space for a broad range of musical voices that reflect the evolving culture of the region.

Committed to artist advocacy and creative collaboration, geonovah nurtures and inspires inclusive artistic spaces that empower emerging musicians and challenge traditional expectations. Through his music and leadership, he is shaping a new Appalachian soundscape rooted in authenticity, identity, and innovation.

Jonathan, known artistically as Courageous, is a multidisciplinary artist, cultural strategist, and community leader dedicated to using the arts to connect and transform. As the Founder of ART.Official Intelligence, he cultivates innovative artistic experiences that inspire dialogue and creative expression.

He serves on the Knoxville Mayor’s Maker City Council and the boards of the Network of Ensemble Theaters and the Waymakers Collective, bringing his expertise in cultural development and arts advocacy to these leadership roles. Previously, he co-chaired Alternate ROOTS EXCOMM, strengthening networks for artists across the region.

A native of Knoxville, TN, and alumnus of the University of Tennessee – Knoxville, Courageous began his professional performance career at age 13 with Carpetbag Theatre’s T.R.Y. Youth Theatre Ensemble. Since then, he has traveled nationally as a spoken word poet, playwright, director, and facilitator, shaping dynamic spaces for artistic and social impact.

With a passion for storytelling, performance, and cultural innovation, Courageous continues to craft experiences that challenge, inspire, and expand the possibilities of creative engagement.

Kalil is a community leader and environmental advocate dedicated to sustainable development and social impact. As Director of Operations of The Bottom, she spearheads initiatives that foster community empowerment, cultural enrichment, and artistic expression in East Knoxville, Tennessee.

With a background in environmental science and leadership, Kalil holds degrees from Georgia Southern University and the University of Tennessee. She has collaborated with nonprofit organizations focusing on environmental sustainability, community outreach, and broad access to resources.

In addition to her role at The Bottom, she serves as Finance Committee Chair for Rooted East Collective, advancing the region's well-being and food access efforts. Through her work, she is committed to creating lasting solutions that promote sustainability, integrity, and resilience.

Kelle is a storyteller, musician, and cultural connector whose work celebrates the richness of Appalachian traditions. Blending folk artistry and community engagement, she uses storytelling and the ukulele to uplift the region's cultural narratives.

Passionate about building resilient communities, Kelle generates spaces where shared creativity and collaboration thrive. Rooted in the Appalachian region, she continues to shape and amplify the voices of those who call it home.

Malcolm is a musician, theatre artist, and cultural educator dedicated to preserving and amplifying Appalachian storytelling traditions. As founder of the Affrilachian Arts Institute, he builds and activates spaces where history, identity, and performance intersect to celebrate the region’s distinctive narratives.

Through his solo performance work, Malcolm brings to life the untold histories of Appalachian communities, ensuring that the voices of those before him remain heard. As a skilled facilitator and educator, he collaborates with schools and organizations to inspire young people through the power of artistic expression.

Committed to heritage, education, and cultural preservation, Malcolm’s work strengthens Appalachia’s artistic legacy and future.

A lifelong advocate for arts and social change, Margo is a cultural strategist, artist, and nonprofit leader committed to advancing creativity and community in Appalachia. Born and raised in East Tennessee, she spent over a decade as Executive Director of the Appalachian Community Fund, where she led funding initiatives that strengthened grassroots movements and secured critical resources for Central Appalachia.

Since the early 1990s, Margo has been an active member of Alternate ROOTS, collaborating with artists and cultural organizers to support community-driven art. Her visual arts debut came in 2024 through ROOTS’ UpRooting Ableism Workgroup, marking a new chapter in her artistic journey.

A founding assembly member of the Waymakers Collective, she was awarded her first independent artist grant in 2023, further deepening her commitment to creative expression. Whether through crafting, storytelling, or artistic collaborations, Margo continues to explore the intersection of art, joy, and community.

Ty is a visual storyteller, creative strategist, and cultural advocate dedicated to using art as a catalyst for connection and transformation. Rooted in the Appalachian South, she creates bold, expressive, and thought-provoking work that amplifies stories, ignites dialogue, and strengthens community engagement.

As Director of Art and Communication at The Bottom, she plays a key role in developing creative spaces that empower artists and uplift cultural expression. Her leadership has been instrumental in shaping The Bottom as a hub for artistic innovation, education, and community storytelling.

Committed to cultivating artistic resilience and collective empowerment, Ty continues to expand opportunities that inspire change and deepen community connections.