Why is the organization called The Madame X Academy, and why does it have a “fictional” headmistress?

“Fictional?” Well, that’s not exactly true. The headmistress does, indeed, exist, and she’s the silent puppet master behind the secret inner-workings of the academy. Don’t all proper lower-school institutions of elevated learning have a strong figure as their headmistress? Madame X is the academy’s curator of curiosities, oddities, people and experiences. The name just adds a sense of mystery, but it isn’t a cultural or historic reference.

Dear visitor, I am Madame X! The funny thing is that I created the ‘fictional’ headmistress of a secret school for clever girls, with the fun, expressed goal of NOT telling you my real identity! Developing novel, exciting, educational engagement that delights families has always been a focus of mine; and I enjoy creating cool, unexpected touch points for the Madame X families who participate in the program.

What’s Your Background?

I'm a futurist, creator, founder, educator, strategist, communicator, event planner and community organizer. My extensive corporate career in communications, public relations, marketing, brand strategy and design; has taken me across industries within technology, consumer products, entertainment, social impact and community organizing.

I believe that African-American history and culture, explored through immersive, ever-changing thematic experiences, transforms people of all ages, races and backgrounds. We began with girls ages 8–13, but you can't build a ‘giving’ community and then hold back a blessing; so we expanded some of our events to be more age-inclusive.

I'm enthusiastic to connect with others who share the same values, and who think more expansively about both the future and the importance of preserving legacy. I gravitate to other builders, dreamers, educators, creators and organizers who look at the world and see not what is, but what could be.

Stay Curious. Seek Truth. Embrace Humanity.