Beyond The Bricks Project Team

Ouida Washington, Co-Executive Director

Ouida holds a BFA in Communications Design from Pratt Institute. She worked several years as an accomplished Music Video Producer, producing award winning videos for such top recording artists as Brandy, Biggie, R. Kelly, Jodeci, D'Angelo and others. Ouida has provided producing services to several feature films, 'Francesca Page' (selection for Sundance Film Festival), "A Woman Like That" (winner at Urban World Film Festival), "Love Poem-Un Easy", and "Ghetto Fabulous". She has produced short works including commercials, corporate videos, documentaries and narratives. Ouida's distinct background includes Associate Producer of the documentary components at the National Civil Rights Museum, Producer of high profile fundraiser for AAIA (African Americans in Advertising), and Director of the Intel Computer Clubhouse, a creative technology program for children 11-19yrs. She was a member of the Advisory Board of the American Museum of Natural History's After- School Technology Instructors Guide.

Derek Koen, Co-Executive Director

Derek Koen began his career with Amen Ra Films East, producers of HBO’s "Disappearing Acts" and the documentary chronicling the life of the professor and scholar Dr. Yosef A.A. Bjen-Jochannan, affectionately known as "Dr. Ben". Koen was Production Coordinator for the Harlem-based documentary film company Roja Productions, working on the PBS series "Matters of Race", award winning documentary "Citizen King", "Bones of Our Ancestry", and others. Derek is an experienced Digital Videographer and Editor with credits that include music videos, commercials, short form documentaries, short films, Internet sports talk show, as well as producing and directing the feature film " Ghetto Fabulous".

Dana E. Salter, Program Manager

Dana holds a Masters in Education and is a doctoral candidate at McGill University;her dissertation focuses on so-called "at-risk" students and their use of technology (e.g. video games, social networking sites, digital media productions) within and outside of school. Salter has been a literacy and writing teacher and educator for over 12 years, and has taught middle school, high school, undergraduate and graduate classes within and outside of the United States (Canada, South Korea, Turkey). Additionally, she has worked extensively with community organizations to assist them in using new media in their programming, online presence and outreach. Most recently she was project manager for the Montreal-based Alfie Roberts Institute's first ever multi-media website project.
In her out-of-school and work life Salter sings in a band and is an avid video gamer.
Dana can be reached at D.salter@beyondthebricksproject.com