Our Team

Whitney Hamilton, Vice Chair

Hailing from the vibrant city of Chicago, Whitney Hamilton is a dedicated curator with a deep-seated passion for creating inclusive experiences. Her journey is rooted in a desire to establish spaces where people of color feel wholly welcomed and celebrated. This passion is not just a professional pursuit but a personal commitment to diversity and representation.

Whitney's academic background, with a BA in African American Studies and Gender & Women Studies, laid a strong foundation for her career. Her early professional steps were taken at the esteemed DuSable Museum of African American Studies in Chicago. Here, Whitney honed her skills in program planning, event coordination, and exhibition assistance, all while focusing on celebrating and showcasing Black culture. Relocating to Austin has only broadened Whitney's horizons. Through her involvement with _OFCOLOR, she has found a passion for curating experiences that allows her to amplify the voices of artists and use their art to tell an impactful story.

Rudi Dizer, Founder and Board Chair

As an army brat, Rudi was born in Germany with roots in Portland, OR and has traveled all over the United States, giving a unique upbringing that most won’t experience. In 2010 he found himself moving to Austin, TX and becoming immersed in the music scene as a Hip Hop artist with many different groups and bands (SubKulture Patriots, CAPYAC, 5-D), while also booking and organizing shows as well. Through his involvement in the music and production scene, he has amassed a diverse network of creatives, business owners, movers and shakers.

Many years later at a social event, he was introduced to Steven Hatchett by a mutual friend, which led them to have conversations about improving the culture and art scene in Austin. In 2018, they founded _OFCOLOR and programmed the first event of many to bring more visibility to creatives of color in the Austin community. The organization has thrived with the creation of Black Art WKND and Latino Art WKND among other cultural art events.

Now that _OFCOLOR is a non-profit organization, Rudi is working on increasing the profile of his new gallery “OFC Creatives” to create even more visibility and opportunities for creatives of color in the city.

Steven Hatchett, Secretary

Driven by his desire to empower underrepresented artists, Steven made a bold move seven years ago, planting his roots in Austin. It was there that he founded _OFCOLOR a groundbreaking nonprofit organization dedicated to nurturing and promoting emerging artists of color. Through innovative programs and collaborative initiatives, _OFCOLOR has become a catalyst for artistic growth and cultural dialogue within the Austin community. Other artist talents emerged during the pandemic, leading to photography as a creative outlet leading to his first solo exhibit at the esteemed Austin Public Library becoming the second black photographer to be featured in their downtown gallery.

Ever the trailblazer, Steven didn't stop at just one endeavor. Teaming up with a collective of like-minded creatives, he co-founded a local Gallery and Portrait Studio that serves as a captivating space for artistic expression and inspiration. Together with his team, OFC Creatives (an offshoot of _OFCOLOR) curate thought-provoking exhibitions that challenge traditional norms and celebrate diversity in all its forms.

Nathan Ward, Treasurer

Nathan E. Ward loves all things art and finance. Passionate about driving change and connecting people, he’s worked in finance for over 15 years, advising a variety of clients on a plethora of investment strategies and economic cycles.

Born and raised in Cleveland, OH, Nathan earned an MBA from Howard University and played college football at Youngstown State University. When he’s not reviewing investment strategies or attending an art show, Nathan loves playing pickle ball, traveling, spending time with family, and watching sports. He continues to develop meaningful connections with his local community serving as a member of The Contemporary Austin, Endowment Committee.

Kyla Gaganam, Marketing Communications

Kyla, who grew up in San Jose, CA, and Trenton, NJ, and now resides in Austin, TX, has a diverse background that fuels her passion for environmental and social change. Her upbringing included visits to Hyderabad, India, which sparked her interest in climate studies and the integration of creativity with advocacy. Kyla’s culture deeply impacted her passion for showcasing BIPOC voices and stories.

With a B.S. in Zoology and Environmental Sustainability from Michigan State University, Kyla is the Artistic Director at Start:Empowerment (SE), a nonprofit focused on environmental justice in Austin. Currently a Masters Candidate in Sustainability at Harvard University, Kyla applies her expertise in regenerative economics and environmental policy to focus her work in building sustainable cities and communities whether through organizing or the arts. Her work involves grant writing and event planning, crucial for advancing SE’s mission and fostering nonprofit organizations across Austin.

As a passionate artist, Kyla showcases her Dravidian heritage and advocates for women of color, using her art to highlight systemic issues and celebrate diversity. Her commitment to inclusive storytelling and advocacy drives her mission to support underrepresented communities and create platforms for diverse voices across Austin.

Brandi McCarns, Marketing Communications

Brandi McCarns has been in the marketing and communications field for ten years. She launched a successful public relations company during the pandemic and has since become a trusted ghostwriter for a diverse range of clients, from Austin artists to large corporations. With a passion for storytelling, she excels at bringing ideas to life, helping individuals and businesses craft narratives that resonate with their audiences.

Raised in Texas, Brandi always knew she would pursue a degree in public relations and business marketing, which laid the foundation for her career in brand strategy and communications. In addition to her entrepreneurial ventures, Brandi has worked closely with media and journalists to secure local event coverage for major Texas events like ACL and SXSW. Her expertise spans event planning, public relations, and media coordination, allowing her to navigate the dynamic marketing world with confidence and creativity.

Committed to continuous learning, she later completed her higher education, sharpening her business marketing and communications skills. Today, Brandi supports the work that _OFCOLOR is doing in its marketing to promote creatives within the community.