GlassRoots Welcomes Two New Board Members

Newark, NJ,  March 15, 2017: The GlassRoots Board of Trustees unanimously voted to add two new members to help guide the Glass Arts Non-Profit’s mission to "transform the lives of underserved youth by fostering life-long learning and creative self-expression through the wonder of glass-making."  

​The new board members are Veda Truesdale of Maplewood and Roger Tucker of Montclair.

Veda Truesdale is an independent research consultant who currently works with academic institutions to enhance their strategic plans. She comes to GlassRoots Board with a background working on sustainability, environmental justice, and climate change policies in New Jersey, New York, and Massachusetts. Veda is passionate about engaging young people in civic life, particularly on issues of environmental and social justice and has incorporated these issues into life skills lessons with the Varis Scientific Glass students at GlassRoots. She is a member of the Maplewood Green Team Advisory Committee and regularly volunteers to assist newly arrived refugees adjust to life in Northern New Jersey.  Veda received a BA in Geography and Spanish from Vassar College and a Master of Environmental Management from the Yale School of Forestry and Environmental Studies.

Roger C. Tucker III is an innovative fine arts professional who continues to shape a career path as educator, art dealer, adviser, collector and curator to educate and advocate for emerging underrepresented artists. Tucker launched Tucker Contemporary Art, Inc. in 2012. This innovative fine arts advisory firm leverages Tucker’s extensive experience in art, business, education, communications, marketing and social media to position exceptional emerging and underrepresented artists in the national and global contemporary art world. As president of TCA, Tucker is a recognized influencer in social media advocating for a more inclusive art community that embraces the unique voices of diverse artists. Tucker received his BFA from Cooper Union, MS from Pratt Institute and Professional Certificate in Art Business from New York University, SCPS.
Ms. Truesdale has joined the program and events committees, and Mr. Tucker the marketing and communications committee.

"We are so fortunate to add individuals with such a high level of commitment and of this caliber our Board,” said Barbara Heisler, Executive Director of GlassRoots. “We’re in the midst of a wonderful growth phase, planning for the exciting and impactful future of our organization. We are so glad to welcome our new Board members, both of whom understand where we want to go, and are dedicated to moving GlassRoots forward.”

About GlassRoots
GlassRoots is a Newark-based 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization that provides opportunities for achievement to youth and young adults by engaging them in the creation of glass art and the development of entrepreneurial and life skills. GlassRoots programs are STEAM-based (science, technology, engineering, arts and math), and are offered as in-school residencies, after-school and summer arts programs, and as workshops for teens and adults, using competency in handling molten glass as a pathway to personal development.  Additionally, GlassRoots offers two workforce development programs to move young adults to the world of work.  For more information, please call 973.353.9555 or email info@glassroots.org.