Chair

Nik Graves (they/them) is a dance artist, educator, and community leader based in Chicago. They serve as Chair of We Are Collective, a nonprofit dance organization dedicated to uplifting queer voices and creating inclusive, accessible spaces for movement and performance.

Nik holds a BA in Dance from Columbia College Chicago and has performed with companies including Perceptual Motion, Neocortex Dance Theatre, The Human Experience Dance Project, and Queer Dance Freakout. They’ve worked with choreographers such as Reign Drop, Robyn Davis, Michelle Haskell, and Mandy Milligan, and have presented original choreography in venues across Chicago and internationally at the Centre National de la Danse in Paris.

As an educator, Nik brings a warm, affirming approach to dance training, teaching at My Art House Studio and working with programs like Dance Beat, Precision Arts Challenge, and We Are Collective. They are currently a 2025 Body Passages resident artist with Chicago Danztheatre Ensemble.

In all roles, Nik is driven by a commitment to equity, collaboration, and creative expression—working to ensure that dance remains a space where all bodies and identities are celebrated.

Treasurer

Kelsey Hinkley (he/him) brings a wealth of experience in business advisory and financial oversight to We Are Collective as Treasurer. With a professional background spanning several years as a software support specialist, Kelsey possesses a keen eye for detail, problem-solving acumen, and a commitment to efficient operations – skills directly transferable to sound financial management.

A dedicated member of the LGBTQ+ community and a gay man, Kelsey has actively contributed to inclusive spaces through corporate gay pride event planning. Beyond their professional and community involvement, Kelsey enjoys their creative outlet in the kitchen, bringing the same level of care and precision to cooking as they do to their professional responsibilities.

Their commitment to We Are Collective's mission, combined with their diverse skills and personal passion, makes them an invaluable asset to the organization.

Secretary

Nico Graves (he/they) is an organized and skilled problem solver working as an Integration Specialist in the IT industry.

Outside of the tech world, Nico enjoys the creative outlets of crochet and knitting, and unwinds by diving into video games.

Nico enjoys tackling technical challenges with creative problem solving.

At-Large Board Member

Phylinese Brooks (she/they) is a multi-creative individual whose interests expand within acting, voiceover, photography, and community activism. Phylinese's journey in the Arts was influenced by her upbringing and passion for social justice. Phylinese decided to further her studies and received her BA in Acting from Columbia College Chicago.

Through her self-taught journey in photography, she has developed a unique visual storytelling style that captures the vibrant energy of all of her muses. In 2020, Phylinese launched UBX3 Photography. UBX3 stands for "Unapologetically, Big, and Bold" reflecting Phylinese's mission to empower the silenced through all of their crafts.

Recognizing that art alone could not bring about lasting change, Phylinese also became actively involved in community organizing. Her collaborations with local organizations in her hometown led to the co-founding of Elevated Voices, a collective that brings together artists, activists, and community members to create powerful initiatives, promoting social change and creative expression.

At-Large Board Member

Alyssa Simpson (she/her) is a professional dance artist and collaborator based in Chicago, IL. Originally from the St. Louis metropolitan area, Alyssa has performed in and choreographed various works. She earned her BFA in Dance and BA in Journalism from the University of Iowa.

Her work investigates narratives that play with movement and the vulnerability of performance. She aspires for her performance and work to shift perspectives, inspire, engage viewers, and promote community. She has performed professionally with Consuming Kinetics Dance Company, Alluvion Dance Chicago, and We Are Collective. Alyssa is also a professional communicator and storyteller working in the non-profit space.