Our Team

Founder and Board Chair

Galia Linn is a sculptor, painter, and site-responsive installation artist living and working in Los Angeles. Linn’s childhood and early adulthood was spent in Israel surrounded by relics and ruins of civilizations, from ancient archeological artifacts to the contemporary remains of armed conflicts. This instilled in her an intimate connection to past and present civilizations, as well as the understanding that each place is filled with complicated stories and relationships.

Alongside her prolific studio practice, she builds support structures for artists and creatives. Linn is the founder of Blue Roof Studios (BRS), a multidisciplinary art hub located in South Los Angeles. Informed by the core themes of her own studio practice, BRS offers a place for artists to work in an environment that fosters creativity and community. In 2020 Linn founded Arts at Blue Roof, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Through studio residencies, mentorship, and public programs, AaBR seeks to build long-term relationships with artists and audiences to support accessible arts programs and meaningful arts experiences.

Vice Chair, Board Member, and Treasurer

Cheyanne, born and raised in LA County, has been dedicated to the nonprofit arts and culture sector for over 25 years and has gained knowledge and proficiency in program development, all aspects of fund development, strategic planning and board development. I have rebuilt and redirected countless organizations by analyzing financials and building a story that speaks to the greatest needs clients face, community engagement, and inspiring and managing staff to impact the people we serve.

Board Member and Secretary

Lisé has served on the board of directors of AaBR since its inception. Lisé has been a lawyer for over 30 years and currently has her own legal practice in the private sector. She is an avid friend and supporter of the arts and artists; and for well over 15 years, she has provided pro-bono services to non-profits that primarily support the visual and performing arts in her community.

Board Member

Devi Vallabhaneni is an Indian-American artist whose intricate artworks explore themes of Haute Couture, contemporary art, and mathematics. Raised near Chicago, she brings an analytical approach to her practice, shaped by an early love of colour, and a professional background in finance. Her path to embroidery began with childhood needlepoint and evolved through formal training at Harper College in Illinois and Central Saint Martins in London.

Board Member

Originally from Tennessee, Dan Ricketts holds a Bachelor of Science in Finance from the University of Tennessee’s Haslam College of Business and a Juris Doctor from the University of Tennessee College of Law.

After his career in banking as a financial analyst and completing law school, he moved to Los Angeles. In 2002, Dan founded DJR Design Group LLC (now DjRios Design Group), a West Hollywood–based firm specializing in commercial and residential design, with projects across major U.S. cities and internationally. He currently serves as President of the Board of his New York co-op, is a member of the Israel Museum’s West Coast Contemporary Acquisitions Committee, and a board member of Blue Roof Arts.

Senior Program and Social Media Manager

Briana Rivera (She/Her) is a storyteller, videographer and change maker from Mid-City Los Angeles. Briana received her BA in Broadcast and Electronic Communication with a minor in race and resistance studies from San Francisco University. Post grad she moved back to LA with the goal to make a direct impact in the community she grew up in.

She launched Roots of the City, a community based organization back in 2020 to uplift youth and local creatives, connect her community to resources, giveback and tell the stories of the individuals that make the unique fabric of LA. She’s hosted several fundraisers, art shows, and her annual Holiday giveback with the goal to CONNECT and encourage involvement in community based events throughout LA.

Grants Consultant

Born and raised in Los Angeles, Erin (she/her) is a social justice advocate, movement builder, and lawyer. As a proud first-generation Thai American, expanding the rights and access of underrepresented identities like herself is a huge passion of hers. Erin has led national organizing for the Reproductive Justice Movement and has shaped public policy for Environmental Justice. At Blue Roof, Erin leads grant writing efforts and provides programmatic support. Erin earned her degrees from Santa Monica College, UCLA, and Thomas Jefferson School of Law.

Finance Advisor

A native of California, Lora attended San Diego State University and graduated with degrees in Psychology and Sociology. After graduating, Lora worked as a Human Resource Director with Pacifica Capital Group, a commercial/industrial real estate firm in Los Angeles for 22 years where she was involved in the day to day operations of the company and an instrumental member of the management team.

In 2002, Lora left Pacifica Capital Group and founded her own firm, Reynolds Business Management, a small business bookkeeping, office management, commercial property management, and human resource company geared towards high net worth individuals and small businesses. Reynolds Business Management services over 40 clients on an on going basis.

Senior Program Assistant

Sara Alamillo (she/her) is a first-generation Mexican-Colombian artist from Venice, CA. She holds a B.A. in Fine Arts and a minor in Art History from UCLA. Guided by a passion for artistic process and storytelling, her work draws inspiration from her community, culture, and a deep exploration of color.

At Blue Roof Studios, Sara looks forward to learning from fellow artists and helping to cultivate a safe, supportive space for creative expression. Overall, she hopes to uplift the voices of artists and champion their artistic flow.