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Jamila Batchelder has always been a person of many passions: art, poetry, theology, politics, ecology, and on and on. Growing up in Silicon Valley, it was made very clear to her that while her love of the arts was cute and all, her aptitude for science and math were what was really important. After numerous degrees and several years as an ecological researcher, Jamila thought it was time to pursue some of her other passions, particularly her love for mentoring young people. She has been a high school teacher, a sex educator, and the director of the CARE Art Gallery, a city program for underprivileged teen artists. She is now the director of Religious Education at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Columbia, where she gets the honor of helping young people discover and develop their unique gifts for helping to create a more compassionate and just world, 
 
On the side, Jamila is active in a variety of social justice causes. You can find her volunteering with Planned Parenthood, showing up to lobby legislators with Missouri Faith Voices, or speaking at school board meetings with the Special Education PTA. She spent several years on the board at Resident Arts, and was integral to the creation of the mural project on the MKT Trail. When she is not testifying before a legislative committee in Jefferson City or fighting for the creation of more public art here in Columbia, you can find her hiking in the forest, tending to her flower garden, or discussing books with her multiple book clubs. Jamila is also the parent of two children, one with significant special needs. It is this role that has been the most personally transformative and has been the source of her greatest joy.. 
 
Jamila is excited to have the opportunity to return to the art-making she loved when she was young, and to support an organization that encourages all people to pursue their love of art. 

Artist Mentor: Jessie Starbuck
​Videographer: Jet Ainsworth