About

"A Space to Create. A Voice to Share."

In a world where stories are often shaped by those who have the loudest platforms, it is essential to create spaces that amplify the voices, creativity, and experiences of BIPOC (Black and Indigenous and People of Color) communities. Our space is committed to fostering an environment where individuals from these communities can freely explore their artistic expression, access valuable resources, and connect with a supportive network. This is a hub for culture, identity, and creative freedom.

Because Every Story Deserves to Be Told

The arts have long been dominated by voices that fail to reflect the rich diversity and experiences of people of color. Representation in the arts is vital—not only to reflect the depth of our cultures but also to inspire the next generation of artists to see themselves as creators. A dedicated space gives rise to an environment where artists of color can thrive, challenge norms, and redefine the future of art.
  • Cultural Authenticity: When people of color are given space to express their truths, they present stories that resonate with authenticity and pride. These stories matter, not just for those who share the experience, but for all who seek to understand the complexities of our world.
  • Breaking Barriers: Historically, artists of color have faced systemic barriers that limit access to resources, exposure, and opportunities. This platform seeks to level the playing field by offering a space where talent can flourish without constraint.
  • Access and Education: Arts access and education are transformative tools for both adults and children. By engaging with the arts, children develop creativity, critical thinking, and confidence, while adults find pathways to healing, expression, and connection. Providing accessible opportunities for all ensures that the arts remain a universal language that bridges generations, fosters understanding, and nurtures a culture of lifelong learning.

From the Founder/Executive Director

Sonya McCarter

The Arts can entertain, challenge, enlighten, illuminate, and stimulate the mind and body. However, the gap in access to all of the benefits the arts provide is ever widening. I havecommitted the past 7 years of my life to closing the gap between arts education and opportunities for artists of color in southwest Florida; and I believe with all of my heart that our communities are filled with talented, gifted professionals and aspiring artists of color who only lack a dedicated creative space to hone their skills and share their craft.

As a partner with Bridging the Gap Center for the Arts, you can play an integral part in engaging our community through Theater, Dance, Visual Arts, Film, Play Writing and so much more! We are excited to begin this new venture and hope that you will join us as we endeavor to provide an artistic outlet for silenced and forgotten voices to express their creativity and celebrate their culture while exploring the universal ties that bind us all together.
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DEL ROSARIO, WANER

Director

A highly motivated and multi-faceted professional with experience spanning the arts, technology, and aviation sectors, Waner Del Rosario brings a unique blend of creative vision, technical expertise, and a passion for community engagement. He has demonstrated an ability to excel in diverse environments, from captivating audiences on stage in theatrical productions such as "Clyde's" and “Noises Off” to leading and managing IT solutions as the founder of Dreniam Technology Solutions, and Technology Education Leader at Lee Health. His commitment to education and community is further evidenced by his role as a Public Speaking instructor at “Camp HSR!”, a homeschool day camp. Being a part of BTG, Waner hopes to leverage his diverse skill set to increase representation and access within the arts community, creating platforms for underrepresented voices and fostering a more inclusive artistic landscape.

GALARZA, IVETTE

Director

Ivette is the Owner/Chief Executive Officer of Ferrer’s Custom Carpentry Services & Remodeling LLC. She was born and raised in Brooklyn, NY to parents of Puerto Rican descent. She moved to Florida at the age of 16 and eventually attained her Master of Social Work from FGCU. She dedicated 27 years of her life to advancing the interests of vulnerable populations across SW Florida. Her most rewarding work was serving at an agency where she was responsible for the oversight and programmatic planning of contracts in excess of $60 million, serving 7000 children across Florida. During this tenure Ivette’s work gained national recognition and she was nominated and elected as Board Chair of the National Head Start Association—one of the largest early education advocacy associations in the Nation.

In 2018 Ivette decided it was time to tap into her entrepreneurial spirit and set out to change the trajectory of how her family saw the concept of generational wealth! She got licensed as a General Contractor and joined her cousins in strengthening a family-owned and operated construction business that today has grown into a Multi-million dollar business.

LINDSEY, ANTWON

Director

Antwon is the Founder of A38 Films and is dedicated to changing lives through compassionate storytelling as a means for ending human suffering. Born and raised in Liberty City, Miami, Antwon Lindsey has always loved literature and film. A firm believer in the saying, "Don't allow your upbringing to dictate your future," Antwon truly believes that "The only person that can stop you from turning your dreams into a reality - is yourself." His mother encouraged him to write and read, with whom he'd often spend time writing stories and remixing the lyrics to their favorite songs. Many people sometimes refer to Antwon as an author, filmmaker, visionary, and even an inspiration. Still, Antwon sees his life as just someone seeking to experience the limitless expression of our collective conscious existence.

HOOD, COTRENIA

Director

Cotrenia Hood is the CEO of Steel Bleu, a business coaching firm specializing in offering companies’ innovative ways to improve organizational productivity.

Cotrenia has over 20 years of proven business development experience. Her wealth of knowledge ranges from working with small businesses to major corporations and nonprofits.

Cotrenia serves on several boards and leadership councils as well as being honored as one of the 2013 Gulfshore Business Magazine’s “40 under 40”, Florida Weekly’s Annual List of Power Women and is a graduate of Leadership Collier. She lives in Naples, Florida where she and her husband, Richard, enjoy raising their two wonderful children.

CLEMONS, TIJUANNA

Director/Secretary

Tijuanna Clemons is the Senior Contract Manager with over 10 years of experience in Project Management. Having spent the previous 13 years on the implementation and review side of things, she was ready for a change. She obtained her master’s in public health degree from Florida A&M University and was fully prepared to take on the challenge. Her initial focus was on grant writing, an area quickly established as necessary to ‘close the funding gap’ for services to low-income children & families. A few years later, grant writing shifted to management where she found a niche to more inclusively apply her skills and passion for supporting underserved populations as a project manager within the Early Childhood Education industry.

Tijuanna played lead and supportive roles in numerous plays and a musical at the Alliance for the Arts Theatre Conspiracy and The Laboratory Theater in SWFL. A few of her favorite roles were “Bertha” in August Wilson’s Seven Guitars; “Doris, the Church Lady” in The Color Purple Musical, and “Mama” in Zora Howard’s Stew. Her hope is that you’ll join her in advancing theater and the arts, particularly for underserved children and families in SWFL through Bridging the Gap Center for the Arts.

BERNARD, LEMEC

Director/Treasurer

Lemec Bernard was born and raised in SWFL and attended college at the University of Central Florida. He is the Owner/Broker of Bernard Realty Group where he helps residents in SWFL buy and sell residential and commercial properties. Bernard is also the Owner and Lead photographer of Snapshot Listing where he specializes in digital content for realtors and interior designers.

MCCARTER, SONYA

Founder/Executive Director

In 2015, very few theaters in Southwest Florida produced plays featuring the stories and experiences of people of color. When Theatre Conspiracy decided to stage The Bluest Eye, she was tasked with finding an African American director with community connections to direct and cast the play. Finding no one, The Bluest Eye became her directorial debut. Additional credits include: Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, Seven Guitars, A Raisin in the Sun and Joe Turner’s Come and Gone, King Hedley II, Race, The Color Purple Musical, The Colored Museum, and Sistas: The Musical. And most recently, Pass Over by Antoinette Nwandu and her 7th August Wilson American Century Cycle play, Jitney.

Sonya holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Speech Communications, a Master of Arts Degree in Oral Interpretation of Speech, and a Master of Arts Degree in Theatre Arts. Her deepest commitment lies in creating a space that empowers marginalized voices to express their creativity, honor their cultural heritage, and discover the shared connections that bring us together.