About Us

EPITOME OF SOUL was founded in 2012 in response to the lack of arts programming for underserved students in low-income communities. The organization currently serves the Passaic County, NJ community and surrounding areas through educational and arts advocacy, mentorship, and scholarship, with the purpose of placing arts back into schools.

Our Mission

Epitome of Soul, Inc. partners with community organizations to equip, empower, and encourage elementary and high school students to strive for academic excellence and cultural growth through the arts.

The Vision

Epitome of Soul aims to create a platform in performing arts celebrating all varieties of dance, drama, art and production design with the sole purpose of enriching the cultural dynamics of underserved school communities. Our primary initiative is to organize youth groups to undertake projects that benefit the community and encourage leadership, character, compassion, and good citizenship.

Awards & Recognition

2014 Mayor of Paterson’s Award for Civic Engagement

2014 Great Falls Rotary Club, Patersonians Making a Difference Beneficiary

2015 TD Bank Grantee

2015 Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Pi Xi Omega Harvest of Hope Award

2017 Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Florence Letcher Toms Award

2021 Positive Energy Contest Winner

Passaic County Cultural Heritage Council Award

2022 Anthem Awards Winner

2021 Warner Media Grant

2021-2022 NJ Arts & Culture Renewal Fund Grant Awardee

Leadership

Nailah Butler

Nailah Butler

CEO and Co-founder

Synita Butler-Hatcher

Synita Butler-Hatcher

Program Director

New picture coming soon!

Kim Thomas

Kim Thomas

Director

New picture coming soon!

Board of Directors

Richard Carter

AT&T

Anthony Miller

Professional Musician

Lonnie Morrison, Ph.D.

Retired Adjunct Instructor -Syracuse University Director - LM & Educational Associates, LLC

Kim Thomas

Board of Advisors

Tony Cimorosi

Randall Lassiter

Sharon C. Smith

Veronica Crawford-Williams

Kathryn Woodbury Zeno, Ph.D.

Mack Brandon

Stay in touch