HIGHLIGHT: Panelist: Iyona Blake

Contemporary Black Female Playwrights and Directors

Iyona Blake (AEA) is the 2017 Helen Hayes Award Winner for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Musical for her role as Caroline Thibodeaux in Caroline, or Change. Iyona has recently been seen in Beauty and the Beast (Mrs. Potts), Crowns (Velma), and Sound of Music (The Mother Abbess) to name a few. 

Iyona Blake is the Founder and CEO of HER Cause, Inc., a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization providing Black women, and other women of color increased access to mental health resources through education, advocacy, and creativity. Iyona Blake is an expert in amplifying the voices and experiences of African American (and Afro-Latina, Afro-Natives) women. Iyona is a critically acclaimed playwright. Iyona has written and directed plays for children and adults, including Girls of Madison Street, Blight Flight, and her latest piece currently on tour, Diagnosed. Iyona Blake has been called “A Renaissance Woman.” This loving wife and mom, artist, educator, podcaster, playwright, and entrepreneur has been chosen by God to use her voice to heal, empower and elevate.

Iyona loves to travel, swim, collect butterflies, and cook. In her spare time, Iyona enjoys watching the Food Network and her favorite game shows. For more information, visit www.iyonablake.com.

Website: www.iyonablake.com / www.sisterconversations.com