About GEMM

With over 15 years of professional experience in fiscal development and cultural programming, Elise has established a successful track record in strategic planning, project management, and fundraising. Serving Boston-area cultural institutions like the Nichols House Museum, Historic New England, Old North Church, The Fenway Alliance, Historic Newton, and the Boston Preservation Alliance, she has built a career in the advocacy for, and the preservation of, Boston’s cultural, civic, and intellectual identity. 

Ashanti Davis (she/her/hers) is an Artist, Thinker, Social Justice Advocate, and Museum Practitioner who believes in the power of art and creativity to create meaningful change. She has led interdisciplinary teams in the development of unique STEM experiences and exhibitions and has co-instigated and chaired internal groups for Diversity, Inclusion, Equity, and Accessibility. At present, Ms. Davis is the Operations Director for the Northwest African American Museum and the Community Experiences Designer for Pueblo. She received a BA in Creative Arts and Communications from Richmond American International University, and an MA in Museum Studies and Certificate in Nonprofit Management from Johns Hopkins University in 2021. 

Marieke Van Damme (she/her/hers) lives and works in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and (occasionally) blogs at JoyfulMuseums.com. Her museum areas of interest include workplace culture, equity, and making history relevant.

GEMM Co-Founder

Scarlett Hoey (she/her/hers) is the Director of Membership & Development for the New England Museum Association. She has helped coordinate professional development opportunities for museum folks, such as salary negotiation workshops for women and career conversations. Her past work experience includes ArtsWorcester, Isabella Stewart Gardener Museum, The Boston Athenaeum, Boston’s Old South Meeting House, and Brisbane's Newstead House.

​Sophie Pugh (she/her/hers) received her BA in Art History from Christopher Newport University and MA in Museum Studies from Johns Hopkins University. Passionate about equity in museums, Sophie joined GEMM in 2020 and is part of the sub-committee helping to plan events and social media graphics. She currently works as a Development Associate at The Fralin Museum of Art at the University of Virginia.

Anne Mahoney (she/her/hers) is part of a GEMM sub-committe helping to plan events and social media posts. She is a Louisianan public historian with research interests in historic preservation, conservation,  planning, and historic cemeteries. She is the Curator for the Capitol Park Museum in Baton Rouge, where she works with Director, Rodneyna Hart, to accomplish their mission. Prior to this role she curated and lead projects for  Vermilionville Living History Museum and Folklife Park.