How will you spend your Thanksgiving break?
ALUMNI PROFILE: Edwina Findley
GRADUATED: Tisch 2002
MAJOR: Drama
Edwina Findley, an NYU alumnus, may not be a household name to most of NYU, but that doesn't mean her accomplishments haven't affected students.
Findley, a drama major, graduated with honors from the Tisch School of the Arts in 2002. As the founder of Christian Artists Coalition and a soloist in the All University Gospel Choir during her college years, Findley was given a number of awards and recognition at graduation, including the Outstanding Artist and Scholar Award and the Founder's Day Award.
Findley has had recurring roles in shows such as HBO's 'The Wire' and the ABC soap opera 'One Life to Live,' in addition to acting in numerous off-Broadway theater productions. Currently, she is working on an HBO pilot called 'Treme' in New Orleans. Later this spring, Findley plans to travel to Prague and Croatia to work with George Lucas on a film about the Tuskegee Airmen.
While Findley was at NYU, she was taken aback by the impact of negative images in many music videos and billboards targeted toward children and teens. In response, she created Abundant Life Creative Services in 2005.
Abundant Life is comprised mainly of artists who present motivational speeches and workshops for young people in an effort to promote a better picture of the entertainment industry. The artists and speakers have already led over 200 workshops in various universities, schools and ministries. Currently, Abundant Life is preparing a program for the Salvation Army's Group Home Services, as well as a dance and arts program located in Brooklyn.
Even though Findley graduated in 2002, she still remains close to NYU. Last semester she traveled back to campus to host the Christian Inter-Fellowship Council's Compassion event. And on March 6, she returned once again to emcee for the gospel choir's spring concert.
For more information on Edwina Findley, check out www.edwinafindley.com and www.abundantlifecs.com for more information on Abundant Life.
Danielle Kim is a staff writer. E-mail her at features@nyunews.com.
