KAHINA HAYNES

Kahina Haynes, Executive Director (2016-Present), is a passionate arts activist and the visionary architect behind DIW’s strategic revitalization following the significant loss of its Founder/Artistic Director, Fabian Barnes. Prior to her appointment to the Executive Director role by the DIW Board of Directors, Ms. Haynes served as DIW’s School Director. Before that, she worked in program and process evaluation for a number of philanthropic and non-profit organizations including the United Nations (Bureau for Development Policy at UNDP), the Annie E. Casey Foundation, SafeKids Worldwide, and the World Bank Group. Ms. Haynes holds a B.A. from Princeton University with a Minor in African American Studies and a concentration in Dance; as well as, a MSC from Oxford University in Evidence-based Social Intervention. She was recently recognized by the Black Voices for Black Justice Fund as a 2022 National Awardee and is also the recipient of the David Bradt Non-profit Leadership award (2021). Ms. Haynes has prioritized refining program deliveries and operations, strategic partnership development, evaluation, and fundraising. She successfully led the planning and fundraising for DIW’s strategic renovation, securing 100% of the costs in grant support, and overseeing the successful management of the project. She is now spearheading the effort to do the same for the exciting new facility renovation in SE DC, for which this Events DC Cultural Institutions Grant is sought. Ms. Haynes serves on many volunteer committees including the School of American Ballet Alumni Committee, Arts Education Alliance, and the interview panel for Princeton’s Alumni Schools committee.