Board of Directors

Angela McKenzie
Founder & Chairperson

Angela learned to balance a career in music with education during high school when she toured with a theatre company as an actor/singer and fronted a nightclub band. After school, she had behind the scenes jobs in journalism, producing live entertainment, fundraisers and film and TV. Next, she moved from Toronto, Canada to New York City to pursue her passion of using music to raise greater awareness of humanitarian issues. Upon arriving she was personally faced with hunger and poverty, so she decided that combating these two social enemies would be a part of her musical mission. When her luck turned, she landed work at the United Nations and moonlighted as an independent producer of concert/food drives, where she and other musicians performed to benefit the needy. These events were recognized by supporters like New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg and the WB-11 TV elected her Unsung Hero for her musical brand of philanthropy. Post UN she co-founded The AMcK Initiative, Inc. (AMcK) to formalize her philanthropic work.

In addition to all this, Angela is the Associate Producer for the weekly radio program “The Song Is You,” syndicated nationally on the NPR Network, hosted by Bonnie Grice and underwritten by WLIU 88.3 FM (The Hamptons). Her diverse programming ideas have included note worthy guests like Celebrity Shoe Designer, Steve Madden; Folk Music Legend, Richie Havens; Hip Hop Music Legend, Darryl “DMC” McDaniels; Real Estate Mogul, Barbara Corcoran; and Marilyn Bergman, President & Chairman of ASCAP.

Dawn Steele
Board Member

Dawn is an avid supporter of good music and good causes. She played a significant role in the production of The AMcK Initiative’s album “9” and continues to contribute creative ideas and moral support to the organization’s mission. On her down time Dawn is a dedicated rider of her Harley Davidson motorbike and is also a board member of the Pomona Valley HOG (Harley Owners Group).

Anton Bernard
Board Member

Born in the village of Toco on the island of Trinidad, Anton Bernard is a son of a Fire Officer and a supportive Homemaker. His mother insisted that he always do his best, regardless of the path he chose to follow and his father helped to foster his creativity by teaching him to fashion toys from things of nature. With his parents’ guidance and divine inspiration, Anton expresses his deepest creative visions in poetic rhyme and showcases them in both the written and oral traditions. Before taking on the role of board member Anton contributed his creative works to AMcK’s musical events. He is pleased to continue giving in a more official capacity.
Anton’s Poetry