Meet the Board of Directors

Catherine K. Walker, President

As an educator, she served as a teacher, instructional supervisor, creative arts specialist, and elementary principal during her 44 years in the Stafford County Public Schools and loved every job she had.

Now a retired educator, Cathy currently serves as president of RappArts, a 501(c)3 nonprofit that advocates and supports the arts in our region. Along with her husband, Scott, Cathy is very active in numerous community organizations and activities.

Marianne Robinson, Vice-President

Marianne Noyes Robinson is a dedicated volunteer and a pivotal leader in helping to organize community events for RappArts. A lifelong resident of the Fredericksburg area, Marianne brings a wealth of experience from her many years employed by Stafford County Public Schools, where she left a lasting impression on the students of Hartwood Elementary School. She began her career working for the Department of the Navy as an administrative assistant after graduating from Fredericksburg Secretarial School.

Known for her dedication and strong community connections, Marianne also cherishes time spent with her grandchildren, family, and friends. Her passion and commitment continue to inspire and strengthen the local community.

Will Robinson, Treasurer

Will Robinson is a passionate music lover and dedicated volunteer, who shares a special bond with his daughter, Bernadette. Together, they’ve immersed themselves in the local music scene, from attending open mics to helping create a café that nurtures young talent. They’ve also built a home stage for local performers, giving them a platform to shine before live audiences.

As a supporter of local music educators and an aspiring bass player, Will has supported music educators, to help foster the growth of young musicians in the community.

Bringing this love for music and community to the Rappahannock Arts Council, Will serves as the Treasurer, playing a key role in organizing and supporting enriching cultural events that enhance the local artistic landscape.

In addition to their commitment to the arts, Will is also a proud U.S. Army veteran, bringing a wealth of experience and dedication to their volunteer work.

Isha M. Renta López, Board Member

Isha M. Renta López is a Puerto Rico–born meteorologist, award-winning community leader, author, and cultural advocate whose work bridges science, heritage, and community empowerment. Guided by the belief that
“cuando las cosas se hacen de corazón, las bendiciones llegan solas” and her personal mantra “lift as you climb,” Isha dedicates her career to uplifting others through mentorship, representation, and the celebration of Afro-Puerto Rican traditions.

She is the founder of Semilla Cultural, a nonprofit that since 2014 has promoted the art of Bomba throughout the D.C., Maryland, and Virginia region, fostering pride, connection, and healing through rhythm and community. A practitioner since 2007, she is also a performer with Madre Tierra, an all-women Bomba and Plena ensemble that centers women’s voices in these traditional expressions.

Beyond her cultural work, Isha is deeply engaged in science and advocacy. She serves on the boards of Latinas in STEM and RappArts, is a member of the Fredericksburg NAACP Environmental Justice Committee, and an advisory member of Puertorriqueños en Ciencias Atmosféricas y Meteorología. As a mentor, she helps guide the next generation of Latinx and women leaders in STEM. A proud alumna of the NALAC Leadership and Advocacy Institutes, she continues to build bridges between culture, science, and social impact.At the NOAA, Isha’s dedication to public service earned her the Women of Color in STEM Professional Achievement in Government Award, recognizing her leadership and mentorship in the federal STEM community.Her debut children’s book, Sofía y su Tambor de Bomba (Sofia and her Bomba Drum), set in her hometown of Ponce, has inspired children and families across Puerto Rico and the diaspora to explore their cultural roots through music, rhythm, and storytelling. The book serves as both a celebration of identity and an invitation for young readers to dream boldly, reminding them that culture and science can coexist beautifully.

Deborah Newman, Board Member

Deborah has been involved with artists, events, food and technology for the last 35 years. Deborah worked in the restaurant industry in the DC metropolian area for 25 years, working and managing various eateries.

During this time Deborah earned her BA from George Mason University with a concentration in Indigenous Arts & Culture. She married & cofounded a computer repair & web design company with her husband in Maine. In 2012, Deborah relocated with her daughter back to Virginia after the death of her husband and started her company Petite Taway Inc.

Deborah specializes in working with nonprofits, small businesses and artists across the world creating successful, effective websites. Deborah has a passion for networking and bringing people together and founded 3 Networking Groups: Northern Neck Networking, Networking with Tisha and Deb and OC Business Networking. Deborah loves working with the arts and arts related businesses and is excited to be a board member of RappArts. Deborah is the webmaster of the RappArts website.

Mya Payne, Board Member

Mya Payne is a digital storyteller and digital media creator based in Spotsylvania, VA, completing a B.A. in Communication and Digital Studies at the University of Mary Washington. She brings experience in audio production, video editing, graphic design, and content creation to community projects. She is also a proud mother of her little one, currently working on completing her first children's album.

As a Communication and Media Intern with RappArts, Mya supported PorchFest 2025 by designing programs, schematics, and promotional media, working under the leadership of Catherine Walker.

Steve Bell, Board Member

Steve Bell is a lifetime lover of the guitar and local performer. Steve strives for expressive playing that touches the heart and mind with the beautiful sound and vibrant tone colors that only the guitar can provide. HIs program draws from Spanish, Latin American, and Celtic music as well as traditional American and worship music. Professionally, Steve serves as the Director of Advanced Nuclear Reactor Core Physics and Design at the Naval Nuclear Propulsion Directorate (aka Naval Reactors) in Washington, D.C.

Steve studied music interpretation and nuclear engineering, at Kansas State University. He has studied guitar with several including Joe Cozad from the University of Kansas, Professor Adam Holzman at University of Texas, Rene Izquierdo, Andrew Zohn, and Pepe Romero.

You can contact Steve through his web site, www.stephenbellguitar.com.