Board of Directors

Deborah K. Beavin, Finance Chair

Music, both piano and voice, has been a source of joy and solace for Debbie throughout her life.  Following the musical path set by her grandparents, Debbie began taking piano lessons at the age of 5.  Debbie continued with piano, voice lessons, and drama through her college career at Bellarmine University where she earned a Bachelor of Arts, in computer science and mathematics, and later, at the University of Louisville, completed her Master’s Degree in Business Administration.  While Debbie pursued a business career initially with GE and later with Humana and YUM!’s dedicated supply chain, music remained a steady part of her life.  Throughout her adult life, Debbie has served as a cantor and musician for the Archdiocese of Louisville, primarily within her own parish of Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, yet also for the Cathedral and various other parishes.  Wishing to more closely align her creative and personal interests with her professional career, Debbie assumed the Director of Worship and Music role with  Our Lady of Lourdes’ Catholic Church in 2021.

In 2019, Debbie joined the Nevertheless Arts Ensemble and performed in the Henry V production at Common Wealth Theatre, the Louisville Gay Mens’ Choir joint performance, and Shakespeare in the park.  In 2021, Debbie was invited to join the board.  

Deb spends her free time immersed in music (singing and playing the piano, guitar, and, most recently, the ukulele), striving to be someone with a passion for running (any tips?), and enjoying her three children, their significant others, her four grandchildren, and – last but not least – her husband, Jeff.

Christina Booker, Operations Chair

Christina is a music educator and performer based in Louisville, KY. She holds two master’s degrees: one in Kodaly music education and the other in vocal music performance. With more than 10 years of teaching experience, Christina enjoys working with students of all ages and backgrounds in both group and individual settings. She began her teaching career in Muscle Shoals, Alabama and currently serves as Music Director and voice faculty for Redline Performing Arts/Redline Institute of Performing Arts, Classic Melodies Performance Institute, and is adjunct faculty at Bellarmine University in Louisville, KY. She has also served as a guest teaching artist with Kentucky Opera and has been featured on several other masterclasses, theatre camps, and teaching workshops.

As a performer, she made her international debut as a soprano soloist for performances of Vivaldi’s Gloria in D and J.S. Bach’s Magnificat in D in Costa Rica and has been the soprano soloist in Mozart’s Requiem in D Minor and other masses and oratorios. Christina is also a choral scholar and cantor at Cathedral of the Assumption in Louisville, KY. Other professional credits include Junie B. Jones the Musical (Music Director/swing) with Derby Dinner Playhouse and Once On This Island (Storyteller/Mama Euralie understudy) with Actor’s Theatre of Louisville.

Brandi LaShay, Creative Liaison

Brandi LaShay, is a native of Orangeburg, SC. Brandi is an Alumnus of Claflin University (’17) and the University of Louisville ('22). She furthered her career as a Resident Performer and Education Assistant at the St. Louis Black Repertory Co. 

She currently serves the Louisville community as a Performance Practitioner and Resident Teaching Artist. Brandi also works as the Museum Theatre Director at Historic Locust Grove; spearheading the creative interpretations of enslaved narratives. 

Forgoing her academic career at UofL, Brandi continues to serve as an inaugural creative partner with IdeasXLabs, “Journey’s to Freedom” and the (Un)Known Project.

Brandi LaShay last performed as Nya in “Pipeline” by  Dominique Morisseau with Redline Performing Arts. 

Ms. LaShay is excited to to serve the community as the creative liaison for Nevertheless Arts Ensemble. 

Kya Rafferty, Secretary

Kya A Rafferty is a writer, poet, and spoken word artist based in Louisville, KY with a lifelong dedication to empowering female artists and dismantling the shame imposed by society when discussing women's issues. With a profound understanding of the transformative power of art, Kya's work serves as a catalyst for change, allowing women to break free from societal constraints and embrace their true potential. From a young age, Kya discovered the power of the written word as a means of self-expression and healing. Through her introspective exploration and psychological studies at The University of Phoenix, she recognized the transformative affect her words could have on others. As a passionate advocate for inclusivity and empowerment, Kya began performing with Nevertheless Arts Ensemble in 2022 to further her mission of fostering an environment where women can achieve success while embracing their unique challenges.

Kya understands that empowerment extends beyond individual performances—it requires a supportive community that nurtures and uplifts female artists. She believes that by sharing the challenges and triumphs of women through art, she can open doors for aspiring artists, providing them with a platform to express themselves authentically and unapologetically. Her spoken word pieces unravel the complexities of womanhood, shedding light on the challenges faced by women while offering a profound sense of understanding and recognition. She strives to create a safe space where female artists can share their stories, connect with one another, and draw strength from their collective experiences. By joining the board of the Nevertheless Arts Ensemble, she continues to pave the way for women to embrace their authenticity, break free from shame, and achieve artistic and personal success.

Judith Youngblood, Development Chair

Judith Youngblood is one of the founding members of Nevertheless. Singing since she was three years old, she has degrees in music from Millikin University and Northwestern University. Currently she also sings with Louisville Master Chorale and serves as a cantor in Catholic churches in the area. This will be her 17th season singing with the Kentucky Opera chorus.

Judith is the founder and CEO of WIST Data Solutions, a company that provides options for integrating data and development for non-profits. She combined experience in fundraising for K-12 schools, the arts and public media with her background in organizing and teaching as a stage manager, director and teacher of opera to create a thriving business.

When not tethered to her computer or in a rehearsal room, Judith finds great joy as a foster parent to puppies from the Kentucky Humane Society, a real parent to two grown sons of whom she is very proud, and a dedicated spouse to the best husband she can imagine.