Brokers Building Art Gallery Board (BBAGB) operates as a democratic, artist-centered nonprofit organization. Governance and strategic decisions are informed by board and community input, with organizational and financial updates shared with members on a regular basis.
The organization supports a range of visual, sound, and performance-based practices through shared studios, exhibition space, and public programming. BBAGB is committed to cultural access, free expression, and supporting grassroots artists, with a particular focus on inclusive and underrepresented communities.
Governance and leadership:
Board of Directors
Qamar Bradford, MS CRC
Chair of the Board / Executive Director
Qamar Bradford is an Equal Employment Opportunity Specialist with Naval Facilities Engineering Command Southwest (NAVFAC SW), specializing in diversity and inclusion compliance. He holds a Master’s degree in Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling from San Diego State University and has a multidisciplinary background spanning visual art, performance, and cultural studies. Appointed to the original Brokers Building Gallery board in 2015, Bradford led the organization’s nonprofit incorporation and relocation during a period of displacement, ensuring its continuity and mission-driven growth. His work emphasizes inclusive artistic spaces and constructive creative expression.
Jerrod Harrison
Secretary of the Board
Jerrod Harrison serves as a Legal & Governance Advisor, bringing extensive experience in corporate law, regulatory compliance, and organizational oversight, including work with local energy companies and infrastructure-related organizations. His background includes advising on complex legal and policy matters, risk management, and governance structures, supporting responsible decision-making and long-term stability.
Jerrod’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and ethical leadership strengthens the organization’s operations and board practices. His guidance helps ensure the nonprofit remains compliant, well-organized, and aligned with its mission as it continues to grow and serve the community.
Denise Giusti-Bradford
Board Member & Advisor
Denise Giusti-Bradford is a retired U.S. Navy veteran and longtime San Diego community leader with extensive experience in nonprofit leadership, counseling, and community-based organizing. Her professional and volunteer work has included roles with the Veterans Administration, the State of California Board of Registered Nursing, the Association of Black Psychologists, Southeast Alano Club, Scripps Hospital, Project Hope, HIV/AIDS outreach initiatives, The Palava Tree, and other community organizations.
She founded the Ankh Center, an African-centered counseling nonprofit, co-developed the African-Centered Behavioral Change Model, and led programming in collaboration with the Pan-African Association and the Passage Foundation for Children. Denise holds degrees in business and psychology, as well as a master’s degree in vocational rehabilitation counseling.
Duane Bradford
Policy Advisor
Duane Bradford holds a Master of Science degree in Rehabilitation Counseling and bachelor’s degrees in Political Science, French Language, and Human Behavior, as well as an associate degree in French Language. He also has a background in journalism and public communications.
In San Diego, Duane has contributed to the organization and development of the Brokers Building Art Gallery Board and has led community-based coming-of-age programs for youth. His work includes facilitating cultural workshops and delivering presentations at community colleges and universities throughout the region. His advisory role supports BBAGB’s mission to foster civic engagement, cultural education, and socially responsive arts programming.
Cory Young
General Board Member
Cory Young is a U.S. Army veteran with a professional background in music production and event operations. He began his career organizing and hosting events for military communities, later expanding into large-scale public and private events across the Midwest.
His experience includes managing production and technical operations for major venues and high-profile cultural events in Kentucky, including work associated with the Kentucky Derby. With decades of industry experience, Cory supports the Brokers Building Art Gallery Board through strategic guidance and technical expertise in audio, visual, and live-event infrastructure, strengthening the gallery’s capacity for performances, public programs, and community engagement.
Theresa Ford
General Board Member
Theresa Ford (T. Ford) brings a distinguished academic and leadership background to the organization, combining her advanced education (M.S., J.D., Ph.D.) with a lifelong commitment to literature and the performing arts. Throughout her career, she has been recognized for excellence in teaching and mentorship, receiving honors such as the Distinguished Faculty Award, the President’s Leadership Award, and the title of Professor Emerita from Grossmont College, as well as an International Award for Teaching Excellence from the University of Texas at Austin.
Dr. Ford’s dedication to education, creativity, and community engagement strongly aligns with the mission of the nonprofit. Her experience, insight, and passion for the arts continue to strengthen the organization’s programs, governance, and long-term vision.
Rodney West
General Board Member
Rodney “Solwazi” West serves as a General Board Member and is a longtime pillar of San Diego’s community leadership and cultural advocacy. He currently serves as a director for Project New Village, helping bring fresh, locally grown produce to neighborhoods in Southeast San Diego that have historically lacked access to farmers markets. His work reflects a deep commitment to equity, health, and neighborhood-based empowerment.
Over the years, Mr. West has been actively involved in numerous cultural and youth development initiatives, including the Rites of Passage Foundation, Boyhood to Manhood, and the Pan African Association of America. His dedication to mentorship, community-building, and cultural preservation continues to strengthen the organization’s mission and impact.
Team Members
Stephen Morris
Gallery Program Director
Stephen Morris is the Gallery Director and Curator of Brokers Gallery. He holds a BA and MA in Art History and Contemporary Art Practice (Fine Art) and has taught and lectured in contemporary and historical painting in Ireland and the U.S. A member of the original Brokers Building artist community from 2018 onward, he oversees the gallery’s curatorial program and institutional development. Morris maintains an active painting practice, with work held in public and private collections across Europe and the United States, and brings a design-informed perspective shaped by his independent professional practice in San Diego
Wendy Khaihoan Ngo
Art education Programming - Art Therapist
Wendy Khaihoan Ngo is an art therapist, educator, and community-based artist whose work centers on healing, mentorship, and creative expression. She holds an MBA and an MA in Expressive Arts Therapy, with advanced training in bilingual (Vietnamese–English) clinical mental health. With over a decade of experience across community mental health, youth mentorship, education, and arts programming, Wendy brings a holistic, trauma-informed approach to her practice. At Brokers Gallery, she develops and facilitates art therapy–informed educational programs that integrate visual art, performance, music, poetry, and theater to foster reflection, connection, and collective wellbeing. She is honored to collaborate with the Brokers Gallery team to help cultivate inclusive and expansive cultural experiences in San Diego.