Central Ohio Student Advocates for the Arts (COSAA) is an organization committed to empowering students who are passionate about the arts across Ohio State's campus. The mission of COSAA is to educate students about legislation and policy affecting the arts at the local, state, and national levels, unify and mobilize student advocates to bring about positive change in the arts community, and provide a platform for students to engage in critical debate of arts advocacy issues. Through workshops, guest speakers, and advocacy-related projects, while maintaining partnerships with CreativeOhio and the Greater Columbus Arts Council for local and state advocacy initiatives, COSAA aims to provide students with the skills and networks necessary for life-long careers as arts advocates.
COSAA is operated by three representatives (President, Vice President, and Treasurer) under the supervision of Dr. Zülâl Fazlıoğlu Akın, COSAA’s faculty advisor. Keep an eye out for upcoming events by following @osucosaa on Instagram!
COSAA Leadership
Kenia LaMarr | President
Kenia LaMarr is pursuing a Master of Arts degree in Arts Policy and Administration at The Ohio State University, building upon her Bachelor of Arts in Public Affairs with a specialization in Public Leadership, Management, and Policy. With a background that includes a congressional internship and engagement in political activism, Kenia also contributes significantly to her local community as an artist. As a committed community art activist, Kenia focuses her efforts on leveraging creative expression for community healing. Her contributions span various initiatives, including serving as an artist in residence at the Grange Audubon Insurance Center and Sanctuary Night, a shelter supporting women at risk of sex exploitation. Notably, within the neighborhood of Linden, Kenia spearheaded The Coloring Linden Project, aimed at fostering creativity, enhancing community aesthetics, and uplifting her community through art. Beyond her tangible contributions, Kenia advocates for the integration of creative spaces and arts into urban infrastructure, particularly within underserved communities, advocating for their recognition and support in city planning efforts.
RuoYi Li (Vice President)
RuoYi Li is a PhD student in Arts Administration, Education, and Policy at The Ohio State University. She received her academic training in public policy, economics, and arts administration at the University of Chicago, Peking University, and Boston University. Her research explores the intersections of creative aging, cultural policy, and community-based art practices, with a focus on how policy infrastructures shape inclusive access to the arts. RuoYi has worked with various academic and cultural research institutions, and will soon join the Mellon Foundation's Arts and Culture Team in Summer 2025, contributing to strategies that advance cultural equity and sustainability.
Dymond Davis | Treasure
Dymond Davis is a dance educator, administrator, and performer originally from New Orleans, Louisiana. She is enrolled in the Arts Policy and Administration MA program and holds a BA in Dance Studies from Texas Woman’s University (TWU). During her time there, she participated in TWU’s International Dance Company, TWU’s Community Movers, and the TWU chapter of the National Dance Honor Society of the Arts. In addition to this, Dymond served as a Collegiate intern at the Texas Dance Educator Association’s 2024 Convention, Donors Relations intern at Vail Dance Festival, the Co-Director of Dance at Texas Galaxy Cheer and Dance and the Student Administrative Assistant for the Pioneer Pride Dance Team.