About Us
The Melanie and Rosalie Albright Foundation exists to honor the memories of two sisters, Melanie and Rosalie, who found joy in life through participating in the arts while battling Cystic Fibrosis. We believe the arts community is a safe, welcoming place for youth to be supported and accepted for who they are. By providing scholarships and art-based opportunities to youth ages six to twenty-one, we can help those wishing to participate in any aspect of the arts find acceptance and a place of belonging.
The Melanie and Rosalie Albright Foundation is the only nonprofit organization in the Indianapolis area offering scholarships to youth ages 6-21 for participation in any performing arts-related opportunities at the awardee’s location of choice.
We rely on our generous donors for their financial support to bring scholarships and theatrical opportunities to youth passionate about the performing arts.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
PRESIDENT
Aimee Albright – Volunteer and Program Manager at Teachers’ Treasures
is married to RD Albright and mother to Adam, Melanie, and Rosalie. Aimee will receive her B.A. in Philanthropic Studies at the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy and her certificate in Event Management at the School of Health and Human Services in May 2023 from Indiana University Indianapolis. She is honored to have received the Jefferson Award (January 2023). She is a board member of North Salem Revitalization, Inc in North Salem, Indiana, and loves being part of a small town. She has been a Production Assistant to the guest artist at the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra’s Yuletide Celebration for six years. Aimee says her favorite part of event management is seeing the joy attendees experience while at the event. You can read some of Aimee’s writings about loss, family, and faith at aimee.albright.wordpress.com
Vice President of Operations
Adam Albright – Estimating Manager with Balance Claims
Vice President of Technology
Joey Meister – Sr. DevOps Engineer
As a family member of the Albrights, I saw the theater community’s amazing impact on Melanie and Rosalie. The theater has shown to be a welcoming and safe place and provides a platform for youth to grow in positive ways. As an experienced IT professional, I assist The MRA Foundation in providing opportunities to as many youths as possible.
Treasurer
R.D. Albright – Union Electrician IBEW Local 481
I am married to Aimee and am Adam, Melanie, and Rosalie’s dad. I love the Chicago Bears and New Mexico. I also love to ride Harleys. I think it is important to support youth in the arts because it reaches a unique niche of kids who are normally looked over. I have seen firsthand what theatre does for these kids. I have seen a person who is quiet and sits in the corner go to talking to everyone and is the star of the show. Not to mention the friendships that are made. That’s is why I pledge myself to further the youth arts and to bring honor to my daughter’s memory.
Director
Angela (Nogle) Albright – Recovery Coach
I am so grateful to be connected with the Albrights and lucky enough to be one on June 3rd, 2023! My passion lies in creating a safe, inclusive space for others to heal and grow beyond their expectations. One of the best ways I have found to cultivate such an environment is through the creative arts. When our youth are given the freedom to feel safe and valued, they are given the freedom to bloom. I carry my sisters-in-laws close to my heart in this mission, hoping our foundation can support this coming generation of incredible human beings.
Director
Mikala Cunningham – Customer Service Assistant
I was homeschooled growing up and the theatre was one of my favorite places. The friendships you make in performing arts are irreplaceable. Performing arts provides a space for our youth to feel heard and comfortable. I want every kid to experience the same joy I did through the arts.
Director
Emmie Wright – Performer
Creating accessible opportunities for youth within performing arts creates an outlet for them that can’t be found anywhere else. As someone who grew up in theatre, I want everyone to have the same love, support, and growth opportunities that I had. Performing arts has an aspect for everyone and is a great place for youth to flourish.