Central Washington University Acknowledgements
The Zimfest Association is grateful to the CWU Office of International Studies & Programs, whose agreement to sponsor Zimfest 2025 enabled us to bring a number of Zimbabweans on B1 visas and pay them teaching and performing honoraria. Special thanks to International Partnerships Manager Rachel Gordon who made the sponsorship happen. Ryan Jack, Assistant Director Of Student Union Operations, and Media Tech Supervisor Sam Williams enabled smooth running of Zimfest activities and concerts in our headquarters in the Student Union and Rec Center (SURC). We are especially thankful to CWU Conference Coordinator Kelli Conrads who shepherded Zimfest 2025 all year from a newly-created position in Conference Services at the CWU Student Union. Thank you, Kelli!
Core Contributors – OC and Others
| Claire Jones | Festival Coordinator |
| Mandy Walker-LaFollette | Registration Lead |
| Betty Weiss | Teachers and Workshops Co-Coordinator |
| Mark Swift | Teachers and Workshops Co-Coordinator |
| Mark Keller | Zimbabwean Guests Coordinator |
| Jim Levine | Afternoon Performers and Concerts |
| Lucas Earl | Marimba Wrangling; Evening Performers |
| Alison Cope | Volunteer Coordinator |
| Lisa Carlson | Marketplace Coordinator |
| Alex Weeks | Concert Producer |
| Larry Israel | Webmaster; Tech Team member |
The Zimfest 2025 Organizing Committee
Top row (left to right): Claire Jones, Lisa Carlson, Alison Cope
Bottom row: Lucas Earl, Betty Weiss, Mark Keller
Not pictured: Jim Levine, Mark Swift, Mandy Walker-LaFollette, Alex Weeks
Support Team and Onsite Volunteers
| Jake Roberts | Registration Asst.; Tech Team Chair |
| Gary Spalter | Financial Manager |
| Lisa Nicholson | Tee Shirt Orderer |
| MyLinda King, Claire Jones, Marsha Mutisi | Zim Guest Hosting |
| Maria Minnaar-Bailey | Local Publicity |
| Elisha Bobrosky, Dara and V Robson | Green Room Queens |
| Kyra Skaggs | Zimfest Booth Manager |
| Jan Six and Helen Six | Marketplace & Outdoor Concert Area assistance |
| Angela Marie | Concert Hall and Outdoor Stage decorations |
| Carla Starck | Volunteers consultant and onsite Assistant |
| Rob Saecker | Photography |
| Michael Beardsworth | Onsite Stage Management |
Tatenda! Siyabonga! Remote helpers included Nora Holmquist/Tech consultant for teachers and workshops; Karin Rao/original artwork; Anneke Genthe and Rachel Edson/graphics; Jaiaen Beck/layout and Petra Simeon/editor for Festival handout. Our Jam Facilitators Daniel Lockley and Caden Davis, and Mbira Gathering hosts Parker Ediger and Caleb Donahue all contributed to a warm and inclusive atmosphere. Jeannie Johnston donated her sewing skills for the custom-designed tunics. Stepping up big time as Super Volunteers were Adrienne Stewart/Registration Asst. and Concert Tickets Manager, and Maria Minnaar-Bailey as Signage Manager and Compliance Officer! Many others, too numerous to name, pitched in onsite to help the festival run smoothly. We thank them all! If you are interested in being involved in organizing or running Zimfest, contact or the Zimfest Association Board at .
Recent Comments