Who We Are

Board of Directors

Emmett Wariner is a musician, artist, and president of Jessi Zazu, Inc. For the past couple of years, he has been living in Nashville and working as a painter for the local company I Saw The Sign. He has also volunteered as a band manager at Youth Empowerment Through Arts and Humanities, Inc. (YEAH) programs Southern Girl's Rock Camp and Tennessee Teen Rock Camp for the past 8 years.

Emmett is Jessi's younger brother and leads the effort to continue her legacy through this nonprofit. Having played a key role in caring for Jessi after she was diagnosed with cervical cancer, he is passionate about enabling more women to access vital health services. He is also committed to organizing events and supporting programs that enable Nashville and other communities to be welcoming environments for young women to express themselves through music.

Kathy Wariner is educated as a fine artist and has over 15 years experience in the design industry working as a graphic designer, illustrator, and surface designer. She was educated at Indiana University, Nashville State Technical Institution, Arrowmont School/University of Tennessee, Watkins Institute in Nashville, TN, and Indiana Vocational Technical College. Her Process is Mixed Media. She starts in her sketchbooks drawing in ink or pencil. Kathy draws from life and feels her relationship between her and her subject is what inspires her to draw. In the studio, she shares her enthusiasm for the process by working with others.

Kathy met Jessi Zazu the day that Jessi was born. As Jessi’s mother and friend, Kathy created art with Jessi throughout her life. Kathy founded this nonprofit with her sons to honor Jessi and the impact she had on countless lives. She is excited about the opportunity to work with students, an effort that gives her energy and inspires her to continue doing art.

Oakley Wariner was born in 1997 and is Jessi Zazu’s youngest brother. Oakley first started learning guitar at the age of ten. After two years of high school, he got his GED and went to college to focus on science for three semesters before moving to Nashville to support Jessi during her illness. Soon after he started learning guitar, he experienced his first band, “The Papas”, with band members Emmett Wariner, Jessi Zazu and Linwood Regensburg. They played an outdoor memorial benefit at the Moose and a benefit for New Roots in Louisville, Kentucky and then recently reunited for the Relativity art show in the fall of 2017. He later played in a second band “Slim Pickins” who played weekly at a tavern. He's also played solo for the farmers market, a winery, and a coffee shop. Oakley had his first experience recording as a back up singer on Jessi’s upcoming album.

Ever since Oakley went to his first rock camp in Nashville, he has been inspired to volunteer for YEAH's Tennessee Teens Rock Camp and Southern Girls Rock Camp. Oakley loves working with kids, who he believes are the future of America.

Secretary

Pat Blankenship is a retired attorney with 35 years of practice experience in Murfreesboro, TN. She was the managing partner for the law firm she helped found in 1979, Blankenship & Blankenship, Attorneys at Law, and she practiced corporate, probate and estate planning law. She formed and advised multiple corporations and limited liability companies every year, both for profit and not for profit, and often spoke at continuing legal education seminars on the topics of law office administration. Her work within the community included administering several not for profit arts organization, including Murfreesboro Little Theatre (two terms, Chair of the Board of Directors), Youth Empowerment through Arts & Humanities, Inc. (two terms, Chair of the Board of Directors), and The Children’s Academy Theater of Tennessee (continuing terms as organizer, Chair of the Board of Directors and Executive Director). She served as the Development Intern for Tennessee Repertory Theater in 2012.

Pat is an experienced educator. She graduated from The University of Tennessee with a Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education, and has been leading children’s acting and theater classes, administering youth arts camps and teaching Business Law at Middle Tennessee State University and at The University of Tennessee at Martin (1992-2012). Pat currently teaches yoga at Middle Tennessee State University and serves as Secretary for Jessi Zazu, Inc., and acts as non-profit advisor to the Board of Directors for Jessi Zazu, Inc.

It was Pat’s work with Youth Empowerment through Arts & Humanities, Inc., that brought her into contact with the very talented Jessi Zazu, and it is a privilege to work with her family and friends in carrying on her very ambitious legacy.

New Board Members

Tina Simić, a Nashville, TN native, completed her studies in Media Management at Middle Tennessee State University. Currently, she collaborates with JZI to coordinate workshops and foster community engagement within the organization. She has a passion for linoleum block printing and offers her knowledge of the art in JZI workshops. Tina's prints draw inspiration from her favorite songs, sweet memories, and the silly things in life. She feels immensely grateful for her involvement with JZI, as it provides her with opportunities to connect with individuals who are enthusiastic about acquiring new skills and share a deep belief in JZI's mission.

Robyn Baldridge is a writer, doula, and community organizer. She is a founder of Abortion Care for TN, a statewide abortion fund that builds power for Tennesseans by working to remove barriers and increase access to reproductive and sexual health care for all people. She lives in Brooklyn, NY with her cat and too many books.

Robyn brings a wealth of expertise, passion, and dedication to our board. Her founding of Abortion Care for TN and commitment to removing barriers and advocating for reproductive and sexual healthcare access makes her an invaluable asset to our organization. We are excited to collaborate with Robyn and benefit from her knowledge and drive as we work towards our mission.

Olivia Scibelli, a dynamic and multi-talented individual who brings a wealth of experience and passion to the board of Jessi Zazu Inc. With a strong background in songwriting and performing and years of involvement in rock camp for kids (Yeah!), Olivia's unwavering dedication and infectious smile make her an invaluable asset to the organization. When she’s not practicing her craft of hairdressing and wig making, she is co-running Drkmttr Collective, an all ages venue and community space that has long supported Nashville’s organizing efforts during challenging times. With her diverse skill set, Olivia enhances the board's creativity and commitment to making a positive impact. Jessi Zazu Inc. is privileged to have Olivia's knowledge, passion, and leadership as they continue empowering and supporting the community.