56 NORTH BAY WOMAN | F A L L 2 0 1 8
10 Questions
with
FELECIA GASTON
By Sandee McCready
I
n 1990 Felecia Gaston
launched Performing Stars,
a non-profit organization that helps underserved kids in
Marin County achieve their potential. What began with
eight children and one ballet class, has grown into a
movement encompassing a number of different programs, many
in partnership with local businesses, including Enlighten, an
empowerment and mentorship program for young women.
1
What has been the inspiration for your work?
I grew up in the South surrounded by family. My grand-
mother was a businesswoman who
managed gospel groups in our
hometown of Marietta, Georgia.
I recently found a contract she ne-
gotiated for a group called Gospel
Caravans back in the '50s. They were paid $600! That was a lot
of money back then! She worked hard and instilled discipline
and a sense of pride — looking your best and being your best! I
am inspired by her every day.
2
How did you make your way from
Georgia to California?
When I was in middle school, my family moved to Los Angeles,
right after the Watts riots. It was a drastic change and, as a 13
CEO of a nonprofit that empowers young people,
Performing Stars of Marin
Felecia Gaston launched Performing Stars for young dancers in
Marin in 1990. – Photo by Janice Hughes
