Cory-Jeanne Murakami Houck-Cox (BA), Nikkei, retired prima ballerina, is a Master Teaching Artist, ABT^® Affiliate & Certified Levels Primary-5 ABT NTC. She is currently a Board Member and Treasurer for NDEO, National Dance Education Organization. Cory-Jeanne co-created and performed in “Winter War” & “Proud Heritage”, both recipients of Irvine Foundation and National Endowment of the Arts, presented at the Kennedy Center. Her blending of ABT curriculum and national standards was published in Dance Education in Practice (DEiP). Ms. Houck-Cox has worked in all sectors as Guest Artist/Lecturer. CJ is an Adjudicator and has been Director of Gala Awards for ICON Dance (Ballet Competition) & adjudicates for NexStar National Dance Competition.  Her works have been awarded and invited to YAGP Finals as well as Overall Choreographer and People’s Choice in ADCC dance competitions. She participated in the Sundance Choreographer’s Lab as well as being a Sundance Screenwriters Fellows Finalist two occasions with original screenplays. Her former students have careers in ballet, contemporary & modern companies, Broadway, arts administration, and advocacy throughout the world. Due to her work in the arts and marginalized communities she was named an Aspen Institute Scholar Fellow. Ms. Houck-Cox has served on the Board of JACL, the oldest and largest AAPI Civil Rights organization and has been brought in as an Ombudsman for racially sensitive AAPI discussions at the local, state, and federal level.