NAF Founders
CECILIA RODHE
Sculptor
Noah’s Arc Foundation Co-Founder
Cecilia Rodhe is an artist and professional credentialed expressive arts consultant/educator (REACE©) who received her certification in the creative art therapy program at the New School for Social Research in New York City. A sculptor for more than two decades, her work has been featured in exhibitions at prestigious galleries from New York City to Paris and Stockholm to Geneva. Her sculptures express the dichotomy of strength and fragility that is at the very center of what it is to be human.
In 2010, Cecilia co-founded the Noah’s Arc Foundation alongside her son, Joakim. She created the “Expression from the Inside” art program, which allows individuals to express how they feel by creating sculptures from clay and other art. Cecilia believes that when individuals are presented with a range of emotions, and then shown how to apply those concepts to their clay and canvases, they learn how to communicate not only what they see — but also what they feel.
Under Cecilia’s direction and guidance, NAF launched the Drop of Consciousness™ movement to promote peace, unity and positive change in Chicago. The symbol of the movement is the Drop of Consciousness™ pendant, based on a sculpture of the same name created by Cecilia nearly two decades ago. The Drop of Consciousness™ represents the tears and strength of the mothers who have lost children to gun violence, and those who wear it pledge to take a stand against violence.
JOAKIM NOAH
NBA LEGEND
Noah’s Arc Foundation Co-Founder
Joakim Noah, a two time NBA All Star, first team all NBA Center and Defensive Player of the Year, played for 13 seasons in the NBA, nine of which were with the Chicago Bulls. In 2015, he received the J. Walter Kennedy Award for Citizenship by the Professional Basketball Writers Association (PBWA) which recognizes outstanding service and dedication to the community. Prior to playing in the NBA, Joakim attended the University of Florida where he helped secure back to back National Championships in 2006 and 2007.
Joakim officially retired from the NBA in 2021 and was named a community ambassador for the Chicago Bulls, partnering with the organization to inspire positive change in the city of Chicago. Later that year, Joakim was one of a select group of former NBA players who invested in NBA Africa – a group designed to grow basketball’s popularity in Africa. He was eventually named an ambassador for the Basketball Africa League, highlighting his vision and commitment to the African diaspora on a global level.
Along with his mother, Cecilia Rodhe, Joakim launched the Noah’s Arc Foundation, which reaches youth and those impacted by violence across Chicago through impactful, engaging activities that promote healing and help people reach their full potential.
