Musician | Educator | Producer | Operations Strategist | Community Advocate

Rashida Burch-Washington is a seasoned media production professional and the founder of R.A.W. Talent NY, LLC, with extensive experience in audio and video production, digital storytelling, talent development, and project management. Rashida, a native of St. Croix, USVI, is a dynamic leader with expertise spanning music, media, operations, and community advocacy. Growing up surrounded by jazz legends like Cab Calloway, Jimmy Hamilton, and Wynton Marsalis Rashida's artistic journey began on the Island Center stage of St. Croix at age 4 and stayed with her into adulthood. Following Hurricane Hugo, her family relocated to Rochester, NY, where she continued honing her artistic skills, studying piano and trumpet, dancing under Tony Award winner Garth Fagan, and excelling in vocal music and theatre in local theatre companies and at the School of the Arts.

Earning a scholarship to Berklee College of Music, Rashida pursued Music Business and Vocal Performance, later teaching at Boston’s Bristol Studios, where she coached aspiring vocalists featured on American Idol, Making the Band, and Star Search. She performed alongside icons like Patti Austin, Michael Bolton, Vicki Winans, and Dorothy Norwood and opened for acts such as Donnie McClurkin, Angela Bofill, The Whispers, and Floetry.

Rashida’s passion for community empowerment led her to work in an administrative role at Rochester Community TV in 2013. She began taking video production & editing classes and learning from her colleagues until she was able to lead courses and create curriculum herself. Because of Rashida's background in music business, she co-founded and led the launch of 100.9 FM WXIR-LP, an urban alternative radio station amplifying underrepresented voices, with a special focus on youth. As the station Program Director, Rashida’s vision was to broadcast programming that would entertain, educate, and empower the residents of Rochester. Her expertise extends to youth media education, curriculum development, and producing award-winning short form video and live broadcasts, including accolades from the Alliance for Community Media and Third Coast International Audio Festival.

Rashida has also been successful as an operations manager. She has played a pivotal role in providing direct support to executive directors and the CEO of a multi-million dollar enterprise. Rashida has developed & executed transformative operational strategies and led the planning & operations for non- profit organizations, media companies, and coaching businesses.

Her dedication to service includes leadership roles with the William Warfield Scholarship Fund Board of Directors, the Prometheus Radio Project, Grassroots Radio Conference, and speaking as an expert on international stages advocating for media as a platform for artistic and civic expression.

Beyond her professional achievements, Rashida treasures her roles as a wife and mother to her two children. She continues to inspire through her unwavering commitment to art, education, and community impact.