Dance has always been a part of Marquita’s life. She began dancing when she was four and knew she wanted to dance professionally. While attending Washington University, Marquita was diagnosed with Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis (PSC), a chronic liver disease. She worked hard to maintain her studies while battling health struggles, graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Dance and African American Studies and continued on her educational journey to a Master of Fine Arts in Dance. Despite liver disease, Marquita was able to become a professional dancer and took part in numerous productions throughout the eastern United States before returning home to Georgia. She started Redd Arts Company, Inc., a non-profit organization whose mission is to present dance performances, fine art exhibits and creative writing that brings together members of the community. Then, health struggles momentarily robbed Marquita of her ability to dance. After battling liver disease for over 14 years, Marquita received a lifesaving liver transplant in December 2016. Marquita says, “I promised my doctor that I would resume dancing and after 11 months of recovery, I was able to teach a dance workshop.” She looks forward to continuing to use dance to spread awareness about organ, tissue and eye donation and to celebrate life. When reflecting on her second chance at life, Marquita says, "I am grateful for this precious gift. I think of my donor family and their loved one daily. I strive to honor them through my efforts to be the best person that I can be and by using dance to uplift my community."