Sphinx LEAD at Juilliard

By Ria DasGupta

This summer, we welcomed to Juilliard the fifth cohort of Sphinx LEAD. This two-year program was designed to provide arts administrators of color with mentorship, networking, and skill-building opportunities. By empowering the next generation of executive leaders, the goal is to change the classical music industry landscape.

From July 17–20, the 11 LEADers had the opportunity to meet members of the Juilliard staff to hone their understanding of arts administration and get a firsthand look at what it means to work at Juilliard. They had roundtable sessions with deans, vice presidents, and directors with deep-dive sessions into areas such as legal affairs, development, and public affairs. Participants also had a session with President Damian Woetzel in which he candidly discussed what it means to be president of Juilliard after having an illustrious career in the performing arts. Another highlight of the week was a networking mixer with participants, Juilliard staff and faculty members, and LEAD alumni.

Among the participants were (pictured above, bottom row): Lori C. Hicks (LCH Studios), Daniel Acosta (Dallas Opera), Dorian Block (Taproot Foundation), Brittney Bryanna Burgess (Buffalo String Works, and now Juilliard), Rae De Vine (Metropolitan Opera), Carmen Marquez (Pacific Symphony); (top row): Jennifer Arnold (Richmond Symphony), Jarrod Williams (Dayton Performing Arts Alliance), Phillip A. Ducreay (Nashville Symphony), Zuly Inirio (University of Pittsburgh and Afro-Latinx Song and Opera Project), Mariah C. Forde (Louisiana Philharmonic and New Orleans Opera Association).

We are looking forward to welcoming cohort six of Sphinx LEAD to Juilliard in October 2024!

For more information, go to sphinxmusic.org/sphinx-lead.

Ria DasGupta is Juilliard’s director of equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging initiatives