The Mentorship Program for Opera Leaders of Color provides support for BIPOC administrators who are at the threshold of taking their next leadership step. It pairs them with more seasoned leaders in the opera field who can serve as coaches and advocates.

The selected mentees will participate in a yearlong program designed to identify barriers and achievement gaps and implement action plans for professional growth and long-term career success.

The Mentorship Program for Opera Leaders of Color was established in 2021 through the continued efforts of the Racial Justice Opera Network Steering Committee to bring equity to the art form. It intentionally identifies and disrupts barriers to increase representation and agency for BIPOC leaders at all levels in the opera field.

Program Details

Participation as a mentee in the Mentorship Program is available to individuals who have current or recent employment experience at an OPERA America member organization and who identify as one or more of the following races/ethnicities: Black, Latinx, Asian, Pacific Islander, South Asian, Arab, Middle Eastern, North African, or Native American/Indigenous.

The mentee-mentor pairs commit to working together for a full year, including attending OPERA America's annual conference.

Next Application Cycle

How to Apply

Review the program guidelines to apply. All mentee applications must be submitted through the online form.

Apply Now

Program Guidelines & Worksheets

• 2022 Guidelines (PDF)

For questions about applications or eligibility, contact us at Programs@operaamerica.org or 212.796.8624.

Meet the Alumni

Mentorship Program mentees and mentors are listed with their titles and company affiliations at the start of their participation.