Mentorship Program for Opera Leaders of Color
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.
For questions about applications or eligibility, contact Vincent Rutter-Covatto, director of learning and leadership, at VRutterCovatto@operaamerica.org or 646.699.5237.
Meet the Alumni
Mentorship Program mentees and mentors are listed with their titles and company affiliations at the start of their participation.
Class of 2024
- Mentee: Jasmine Johnson, Corporate Relations Manager, Portland Opera
- Mentor: Dennis Robinson, Director of Programs & Partnerships, Seattle Opera
|
- Mentee: Dione Parker Bennett, Creative Programs Manager, Opera Columbus
- Mentor: Jennifer Bowman, Director of Community & Learning, Houston Grand Opera
|
- Mentee: Zuly Inirio, Founder and Executive Director, Afro-Latinx Song and Opera Project
- Mentor: Alejandra Valarino Boyer, Director, Ravinia Steans Music Institute
|
Learn more about mentees and mentors in the press release.
Class of 2022
- Mentee: Dorian Block, Social Media Manager, The Dallas Opera
- Mentor: Rebekah Diaz, Founder and Principal Consultant, Diaz Inclusion Consulting; and Director of IDEA Initiatives and Community Engagement, Pittsburgh Opera
|
- Mentee: Malikha Mayes, Development Database and Membership Manager, The Dallas Opera
- Mentor: Afton Battle, General and Artistic Director, Fort Worth Opera
|
- Mentee: Timmy Yuen, Senior Human Resources Generalist, San Francisco Opera
- Mentor: Matthew Ozawa, Chief Artistic Administration Officer, Lyric Opera of Chicago
|
Learn more about mentees and mentors in the press release.
Class of 2021
- Mentee: Takesha Meshé Kizart-Thomas, Dramatic Soprano, Creative Performing Artist, and Producer
- Mentor: Khori Dastoor, General Director, Opera San José; Incoming General Director, Houston Grand Opera
|
- Mentee: Carlos García León, Individual Giving Manager, Cincinnati Opera
- Mentor: Ishan Johnson, Associate Director, Philanthropy, Art Institute of Chicago
|
- Mentee: Jaime Sharp, President and CEO, Opera NexGen
- Mentor: Priti Gandhi, Vice-President of Artistic, Minnesota Opera; Incoming Artistic Director, Portland Opera
|
Learn more about mentees and mentors in the press release.