<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Join us for an engaging panel discussion featuring alumni from the <a href="https://www.sps.nyu.edu/certificates/arts-management.html">Certificate in Arts Management</a> program at NYU's School of Professional Studies as they share insights from their professional and educational journeys in the arts and cultural sector.</span></p><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">From managing change to fostering inclusion and adapting to digital transformation, these arts leaders will explore the critical issues facing organizations today. Whether you're a current student, aspiring arts manager, or seasoned professional, this conversation offers valuable perspectives on building sustainable, impactful careers in the arts.</span></p><p><strong>Moderator</strong></p><p><strong><a href="https://www.sps.nyu.edu/content/sps-nyu/faculty-directory/20818-durell-d-cooper.html">Dr. Durell Cooper</a></strong><span style="font-weight: 400;">is a native of Montgomery, AL. He is currently a Visiting Professor at Sewanee University as well as an adjunct instructor at New York University. He has taught at various institutions including The City College of New York &amp; the University of North Carolina-Charlotte. Durell graduated from the Impact Program for Arts Leaders (IPAL) at Stanford University in 2018. He is also a member of the Diversity Scholars Network at the National Center for Institutional Diversity, University of Michigan. In addition to his academic pursuits he is also the Founder and CEO of</span><a href="https://www.culturalinnovationgroup.org/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Cultural Innovation Group</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">; a boutique consulting agency specializing in systems change and collaborative thought leadership. He is also the creator, producer, and host of the PBS/WNET 13 network series,</span><a href="https://www.pbs.org/show/flow-with-dr-durell-cooper/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Flow</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">and the podcast</span><a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/fluency-w-dr-durell-cooper/id1580303897"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Fluency</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">w/ Dr. Durell Cooper and a co-host/co-producer on season 3 of WNYE 91.5 FM's ArtMovez. He earned a B.F.A from Southern Methodist University, and both a M.A &amp; Doctorate of Education from New York University.</span></p><p><strong>Panelists</strong></p><p><strong>Linda Kuo</strong><span style="font-weight: 400;">is the Director and Choreographer of</span><a href="https://www.dunyc-hi.com/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Dancers Unlimited</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, a bi-coastal dance company based in NYC and Hawai'i. Born in Taiwan and raised in Oahu, her work is deeply influenced by cultural diversity and Hawai'i's vibrant arts scene. Linda's choreography explores social and cultural issues by blending various dance styles and voices through a community-centered creative process. Her credits include performances at Shanghai World Expo, Honolulu Art Museum, NYC Dance Week, New York City Center, Triskelion Arts SummerFest, Oahu Fringe Festival, Honolulu Biennial 2019, International Human Rights Festival, and Jazz at Lincoln Center. An alumna of the 92nd Y's Dance Education Laboratory, Linda has been an artist in residence with The Waiwai Collective, Lower Manhattan Cultural Council, Brooklyn Arts Council, and Asian American Arts Alliance. Her company is currently in residence on Governors Island and received a New England Foundation for the Arts grant. Linda holds an MFA in Dance from Bennington College, a BA in Communications and Economics from Boston College, and a Certificate in Nonprofit Arts Management from NYU.</span></p><p><strong>Lisa Danser</strong><span style="font-weight: 400;">joined the</span><a href="https://rosiestheaterkids.org/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Rosie's Theater Kids</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">artistic faculty in 2003 and has played a vital role in its growth, serving thousands of NYC public school students. As Artistic Director, she leads the ACTE II scholarship program for grades 6–12, overseeing curriculum, faculty, and student engagement. She also directs the annual</span><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">Passing It On Gala</span></i><span style="font-weight: 400;">, pairing RTKids students with Broadway mentors. Lisa has collaborated with renowned theater professionals including BD Wong, Jessie Mueller, and Regina Taylor, creating professional-level projects in dance, film, and theater that spotlight student talent. Highlights of her tenure include developing curriculum with the NYC Autism Charter School, co-creating</span><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">Me, You, We</span></i><span style="font-weight: 400;">, a musical inspired by Malala Yousafzai, and receiving the National Youth Arts and Humanities Award at the White House with her students and colleagues. Previously, she taught with the Vevey Youth Ballet (Switzerland), Ballet Excel Ohio, and National Dance Institute. She holds a BA in Musical Theater and a Certificate in Arts Management from NYU.</span></p><p><strong>Alexandra Siladi</strong><span style="font-weight: 400;"></span><span style="font-weight: 400;">is an innovative, solutions-driven strategist with over 12 years of experience in the cultural sector. Having worked with renowned organizations such as the Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM), The New York Public Library, and most recently TED Conferences, Alexandra has developed a reputation for driving revenue growth, cultivating community engagement, and delivering impactful programming. Her expertise spans program launches, team leadership, event direction, and marketing, with a proven track record of exceeding goals and nurturing cross-functional collaborations. A graduate of UCLA's School of Theater, Film, and Television with a focus on Theater Studies, Alexandra has directed, produced, and developed works for various venues in LA and NYC. She previously served as Artistic &amp; Executive Director of Black Lodge Theater and is currently serving her first term on the Arts &amp; Culture Commission in Stamford, CT. She completed her Certificate in Arts Management at NYU in 2022.</span></p>