Sphinx Organization’s Sphinx LEAD Announces 2024/25 Cohort

The two-year program has welcomed 10 exceptional Black and Latinx arts leaders for its sixth cohort

Founded in 1997, the Sphinx Organization is a social justice group working to increase representation of Black and Latinx artists in classical music.

Its annual two-year Sphinx LEAD (Leaders in Excellence, Arts & Diversity) program for Black and Latinx executive leaders involves mentorship, networking, and leadership retreats at top institutions nationwide.

SphinxLEAD’s sixth cohort participants and their affiliated organizations are:

• Hassan Anderson | The University of South Carolina
• Lyanne Alvarado | Houston Grand Opera
• Audrey Cox St. Clair | New York City Public Schools
• Alexa Dumont | Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra
• Raynel Frazier | Chelsea Factory
• Adrian O. Rodriguez | The Juilliard School
• Hannah Ross | Rhode Island Philharmonic Orchestra & Music School
• Eric J. Rubio | The Washington Chorus
• Imelda Tecson Juarez | Strathmore Hall Foundation
• Lia Uribe | University of Arkansas

Across the next two years, they will attend eight leadership retreats, and receive professional mentorship, travel and accommodation, and a stipend for additional travel expenses. 

The retreat hosts include the Cleveland Institute of Music, Colburn School, Curtis Institute, Juilliard School, Manhattan School of Music, Interlochen Center for the Arts, University of North Texas, Minnesota Orchestra, and the Nashville Symphony, San Francisco, New Jersey, and New World Symphonies. 

The participants will receive $5,000 each for professional development, opportunities to learn from leading national arts organizations, plus work with a network of influential industry professionals and a community of Black and Latinx arts leaders.

Additionally, the new LEADers will be present in Detroit, Michigan, for the “SphinxConnect 2024: Amplify” conference from January 25–27, 2024.

Applications for the seventh cohort of SphinxLEAD will open in Summer 2024. For information, click here.