Speaking at We Do This Work Together: Creating Pathways for Meaningful Action in the Face of Racial Injustice

As an arts administrator and consultant, Jessica Schmidt holds special interest in amplifying the power of arts and culture to catalyze social change, connect individuals across a wide array of lived experiences, and draw focus to the existing strengths of communities. From 2012-2017, Jessica served as Director of Education and Community Engagement at the Boston Symphony Orchestra. Prior to arriving in Boston, Jessica was the Senior Director of Community Programs at the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra and the Education Coordinator at the Dallas Symphony Orchestra. Since January of 2016, she has offered consulting services via Orchestrate Inclusion (orchestrateinclusion.com), serving as an external partner to orchestras and other performing arts organizations as they create and implement strategies toward greater diversity, equity, and inclusion within their organizations. Jessica served for three years as Senior Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Advisor to the League of American Orchestras. She currently consults with organizations including the San Francisco Symphony, Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, and Pacific Symphony.