Alumna Angelica Cortez (B.A., music, ’13) recently joined the staff of The Juilliard School as Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging Program Manager (EDIB). 

A former member of the UC Davis Symphony Orchestra, Cortez (she/her) is a youth collaborator and arts administrator. As a Chicana and member of the LGBTQ+ community, she focuses her work on the intersection of music, equity, and youth development. In her previous role with the Los Angeles Philharmonic, she oversaw YOLA National programs, which connect young musicians, artists, educators, and advocates committed to making music education more equitable. During her time in this position, she supported the launch and conception of YOLA National programs, which include a festival, symposium, career development programming, and a series of digital content. Angelica is on the board of El Sistema USA and has degrees in trumpet performance and teaching from UC Davis, Longy School of Music, and Bard College.

Recently, Christian Baldini, Associate Professor of Music, Music Director and Conductor of the UC Davis Symphony Orchestra, Barbara K. Jackson Chair in Orchestral Conducting, sat down for a virtual conversation with Cortez in which she discusses her new appointment and career. To see the interview, please visit Baldini’s YouTube Channel.