The Suzuki Association of the Americas (SAA) has announced that alumna Angelica Cortez (B.A., music, ‘12) has been named executive director of the organization. 

“Angelica is a strong, open-minded communicator whose sense of purpose in music education very much aligns with the mission of the SAA,” says Board Chair Ellen Kogut. “She has a firm grasp on the big picture of running an organization as geographically large and diverse as ours. I have experienced Angelica as someone who is incredibly mission-focused and passionate about the work the SAA does–and can do in the future.”

The Suzuki Association of the Americas is the organization officially licensed by the International Suzuki Association to support, guide, and promote Suzuki education in North, Central, and South America. The SAA aspires to improve the quality of life in the Americas through Suzuki education. It seeks to create a learning community, which embraces excellence and nurtures the human spirit.

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. Most recently, Cortez previously served as Interim President and CEO of El Sistema USA, where she led fundraising efforts, strategic partnerships, programming, and managed the general operations of the organization. She has degrees in trumpet performance and teaching from UC Davis, Longy School of Music, and Bard College.