Illinois ACDA BIPOC Mentorship Program
Diversity Initiatives Committee

Purpose
  • Our mentorship program bridges the gap between aspiring BIPOC-identifying and experienced choral directors, fostering a community of support, growth, and creativity. Together, we cultivate a new generation of choral leaders who inspire, innovate, and uplift diverse voices in choral music.
Qualifications
  • Mentors: Experienced or veteran choral directors/music educators of all identities who want to give back to the field through mentorship
  • Mentees: Pre-service choral directors and early career professionals who identify as BIPOC
  • All participants must be active members of Illinois ACDA. 
How Will It Work?
  • Mentors and Mentees will use the form below to register by February 2, 2025.
  • Mentors and Mentees will be paired up by the IL-ACDA Diversity Initiatives Committee. Pairings will be communicated via email. 
  • Mentors will reach out to Mentees to schedule in-person or virtual meet-ups.
  • We will send a toolkit with a recommended timeline and ideas of how to connect, but the relationship will be largely self-directed and flexible to meet the needs of each pair. 
Important Dates
  • Friday, January 31, 2025, 9 pm: Networking Opportunity at IMEC ACDA Reception 
  • Sunday, February 2, 2025, 11:59 pm: Mentorship Program Registration Due
    • This is a suggested deadline; we will still accept rolling registrations
  • June 25-26, 2025: Connecting and Networking Opportunity at IL-ACDA Summer ReTreat
Questions? Please Contact:
  • Nythia Martinez, DIC Chair, at nmrivera1@cps.edu 
  • Kate Lee, Past DIC Chair, at klee@maine207.org
Please use this form register by February 2, 2025!