The College of Performing Arts office of Equity, Inclusion and Social Justice Presents a Panel Discussion “Navigating the Challenges of Being a Woman of Color in the Arts” 

Curated by Charlotte Small

Moderated by DJ Reborn

Panelists: 

Toya Lillard is a theater artist, director, arts educator, and facilitator currently serving as Executive Director of 651 ARTS, a nationally renowned arts presenting organization. Previously, she was Executive Director of viBe Theater Experience and Director of School Programs for The New York Philharmonic’s Education Department. Toya is part-time faculty at The New School School of Drama, teaching Collaborative Theatre Practice, and serves on the Board of the New York City Arts in Education Roundtable.

Sarah Elizabeth Charles is a Brooklyn-based vocalist/composer known for her genre-defying sound, having worked with artists like Geri Allen, Terri Lyne Carrington, and George Cables. Leading her band, SCOPE, for 15 years, she’s released four critically acclaimed albums. Described by DownBeat as a “genre of one,” her music is hailed as “soulfully articulate” by the NY Times. As an educator, she works with Carnegie Hall’s Sing Sing Correctional Facility and co-teaches courses at The New School. In 2019, she received Yale’s Distinguished Teaching Artist Award, and in 2020, she earned the NYC Women’s Fund grant and Chamber Music America’s New Jazz Works grant. In 2023, she was awarded the New York Voices Commission by Joe’s Pub and debuted music from her fifth album, Dawn, at Carnegie Hall. A founding member of This Is A Movement, Charles advocates for a more equitable music industry, blending her passion for creating, teaching, and activism.

Biti Strauchn is a singer/songwriter, vocal arranger, vocal coach, and director with extensive experience supporting and recording with renowned artists such as Stevie Wonder, Justin Timberlake, and Celine Dion. She arranged vocals for Martha Wash’s “Carry On” and was featured as lead vocalist in the dance music ensemble Degrees of Motion. Biti has also performed in Broadway productions and commercials and has worked as an educator, teaching music to differently-abled students. She is part-time faculty at The New School’s School of Jazz & Contemporary Music.

Paz Tanjuaquio is a choreographer, performer, artist, and educator who has been active in NYC since 1990. She teaches movement at The New School and NYU Tisch School of the Arts, with her works presented both nationally and internationally. Paz has performed with prominent artists such as Molissa Fenley and Nicky Paraiso and is a co-founding director of TOPAZ ARTS, Inc., a creative development center for contemporary performance and visual arts.