"Through BLAC I’ve seen first hand that community within this industry DOES exist and that when numbers are few, there is power in unity."

"My name is Kathiana Dargenson and I am beyond lucky to have been a mentee in the inaugural year of the Black Leadership Arts Collective Mentorship Program. My experience within BLAC was nothing short of transformative. I look back fondly on Mentee Weekend when BLAC organized for us to break bread with them and glean from their fruitful experiences. That weekend we were received with boundless generosity and while some of us  were watching our first opera at the Met, others were meeting our industry heroes face to face for the first time.

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This organization has bridged a gap for me as an emerging artist that has left me feeling more empowered than ever to take up space knowing there are individuals who have offered themselves up as resources, sounding boards, and advocates. Through BLAC I’ve seen first hand that community within this industry DOES exist and that when numbers are few, there is power in unity. 

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I am thankful for the “Dreamers” of BLAC,  who became “Doers” to impact the next generation of singers. I came into this organization as an eager sponge waiting to soak up whatever wisdom was imparted, and I departed full and encouraged to continue my pursuit of opera. BLAC has granted me confidence, authority, and most importantly a sense of belonging. Thank you, Black Leadership Arts Collective, for making your mark on me and for blazing this trail."