Prominent Female Leaders In The Arts To Gather Today At West Hartford's USJ

WEST HARTFORD, CT — Five prominent women in Connecticut's arts scene are scheduled to convene for a public discussion at the University of Saint Joseph (USJ) in West Hartford this week.

The event, titled“Leaders in the Arts,” will take place on Tuesday, Feb. 17, from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at USJ’s Bruyette Athenaeum, Hoffman Auditorium, 1678 Asylum Ave.

The university’s Women’s Leadership Center is hosting the panel.

It aims to provide attendees with behind-the-scenes perspectives on leadership within the state’s leading arts institutions.

The discussion is part of the Women’s Leadership Center’s 2025–26 signature series, “Inspire: Leading Beyond Limits. Shaping What’s Next,” which focuses on leadership and impact across various industries.

Panelists include Yolande Spears, senior vice president of education and chief community impact officer for The Bushnell, and Cynthia Rider, managing director of Hartford Stage.

Carolyn Kuan, music Director for the Hartford Symphony, and Tracy Flater, co-founder and executive director of Playhouse on Park, will also participate.

Amanda Roy, CEO of the Greater Hartford Arts Council, is set to moderate the panel.

These leaders will discuss how they manage creative vision, address leadership challenges, and navigate the evolving cultural landscape.

The conversation will explore the role of women’s voices in shaping artistic communities and the strategies for authentic, impactful leadership.

The event is free and open to the public; however, advance registration is required.

In the event of inclement weather on Tuesday, Feb. 17, the program will be rescheduled for Thursday, Feb. 19, from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

To register, click on this link: Inspire: Leading Beyond Limits. Shaping What's Next: Leaders in the Arts Tickets, Tue, Feb 17, 2026 at 5:00 PM | Eventbrite

For more information about the Women’s Leadership Center and its programming, visit this link.