NYU’s Performing Arts Administration (PAA) graduate program is pleased to announce the launch of its Expert-in-Residence Program. This initiative aims to connect current PAA students and recent graduates with experienced leaders in the performing arts to foster meaningful connections and create opportunities for student growth and career development.
The inaugural cohort of Experts-in-Residence (EIR) for the 2024–25 academic year includes the following distinguished professionals:
- Emily Mathis Corona ('20), Director of Development, NYU Steinhardt
- Mengtong Guan, Associate Director, Artistic Programming, Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts
- Albert Martínez-Fernández ('23), Manager of Strategy and Planning, Alvin Ailey Dance Foundation
- Mara Vlatković, Co-founder, Young Professionals in the Arts | Digital Communications Analyst, United Nations Population Fund
- Caylin Waller ('22), Founder and Executive Director, Theatre Advocacy Project
On January 31, the Performing Arts Administration graduate program hosted its first EIR event called "How I Got Here with PAA Experts-in-Residence." Held on NYU's Washington Square campus, the event provided students with a unique opportunity to hear firsthand from the inaugural cohort of PAA Experts-in-Residence about their career trajectories, challenges, and lessons learned. More than a traditional speakers panel, the event featured an open dialogue where students could ask questions, seek advice, and network with professionals shaping the performing arts industry. The conversation was co-moderated by Program Administrator Minji Kim and PAA Faculty Tiffany Garcia, both Associate Certified Coaches (ACC) with the International Coaching Federation (ICF), ensuring a dynamic discussion with an emphasis on professional growth and self-reflection.
The response was overwhelmingly positive, with over 88% of attendees who participated giving it a top rating. Students appreciated the opportunity to hear multiple perspectives (“It was fascinating to hear guest panelists' different takes on answering the same questions”), engage in meaningful career discussions (“Sharing common issues and experiences made me feel seen and inspired”) and build direct connections with the experts (“The Q&A session and networking opportunity were incredibly valuable”). One attendee simply summed it up: “(I liked) everything!”
The success of this event marks a strong start for the PAA Expert-in-Residence Program, which will continue to offer students direct access to mentorship, industry expertise, and hands-on career development opportunities throughout the academic year.
