Where Do We Go From Here?: A DIC Panel
Session Abstract: Learn about accessibility, diversity, equity, inclusion, belonging, and restorative justice (ADEIBR) initiatives within the ACDA and the application of these initiatives across the organization nationally. Structured as a panel discussion and moderated by Arreon A. Harley-Emerson, Chair of DIC, this session will be an opportunity for attendees to hear about these initiatives and ask questions of the Diversity Initiatives Committee, Robyn Hilger, ACDA Executive Director, and other ACDA Leadership. By providing session attendees insight into what is happening on the National level, we also hope to further enable the attendees to implement ADEIBR practices in their own choral communities.
Arreon A. Harley-Emerson
Temple University; Equity Sings
A conductor, composer, nonprofit strategist, and equity coach, Arreon A. Harley-Emerson (he/him) is the President and CEO of Equity Sings that assists organizations in remaining relevant in the 21st century. Additionally, Mr. Harley-Emerson teaches at the University of Delaware and is a University Fellow at Temple University where he is pursuing a Ph.D. in music education with a cognate in choral conducting and has completed a graduate certificate in Diversity in Higher Education. Mr. Harley-Emerson is published in The Chronicle of Philanthropy, The Choral Journal, and The Oxford Handbook for Choral Pedagogy.
Robyn Hilger
Executive Director, ACDA
Robyn Hilger joined ACDA as Executive Director in September of 2021. She is a seasoned non-profit executive with a wealth of experience in administration, fundraising, and strategic innovation.
The overarching theme of Robyn’s work is meeting the identified needs of historically marginalized communities. Robyn began her career as the band and strings teacher in Oklahoma’s largest urban school district. In 2006, she was recognized as Oklahoma’s State Teacher of the Year. In 2007, she joined the staff of the Foundation for Oklahoma City Public Schools as the Chief Programs Officer. Robyn created two programs that received national attention and recognition for addressing unmet needs of urban teachers and students. In 2014, Robyn was named the Executive Director for El Sistema Oklahoma. El Sistema Oklahoma facilitates the development of empowered youth who use music to make strong positive change in their lives, their communities, and the world.
Robyn’s service in key positions has helped her excel in fundraising and volunteer and donor relations. In 2017, she was named New Fundraiser of the Year by the Association of Fundraising Professionals Oklahoma City Chapter. Just prior to joining ACDA, she served as the Director of Community Engagement for ReMerge of Oklahoma County. ReMerge is a leader in developing solutions in criminal justice reform for women facing felony convictions. Robyn also serves on the advisory board for Oklahoma Youth Orchestras and is a Board Member for Oklahoma Youth Sing! (formerly the Norman Children’s Chorus).
ACDA Diversity Initiatives National Standing Committee
American Choral Directors Association
