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Laura Everett
Chief Programs Officer at OPERA America
Professional Background
Laura Lee Everett is an esteemed arts executive with an extensive career spanning over two decades, distinguished by her commitment to advancing equity, diversity, inclusion, and access within the arts sector. Laura’s professional journey is characterized by a profound dedication to dismantling systemic barriers that hinder artistic expression and access to resources, particularly for underrepresented artists. As the Chief Programs Officer at OPERA America, she spearheads numerous innovative initiatives aimed at enhancing the operatic landscape. Her unwavering passion for the arts and its creators is evident in her leadership and visionary efforts to create inclusive environments that support multidisciplinary artists in their pursuits.
A pivotal contributor to OPERA America's evolution, Laura has played a significant role in producing the Opera America Songbook, a key resource promoting artistic excellence amid the ever-changing landscape of opera. Furthermore, she designed programming initiatives such as Onstage at the Opera Center, allowing for broader community engagement with opera. Under her guidance, OPERA America also introduced the IDEA Grants and IDEA Residencies specifically aimed at BIPOC creators, reflecting her dedication to nurturing diverse artistic voices. Laura's leadership of the Women’s Opera Network underscores her commitment to gender parity in the arts, as she facilitates resources and leads programs designed to empower women in leadership roles across U.S. opera companies.
In addition to her executive role, Laura is an instrumental figure in fostering artistic networks across the globe—connecting technical and production teams, artist training programs, and artistic administrative hierarchies. Her efforts to promote new American works have significantly contributed to a thriving, inclusive operatic community.
Education and Achievements
Laura earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degree from Appalachian State University, a program that laid a strong foundation for her professional exploits in the arts. Throughout her career, she has amassed a wealth of experience, showcasing her versatility by taking on an array of roles, from production stage manager to managing director. Her earlier endeavors include working as the Director of Artistic Services at OPERA America, where she honed her ability to support and develop artistic initiatives essential to the opera world.
Prior to her tenure at OPERA America, Laura served as the Assistant to the Executive Director at the Hawaii Performing Arts Festival, a role that allowed her to immerse herself deeply in the intricacies of arts management. Following her contributions at Hawaii, she transitioned to the University of Maryland as the Managing Director, where she was integral in facilitating programs that cultivated young talent and promoted opera to a broader audience.
Her remarkable journey also includes a stint as the Production Stage Manager and Rental Coordinator at Baltimore Opera Company, where her organizational and management skills flourished. Additionally, her time as Managing Director at the Aspen Opera Theater Center during the Aspen Music Festival and School further solidified her prowess in managing complex artistic operations.
Laura's extensive experience as a freelance Production and Stage Manager across various venues and productions has endowed her with a unique perspective on the arts industry, allowing her to champion the artists she represents effectively. Her multifaceted background equips her to understand the challenges and opportunities within the operate ecosystem, making her an invaluable asset to the organizations she serves.
Achievements
Laura Lee Everett's career is punctuated by numerous noteworthy achievements that reflect her commitment to the growth and sustainability of the arts. She is widely recognized for her dedication to supporting artists and fostering a creative community that values diverse contributions.
Among her many accomplishments, the development of the Opera Grants for Female Composers stands out as a groundbreaking initiative aimed at transforming the historical landscape of opera by elevating the presence of female artists. This program not only provides financial support to outstanding female composers but also seeks to enhance the visibility of their work within the broader operatic repertoire.
Her leadership and influence extend well beyond OPERA America, as she actively participates in various committees and advisory boards dedicated to enhancing the standing of women in the arts. Through her work with the Women’s Opera Network, Laura champions initiatives focused on providing essential mentorship and resources for women in leadership roles, thereby helping to shift the narrative surrounding gender representation in the arts.
Notably, Laura's passion for inclusivity and collaboration in the arts has led her to facilitate extensive networks that connect individuals and organizations, enhancing partnerships that ultimately benefit creative communities. Her efforts in creating safe spaces for emerging artists to showcase their work and receive constructive feedback are vital to fostering a continuous cycle of artistic growth and innovation.
Laura Lee Everett is a beacon of inspiration within the arts community, recognized for her relentless pursuit of equity and diversity. Her enduring legacy is characterized by her ability to break down barriers, nurture creative talent, and champion initiatives that ensure all artists have the opportunity to share their stories with the world. Through her visionary leadership at OPERA America and beyond, Laura exemplifies the kind of dedicated arts executive who not only advances their field but also transforms it for future generations.
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Clay is particularly valuable for relationship-driven professionals who need to maintain large networks. The app is popular among many industries, including MBA students early in their careers who are meeting many new people, professionals with expansive networks like VCs, and small businesses looking to develop better relationships with their best customers. Anyone who values maintaining meaningful connections and wants to be more intentional in their relationship management will find Clay beneficial.
Clay offers competitive pricing in the personal CRM market. Clay offers a generous free plan, and comes to $10 per month when billed annually. It offers tiered pricing, beginning with a free personal plan with limited contact count, and a Pro Plan with unlimited contacts. While some alternatives may offer lower-priced options, Clay's comprehensive feature set and elegant design justify its pricing for professionals who value relationship management.
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Yes. Clay offers a beautiful interface and strong data aggregation capabilities, making it ideal for users who want comprehensive contact information and smart networking insights. Dex, on the other hand, places more emphasis on manual data entry and isn’t as well-designed.
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