Equity and belonging work is a marathon, not a sprint.  I'm here to help you map a course to progress.

Getting Started

working with fellows at the national repertory orchestra (Photo Credit: Nat Hickman)

The performing arts world is unique. Successful EDIB and anti-oppression work benefits from an understanding of the culture, challenges and history of the field. It also requires fundamental support in building communication skills. 

How I Can Help

Delegates at the 2023 ICSOM Conference

From helping your organization to get the conversation around EDIB and anti-oppression started, to sitting with you over time to build a formal EDIB strategy, I am here to help your organization make progress.

My Experience

Bournemouth symphony orchestra musicians at the association of british orchestras conference

I have an understanding of EDIB best practices inside and outside of the sector, informed by over 20 years of experience working in the performing arts field.

Why "Orchestrate Inclusion" instead of "Orchestrate Diversity"?  Diversity is about the breadth of representation at the table. Inclusion is about being sure that every person sitting around the table has full voice, agency and participation. Belonging and justice are outcomes of meaningful “EDIB” work.

Values around belonging are reflected in every decision an organization makes. I have observed that overlooking the importance of creating and sustaining a culture of inclusion with the ultimate goal of achieving equity, belonging and justice is a common challenge to our field's progress around EDIB, and I'm committed to addressing this challenge.

My experience is uniquely built to support arts organizations as an external partner. Qualifications include:

  • MBA

  • MA in Arts Administration

  • French Horn Player: Studied with Mike Hatfield and Myron Bloom at Indiana Universty

  • Trained Mediator: Completed forty-hours of mediation training in 2020 in accordance with M.G.L. ch.233 § 23C with MWI in Boston

  • Trained Facilitator: Completed Interaction Institute for Social Change’s Fundamentals of Facilitation for Racial Justice Work Program, Racial Equity Institute’s Phase 1 Workshop and AORTA’s Facilitate for Freedom Fundamentals Training

  • Qualified Administrator of the Intercultural Development Inventory

"In her highly successful engagement with the NJSO, Jessica quickly gained the respect and loyalty of the Task Force, and the various constituencies of the organization, including Musicians; Staff; and Board. The plan and approach in which Jessica has led us produced meaningful and tangible results in an extraordinarily short time, given the complexity and sensitivity of the subject..."

Contact Jessica Schmidt:  jessica@orchestrateinclusion.com