Angelica
Cortez
Angelica
Cortez
Angelica Cortez
Creative Senior Consultant
Angelica serves as a Senior Consultant
at McNeil Creative Enterprises, bringing expertise in arts leadership, community engagement, strategic planning, and organizational development. She supports MCE's research, data collection, stakeholder engagement, and strategic initiatives, helping clients strengthen relationships, align priorities, and advance meaningful change.
A Los Angeles native, Angelica has built her career at the intersection of music, education, and justice. As an educator, administrator, consultant, and organizational leader, she has helped arts organizations cultivate authentic community partnerships, facilitate equity-centered dialogue, strengthen fundraising efforts, and develop strategic plans that support long-term organizational success.
Angelica previously served with the Los Angeles Philharmonic's Youth Orchestra Los Angeles (YOLA), Gustavo Dudamel's signature initiative providing music education and academic support to young people across Los Angeles and beyond. She led the launch of several YOLA National initiatives, including annual symposia for arts administrators and educators, national music festivals, college support programs, and domestic and international tours.
Recognized as an emerging leader in the field, Angelica was selected as one of eleven fellows for Sphinx LEAD (Leaders in Excellence, Arts & Diversity), a prestigious two-year leadership program dedicated to developing the next generation of executive arts leaders. She is also a sought-after speaker, educator, and consultant, having shared her expertise with students and professionals at institutions including Cornell University, the University of California, Berkeley, and the University of Southern California.
Angelica has a BA in trumpet performance from University of California, Davis with master’s degrees from Bard College and Longy School of Music. Outside of her professional work, Angelica enjoys writing, cooking, running, reading, and spending time in community. Her lifelong love of music and arts education continues to inspire both her work and her leadership.
