Mira Williams & Afa S. Dworkin

Afa S. Dworkin is President and Artistic Director of Sphinx Music
 
Biography: 
Named one of Musical America’s Top 30 Influencers and Detroit Crain’s 40 Under 40, Afa S. Dworkin is a musical thought leader and cross-sector strategist driving national programming that promotes diversity in classical music. She currently serves as President and Artistic Director of the Sphinx Organization, the nation’s leading organization transforming lives through the power of diversity in the arts. Ms. Dworkin serves the field as a multi-year orchestra grant review panelist for the Association of Performing Arts Professionals, 3Arts Awards, Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs, and The League of American Orchestras. She serves as a trustee for the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, Creative Many Michigan and CultureSource. Ms. Dworkin has also delivered ongoing thought leadership through an extensive roster of speaking engagements, including International Arts & Ideas Festival, Independent Sector, Grantmakers in the Arts, Chamber Music America, ICSOM, and beyond. 
 
What brought you to Davos in 2019?
I came to Davos with a group of our Sphinx Virtuosi musicians, who were invited by Robert F Smith and Vista Equities to perform at the closing plenary and other events.
 
Personal motivation to advocate for women and girls:
I advocate for women’s representation and rights as someone who has had an unusual path toward leadership.  I have been fortunate to have access to unique resources, opportunities and role models.  I have felt empowered because I have had the honor to stand upon the shoulders of others: I would love to pay it forward.
 
Where can people learn more about my key projects?
People can learn about my primary work, the Sphinx Organization at www.SphinxMusic.Org.
 
I raise up my voice-not so I can shout but so that those without a voice can be heard...we cannot succeed when half of us are held back. (Malala Yousafzai)