98. From Pivot to Tony-Winning Theater Leader with Khady Kamara Nunez, Executive Director of the Perelman Performing Arts Center

Aspiring to lead in theater?

In this episode of Women of Color Rise, I speak with Khady Kamara Nunez, Executive Director of the Perelman Performing Arts Center (PAC NYC). Before this role, Khady served as Executive Director of Second Stage Theater, where she was part of the leadership team that won a Tony Award for Take Me Out.

Khady shares her inspiring journey from Senegal to the U.S., where a night at the theater changed her life’s trajectory. Though her decision to pursue theater initially caused friction—her mother hung up when she called to share the news—Khady followed her passion and learned invaluable lessons along the way:

• Embrace the Pivot: Pursuing your passion can be uncertain, but taking the leap allows you to live without regrets. If needed, you can always pivot later.

• Embrace Failure: Facing the unknown, like navigating and leading theater during COVID, showed Khady that mistakes are opportunities to learn and improve.

• Know Your Values: When Khady discovered a report showing a lack of people of color leading regional theaters, she was motivated by her belief in representation and set her sights on becoming a leader in the industry.

Thank you, Khady, for showing us the power of resilience and passion in leadership!

Get full show notes and more information here:https://analizawolf.com/episode-98-truth-racial-healing-and-transformation-with-dr-gail-christopher