In November 2024, Arts education leader Marshell Jones Kumahor was named the new President of Studio in a School NYC. Studio NYC, one of two organizations under the aegis of the Studio in a School Association, Inc., provides quality arts education and programs to more than 27,000 PreK-12 students in New York City public schools each year. “Marshell Jones Kumahor’s dedication to arts education and her strong record of leadership in several leading arts organizations make her exceptionally qualified to lead Studio NYC,” said Board Director, Dr. Hasna Muhammad. Ms. Kumahor assumes her position on December 16, 2024.

With more than 25 years’ experience in the nonprofit sector, Marshell Jones Kumahor’s career has been marked by a knack for building strategic partnerships among a wide range of stakeholders. Most recently, she leveraged a broad base of skills and experience in community engagement, arts education program design, fund development and team leadership to forward the mission of the New Jersey Symphony. Marshell joined the NJ Symphony in 2009, and the Education & Community Engagement Team increased the statewide reach of its offerings by more than 50%, launched two nationally recognized programs, and garnered two endowed chairs.

An alumna of LEAD New Jersey and recipient of the Yale University Distinguished Music Educator Award, Marshell serves on the Steering Committee of Arts Ed NJ and is a founding member of Arts Ed Newark. She was selected for the inaugural class of Rutgers Business School’s executive leadership program for aspiring nonprofit heads.

Prior to joining the NJ Symphony, Marshell led all aspects of single- and multi-year grantmaking at The Center for Arts Education in Manhattan. In this role, she helped to ensure that nearly $10 million in grant funds to support arts education was disbursed to more than 350 public schools and 250 arts and cultural organizations across the five boroughs of New York City.

Marshell is an avid yoga practitioner, a proud “newlywed” of 24 years and a grateful Mama of two amazing human beings. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Stanford University and a Master of Arts degree from the University of California at Berkeley.

Read the complete press release announcing Marshell’s appointment to President, Studio NYC here [link].