In 20 years as executive director, Mary Ann Aufderheide has established VocalEssence as a premier choral music organization in Minneapolis, with a commitment to inclusion, access, and equity. Her initiatives include ¡Cantaré!, an ongoing collaboration with Mexican choral composers to celebrate Mexican culture and develop a library of Spanish-language musical resources, as well as Singers of This Age (SOTA), a choir for urban teenagers focused on cultivating artistic development and building lifelong skills. She also added programs for both new moms and babies and seniors in retirement homes. Thanks to Aufderheide, VocalEssence has performed regionally, nationally, and internationally. Her leadership includes work and board roles with arts organizations nationwide. She’s also a board member of Minnesota Citizens for the Arts.