Dr. Shanté Williams is the first woman of color to be appointed as the leader of Opera Carolina.

Opera Carolina recently made a groundbreaking announcement, appointing Dr. Shanté Williams as their new general director. This decision marks a significant milestone for the company, as Dr. Williams becomes the first woman and person of color to hold this role since the company's inception in 1948.

Having previously served on the board of directors, Dr. Williams will officially assume her new role on July 1, taking over from James Meena, according to a report from Opera Wire. In a statement, Dr. Williams expressed her excitement about leading the business operations while Maestro Meena continues to serve as Artistic Director. She also highlighted the company's dynamic staff and passionate board, stating their shared goal of expanding Opera Carolina's role as a leader in Charlotte's artistic community and a source of healing, inspiration, and joy.

Carol Kendrick, the Board Chair, also shared her enthusiasm for Dr. Williams' appointment on behalf of the entire board of directors. As a Charlotte native, Dr. Williams brings a track record of success in fundraising and business to her new role, as well as her strong support for Opera Carolina in the past. Her appointment comes at a critical time for the company, as they navigate the challenges brought on by the pandemic. With her leadership, Opera Carolina is expected to reach new heights of excellence and solidify its position as a cornerstone of Charlotte's artistic community.

Dr. Williams has an impressive background, bringing a wealth of experience to her new position. She currently serves as the CEO of Black Pearl Vision and its parent company, Black Pearl Global Investments, which manages a $25 million venture capital fund. Her Linkedin profile highlights her academic achievements, including degrees from Winston-Salem State University, Queen's University of Charlotte, and a doctorate in integrated biomedical science from The Ohio State University.

In addition to her role on the board of directors, Dr. Williams has also been actively involved with Opera Carolina in other ways. In 2023, the company recognized her contributions to Pre-Curtain Dinners and her sponsorship of the production of Mary Cardwell Dawson, featuring renowned opera star Denyce Graves. This further demonstrates her dedication and passion for the company's mission.

Opera Carolina's decision to appoint Dr. Shanté Williams as their new general director is a testament to their commitment to diversity and inclusion. As they continue to push boundaries and revive the forgotten works of Black composers, such as the recent production by New Orleans' OperaCreole, Opera Carolina is setting an example for other companies to follow. And with Dr. Williams' leadership, the future of Opera Carolina looks brighter than ever.

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