Monica Sirocchi

Monica attributes her success to having an enterprising attitude and the ability to create opportunities where none exist. She does not approach any task as if there is a barrier. She makes things actionable by figuring out the steps needed to achieve something and then acting on them. She believes that opportunity has to be found where one does not exist, and that is where the enterprising piece comes in. She shared that so many people say there is "no chance" because they "did not study something formally" or "do not have experience in an arena" and therefore see it as an end, but Monica looks at all that as opportunity. She is also very organized and gets things done. She is comfortable working across all aspects of an organization and embraces wearing many hats with confidence. Another key part of her success is that she is very empathetic and has a way of making sure everyone feels valued and included. She creates a culture with a very high sense of value so that everyone knows they have a part in the greater whole. She also moves in silence and works very hard on the back end to achieve things without needing everything brought into the limelight.

In regards to music or arts administration exclusively, Monica would tell young women that they can be enterprising and create opportunities and experiences for themselves. She is a testament to that, having continued her studies in music while working in fields outside of it. When she saw a need in her community that was not being met, she created an organization that provided a solution. The greatest takeaway she would like others to recognize is that they can create opportunity where none exists. Monica sees crossing disciplines as opportunities to find different pathways toward success. Having an enterprising attitude can open doors and pave the way towards new outcomes and territories. There are many things one can do with music and arts administration, and avenues other than performance and education.

The most important values to Monica are inclusivity and making sure everyone feels valued. She wanted to create a culture that has a very high sense of value, so that everyone knows that they have a part in the greater whole. There is a part of operating a performing arts organization that can make people feel as if they are just a number, someone on a list or in a section, but there is none of that in the organization she operates. She makes sure people feel connected. She also values transparency and does not gatekeep information. If she has tried something and it has worked, and she is able to share that with another organization to contribute to their success, she thinks that is wonderful. She is not above learning and welcomes opportunities for discussion with others who have worked in adjacent roles. Monica values working hard on the back end rather than seeking recognition. She does not operate in a way where she feels everything needs to be under a spotlight. She also strongly believes that she would never take credit independently because success is absolutely through the support of those involved in the organization. Without the conductor and the 65 members who show up each week to rehearse, there is no orchestra. The face of the organization is really the members who are contributing to its success.