Paula Wilson is a strategic arts leader with a breadth of experience in arts administration and a passion to equip the next generation of arts leaders for sustainable careers.
Her administrative career began in operations at the Youth Orchestras of San Antonio, a full circle opportunity to work for the ensemble she grew up playing in. She then held roles at a variety of institutions within her alma mater—Indiana University Bloomington—including the African American Arts Institute, Indiana University Foundation, and Jacobs School of Music Office of Admissions.
After receiving a Bachelor of Music in Flute Performance and a minor in Arts Management from Indiana University, she completed American for the Arts’ Diversity in Arts Leadership (DIAL) internship in Nashville Symphony’s Education and Community Engagement department. Additionally, she gained digital marketing experience as Program Assistant at the New Canon Chamber Collective, a nonprofit in South Florida dedicated to amplifying the voices of Black and Brown musicians.
In August of 2021, Paula moved to Houston to pursue a Master of Arts in Arts Leadership at the University of Houston and a full-time position as Houston Symphony’s Digital Marketing Coordinator. She completed her practicum as a member of Houston Symphony’s DEI Project Team, reporting to the CEO.
Following her time at Houston Symphony, Paula accepted a membership and marketing role at Equity Arc, a national service organization dedicated to advancing equity in classical music. There she grew membership by 220% and increased member retention by 300%. After 9 months, she was promoted to her current position as Member Services and Communications Manager.
As an avid proponent for career development for students and young professionals, Paula has been invited to speak at national conferences including Artists’ Thrive, Association for Arts Administration Educators, Women in Classical Music Symposium, and SphinxConnect.
She is excited to return to the University of Houston to introduce students to the number of possibilities within arts administration.