| Virtual Edition: 2022 ISPA Congress– Heena Patel |
 Heena PatelFounder Heena Patel is cultural strategist, producer, coach for creatives, facilitator, and gathering designer. The founder of MELA Arts Connect, her work has focused on nurturing the ecosystem around South Asian performing arts and community. She's assumed the roles of booking agent, manager, dancer, musician, teaching artist, and diversity and equity advocate. Recent credits as a producer and artistic director include Bollywood Boulevard, Garba360, desi:NOW, and Woven: The Indian-American Story. Most recently, she has expanded her work beyond the South Asian lens to support organizations in reimagining gatherings for changing realities - fostering connection and community in virtual spaces as a facilitator and designer, as well as coaching bicultural creatives. Heena was an ISPA Fellow and APAP Leadership Fellow. She's on the board of NAPAMA (North American Performing Arts Agents and Manager) and is a member of CIPA (Creative & Independent Producers Alliance) and WOCA (Women of Color in the Arts). Host |
