Testimonials from our Participants

Community Engagement

Dr. Sonia James-Wilson is a force of nature! She has the rare ability to bring multiple stakeholders together to achieve a common purpose. In our work with professional artists, educators and community members, she was able to take the diverse thoughts and ideas of various individuals and groups and weave them into one coherent message and strategic plan for moving forward. In short, she was able to take energy, anger and frustration and transform them into action that could lead to positive change. Her social class and race analysis as the framework for empowering communities is needed now more than ever as we build a more just world. — D. Peralta, Executive Managing Director

Gateways Music Festival has benefitted greatly from the efforts of Dr. Sonia James-Wilson and she has become a valued member of our organization.  She is an exceptional writer and has helped Gateways communicate complex and sensitive information in ways that are artistic, positive and clear.  Dr. James-Wilson is also an expert project manager who sets a high bar for professionalism and attends to every detail – whether small or large.  Most recently, a photo-essay project with music students through Gateways’ Young Musicians Institute was especially powerful.  Gateways Music Festival looks forward to a long and mutually beneficial relationship with Dr. James-Wilson. — L. Koonce, President and Artistic Director