Ariel Antoinette Alvarado is a conductor, vocalist, and scholartist dedicated to restorative justice and student empowerment through culturally responsive pedagogy. Having grown up with little representation of her identities, Ariel's work focuses on centering the voices of the marginalized and making connections across cultures. Ms. Alvarado is stepping into her role as Assistant Conductor and Director of Community Programs of the Mendelssohn Chorus of Philadelphia. She will also serve as the Assistant Conductor of the Wilmington Children’s Chorus, a member of the Delaware Academy of Vocal Arts flagship ensemble 'Elevation', and the Early Years Music Teacher of Wilmington Friends School beginning Fall 2024. She earned a Master of Music in Choral Conducting from The Ohio State University and a Bachelor of Arts in Music from Spelman College in Atlanta, GA. Ms. Alvarado makes meaning with the world around her through music and is journeying to leave the world a more beautiful place than she found it.