Pacific Symphony has named Ameena Maria Khawaja as Vice President of Education and Community Engagement, and Arts Consulting Group (ACG) extends its congratulations on her leadership appointment. She began her tenure on January 6, 2025.
Pacific Symphony, based in Orange County and resident orchestra of the Segerstrom Center for the Arts, is a leader in musical innovation and community connection. Since its founding in 1978, the Symphony has grown to become the largest orchestra formed in the U.S. in the last 50 years. Under Carl St. Clair’s remarkable 35-year tenure as Music Director, the Symphony has earned a reputation for excellence, presenting over 100 concerts annually and serving more than 300,000 individuals through performances and innovative programs. In 2026, Alexander Shelley will succeed St. Clair, bringing new energy to the Symphony’s mission of inclusion, creativity, and engagement.
A distinguished arts administrator, educator, and performer, Ameena brings a dynamic blend of strategic leadership, program development, and nonprofit management experience, coupled with a deep passion for inspiring communities through music. In her new role and in partnership with a strong program team, Ameena will oversee Pacific Symphony’s groundbreaking education and community engagement initiatives. These include the nationally recognized Class Act Elementary School Partnership Program, multicultural celebrations such as the Lantern Festival, and the transformative Heartstrings Community Engagement Program, which offers music and wellness concerts, free lessons for underserved youth, and access for thousands of community members to attend concerts at no cost. Ameena will spearhead efforts to deepen the Symphony’s reach into underserved communities, expand K–12 outreach, foster meaningful partnerships, and design programs that reflect the organization’s commitment to inclusion, accessibility, and artistic excellence.
Since 2020, Ameena has served as Executive Director of El Sistema USA/Salinas (Youth Orchestra Salinas), where she transformed the organization through visionary leadership. Under her guidance, YOSAL expanded its reach by building partnerships with new school districts, local governments, and community organizations. As a cellist and mezzo-soprano, Ameena has performed at some of the world’s most prestigious venues and events, including the Grammy Awards, Coachella Festival, and Hollywood Bowl. She has collaborated with renowned artists such as Jeff Lynne’s ELO, Billie Eilish, and Juanes. Ameena’s multidisciplinary expertise and multicultural background enable her to craft innovative, inclusive programs that resonate with diverse audiences of all ages.
ACG is the leading provider of hands-on interim management, executive search, revenue enhancement, strategic planning & community engagement, and facilities & program planning and research services for the arts and culture industry. ACG consultants are located in communities across the United States and Canada to best serve the needs of our clients. ACG team members have decades of combined senior leadership experience in every artistic and cultural discipline and area of functional management expertise.