Sigma Alpha Iota

P A N P I P E S Spring 2021 3 MUSIC NOTES New Fraternity Director Chosen 2015 Doctoral Grant Recipient 2015 Doctoral Grant Recipient Liz Palmer, Liz Palmer, Director of Diversity and Inclusion Director of Diversity and Inclusion The National Executive Board is pleased to announce the appointment of Elizabeth "Liz" Palmer as the new Director of Diversity and Inclusion for Sigma Alpha Iota. Many thanks go to the members of the Task Force for their time working with the consultants during the selection process. Liz is an initiate of the Sigma Omega Chapter at Susquehanna University, where she served as the Chapter President. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Music Technology from Susquehanna University, her Master of Science in Music Education from Towson University, and her Doctorate of Musical Arts in Music Education from the University of Southern California. She is affiliated with the Washington, DC Alumnae Chapter and is the recipient of the Sword of Honor. Liz currently teaches band, orchestra, and general music at Kettering Middle School in Upper Marlboro, MD. She is also the Creative Arts team leader and serves as the Curriculum Writer for Prince George's County Public School Instrumental Music Department. Liz is the Executive Director of Modern Maestro, Inc., which programs professional development for music teachers, enrichment programs for music students, and fiscal sponsorship for music booster programs in Prince George's County, MD. Liz shared some details about her past work in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI): "My background in DEI started during my college years at Susquehanna University. In addition to being a student leader in various cultural organizations, I volunteered in the Office of Multicultural Affairs and worked as a resident assistant in the Office of Residence Life. ese experiences helped me develop my passion for advocating for historically minoritized communities and learning about identities and histories that were different than my own. I carried this passion through graduate school at Towson University. During my time at University of Southern California I held two assistantships in the student affairs division, disability services and residence education. ese two roles had a deeply profound impact on me and helped shape my research into social justice in music education. In each of these experiences I have grown more confident in advocating for disenfranchised people, speaking truth to power, and setting aside my own privilege to elevate others." Liz is looking forward to originating this role for the Fraternity and providing support to SAI and its membership. She can be contacted via her Director email at: di.director.sai@gmail.com

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