Claudia Encinas, a Peruvian-Cuban violist, is passionate about expanding access to arts education. She began her musical journey at age three, later earning a bachelor’s degree in viola performance before pursuing an MS in Leadership for Creative Enterprises from Northwestern University.

Currently, Claudia serves as Director of Operations, Pre-College & Collegiate Programs at BrandEd, overseeing large-scale academic and residential programs in partnership with institutions including The School of The New York Times, Sotheby’s Institute of Art, and Vogue. In this role, she manages multi-site operations, strategic planning, and student experience for thousands of students annually.

Previously, Claudia was Program Director at Harmony Program, where she created the Midwinter Intensive with the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center and revitalized the Harmony Program Summer Camp in partnership with The Juilliard School. She also served as Director of Programming & Operations at the Heifetz International Music Institute, where her efforts to increase diversity among faculty, staff, and students led to a significant rise in applications and enrollment.

She has additionally consults for organizations such as the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center and the Sphinx Organization, shaping programs that promote equity in music education.