About the participants:

Lisa D. Cook is an Associate Professor of Economics and International Relations at Michigan State University. She was the first Marshall Scholar from Spelman College and received a second B.A. in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics from Oxford University.  She earned a Ph.D. in economics from the University of California, Berkeley with fields in macroeconomics and international economics.  Prior to her current appointment, she was on the faculty of Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government, Deputy Director for Africa Research at the Center for International Development at Harvard University, and a National Fellow at Stanford University.  Among her current research interests are economic growth and development, innovation, financial institutions and markets, and economic history.  Dr. Cook is the author of a number of published articles, book chapters, and working papers.  She is currently Director of the American Economic Association Summer Program and was President of the National Economic Association from 2015 to 2016.  She is a guest columnist for the Detroit Free Press and a regular contributor on MSNBC.

Janine Dijkmeijer is a former dancer, cultural entrepeneur and cultural advisor. Since March 2014 she has been General Director of Nederlands Dans Theater, where she is responsible for the daily operations of the company, alongside the artistic direction of Paul Lightfoot. As a cultural entrepreneur, she founded and managed various cultural organizations. In 2003 Dijkmeijer initiated the international dance film festival Cindedans, which grew out to the highest rank of international dance film festivals. In 2009 Dijkmeijer and choreographer Nicole Beutler joined forces to found the modern dance company NBprojects. Prior to her role as General Director of Nederlands Dans Theater, Dijkmeijer was the General Director of Het Nationale Ballet. Additionally, Dijkmeijer fulfilled several advisory roles, such as with Raad voor Cultuur and Fonds Podiumkunsten.

Debora L. Spar is President of Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts. Lincoln Center’s New York City campus is home to 11 world-class arts organizations and considered the world’s leading performing arts organization. Spar came to Lincoln Center from Barnard College, where she served as president from 2008-17. During her tenure, she was widely recognized for stimulating substantial academic and financial growth on campus and for establishing a renewed commitment to the arts. Prior to her time at Barnard, Spar was a professor at Harvard Business School for 17 years. A prolific writer, she has authored seven books, including, Wonder Women: Sex, Power, and the Quest for Perfection (2013) and Ruling the Waves: From the Compass to the Internet (2001). Spar received her bachelor’s degree from Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service and her Master’s and PhD in Government from Harvard University.

Anne Parsons was named President and Chief Executive Officer of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra in April 2004. Under her leadership, since 2011 the DSO has achieved record ticket sales growth and has doubled its donor base. Her vision of making the organization more accessible has resulted in the launch of two innovative new products, the first of their kind among American orchestras. The Neighborhood Residency Initiative has established seven DSO residencies across metro Detroit where suburban fans of all ages enjoy chamber music, senior engagement concerts, music therapy sessions, educational in-school performances, and the initiative’s centerpiece, the William Davidson Neighborhood Concert Series. In 2011, she oversaw the inaugural season of “Live from Orchestra Hall,” the DSO’s series of live HD webcasts that engage audiences worldwide through an interactive online interface. Prior to joining the DSO, Anne served in management positions for a variety of major arts organizations, including New York City Ballet, the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles, the Boston Symphony Orchestra, and the National Symphony Orchestra in Washington, D.C.