Show Notes:

In this heartfelt episode of The Shift, host Mark Travis Rivera sits down with Dr. Anne Huang, Executive Director of World Arts West, for a profoundly moving conversation about identity, ancestry, and the healing power of the arts.

Together, they explore how storytelling becomes a bridge between generations, cultures, and communities. Dr. Huang reflects on her Taiwanese heritage and how it roots her daily life and leadership. From her early days as a dentist to becoming a passionate advocate for immigrant artists, Dr. Huang shares a remarkable journey of transformation—one that speaks to the courage it takes to shift paths and honor one’s calling.

Listeners will hear about the resilience of artists navigating uncertainty, the critical need for cultural representation, and the arts as a vehicle for social justice and community healing. With grace and insight, Dr. Huang offers a unique lens into what it means to be both an artist and a leader—especially in a time that demands empathy, cultural fluency, and bold imagination.

Whether you're an artist, an advocate, or someone searching for connection in today’s fragmented world, this episode will leave you inspired by the quiet power of being your whole self.

Guest Bio:

Dr. Anne Huang is the Executive Director of World Arts West, a 47-year-old arts organization that serves the largest world dance network in the US through artist services, performance presentations, and collective advocacy. In 2019, she was appointed as the first person color and cultural artist to lead World Arts West. Under Dr. Huang’s leadership, World Arts West greatly expanded the accessibility and reach of the World Arts West Dance Festival, launched its first grantmaking initiative, and instituted pioneering programs such as the Arts Equity Research Project, and Grants Accelerator Program, an one-of-kind program that helps cultural artists access grants funding. As a thought leader with deep knowledge of challenges and solutions for cultural artists in the 21st century, Dr. Huang is a sought after consultant for culturally-specific capacity building methodology and resource equity in philanthropy. She has been a National Association of Latino Arts & Culture Advocacy Leadership Fellow, and Greater Bay Area Arts Coalition Organizing Fellow. Dr. Huang has served in leadership roles for Dance/USA Board of Trustees, Greater Bay Arts Coalition, and New York Foundation Immigrant Artist Program.

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Questions or comments?

Email us at Hello@MarkTravisRivera.com

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):

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Harnessing the Power of the Arts with Dr. Anne Huang

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