Women's Opera Network

OPERA America’s Women’s Opera Network (WON) is an action group of opera professionals from all sectors of the field dedicated to advancing gender equity in the industry.

Women represent more than half of the national population, yet the percentage of women in leadership roles within the field of opera is comparatively small. Founded in 2015, the Women’s Opera Network works to:

Increase awareness of and discussion about gender parity in the field.
Create action plans to promote the advancement of talented women.
Become a source of support for emerging female professionals,

Get Involved

Join OPERA America's Women's Opera Network by enrolling in the WON Listserv for updates on network priorities and activities. Participation in the network is open to anyone affiliated with the opera industry and supportive of the network’s goals. Members can enlist by logging in to their member portal. All others can request access via the online form.

WON Listserv Request Form

You can also share articles, opportunities, and other information with network members on the WON Community Board on Facebook.

WON Community Board

For additional information, contact us at Membership@operaamerica.org.

Women's Opera Network Forum

March 25–26, 2025 | Virtual

The Women's Opera Network Forum presents a unique platform for opera professionals identifying as women and their allies to convene and tackle the distinctive challenges prevalent in the field. This gathering aims to foster community, exchange resources, establish objectives, and provide actionable advice for effectively traversing various career stages. It offers a supportive environment where attendees can collaborate, learn from one another's experiences, and empower each other to overcome obstacles and achieve professional fulfillment in the opera industry.

The forum takes place March 25 and 26 and is free for all OPERA America members. Non-members can participate by joining as Individual Members for $75 (Digital Membership) or $125 (Signature Membership).

The Women's Opera Network Forum is generously supported by the National Endowment for the Arts.

Member Non-Member

Women's Opera Network Forum 2025 Schedule

Tuesday, March 25, 2025:

12:00 p.m. – 1:15 p.m. ET • Opening Women's Healing Circle

The 2025 Women’s Opera Network Forum will begin with a gathering designed to foster mutual support and connection among colleagues. This session offers attendees a chance to practice mindfulness, engage in restorative practices, and share in a supportive community space. Join healing practitioners for an experience tailored specifically to the needs of the opera community.

Featuring Noelle Deutsch and Stefanie Tovar

1:15 p.m. – 1:45 p.m. ET • Break

1:45 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. ET • Reproductive Health Presentation

Women's health is often an overlooked topic, yet many health issues directly impact professionals in the opera field. Join experts including Dr. Kimberly Monzón, who is conducting research on a project titled "Singing Through the Silence: Investigating the Intersection of PCOS, Endometriosis, and Vocal Performance." Dr. Monzón and other specialists will share vital facts and research to inform singers, opera professionals, and women's health advocates alike.

Featuring Dr. Leila Hagshenas, Dr. Kimberly Monzon, and Marsha Thompson

3:00 p.m. – 3:15 p.m. ET • Break

3:15 p.m. – 3:45 p.m. ET • Reproductive Health Q&A (closed session)

This Q&A session will allow participants to ask questions to our panel of experts about the cross-section of reproductive health and opera. We would like to create a safe and supportive space for our colleagues who identify as women or were assigned female at birth. To ensure privacy and comfort, this session will be reserved for them.

Featuring Dr. Kimberly Monzon and Marsha Thompson

Wednesday, March 26, 2025:

12:00 p.m. – 1:15 p.m. ET • Women's Writing Workshop: Telling Women's Stories in Their Own Words

Join librettist Deborah Brevoort in an exploration of the art of telling women’s stories, as a woman, through the powerful medium of opera. This session will be valuable for composers, librettists, opera singers, and producers who are dedicated to creating new works and amplifying women’s voices in the opera world.

Featuring Deborah Brevoort

12:00 p.m. – 1:15 p.m. ET • Leading Women in the Workplace

This session will explore the unique challenges and opportunities of managing and leading women in the opera field. This session will delve into the nuances of leadership, offering insights into fostering an inclusive and empowering environment for women in opera, while addressing strategies for navigating gender-specific dynamics in the workplace.

Featuring Julia Noulin-Merat

1:15 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. ET • Break

1:30 p.m. – 2:45 p.m. ET • Allyship: Garnering Support from Allies

Join us for a session focused on the importance of allyship in the opera world. This discussion will explore how allies can actively support gender equality and foster an inclusive environment. A key goal of the session is to assist women in identifying potential allies and provide strategies for asking for their support in advocating for women's voices and leadership in the opera field.

Rebekah Diaz

2:45 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. ET • Break

3:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. ET • Closing Session

The closing session will provide attendees with an opportunity to reflect on the key takeaways from the Women’s Opera Network Forum and discuss actionable steps for the network in the months ahead.