Birdie Soti | Board Member

Philanthropy Director, American Business Immigration Coalition

Birdie has always had a passion for working with emerging artists and grassroots organizations. She began her nonprofit career in 2000 as a Development Associate at Urban Gateways: Center for Arts Education. In 2008, she was appointed the Chicago Jazz Philharmonic's first Executive Director and led the organization through its 15th anniversary. In recognition of its impactful work, the organization received the 2016 MacArthur Award for Creative and Effective Institutions. Most recently, Birdie served as the Philanthropy Director for the Young Center for Immigrant Children’s Rights. Her additional community commitments include Ingenuity, Inc., the Illinois State Board of Education, the Illinois Arts Council, DCASE, and the Mid-Atlantic Arts Foundation.