We’re thrilled to announce that Michele Raphael has joined Beyond Baroque as our new Development and Communications Director! A recognized leader in communications, culture, and the arts, she brings a wealth of experience to Beyond Baroque. In her new role she will lead our efforts to boost Beyond Baroque’s fundraising and membership, as well as engagement and recognition.

Michele’s professional work has focused on helping cities, companies, higher-education institutions, leaders, media groups, and cultural nonprofits elevate community, engagement, funding, and impact, while her advocacy work has been dedicated to uplifting women's issues and writing, as well as diversity, equity, and inclusion. In addition to her role at Beyond Baroque, she serves as an adjunct professor of Public Relations Strategies in the Communication Studies Department of Loyola Marymount University, a media strategist for WriteGirl, a Leadership Circle member of Visionary Women, and a contributing writer at USA TODAY Magazines and other publications. A cofounder of the acclaimed Angels Flight • literary west journal and events series, she previously held notable roles as Director of Publications and Projects at USC Annenberg Norman Lear Center; Entertainment Editor at LA Weekly; Digital Features Editor, Staff Writer, and “Cybertainment” Columnist at Los Angeles Times; and founder of boutique agency Maximizing Media. A former National Press Foundation fellow, she earned an MA in Journalism from USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism and a BA in French from Pitzer College. She lives in Los Angeles with her teenage daughter and son.

Please join us in giving a warm welcome to Michele!