The Women Who Inspire the Women of MCCA.

At MCCA, we’re always aware of our privilege to be surrounded by incredible, smart, kind, compassionate, and fierce women on a daily basis. To celebrate Women’s History Month, the women of MCCA are paying tribute to the women who inspire them.  

Coty - “I've been trying to narrow down one woman who has been an inspiration to me, but I feel so very grateful that I cannot select just one. Throughout my entire life, I have had the great honor to be surrounded by powerful, kind, compassionate, strong, creative women who have changed my life. All of the women are woven into this beautiful tapestry of my life—each sharing their remarkable gifts, and in turn, they have truly changed me for the better and shaped the woman I am today. These women have pulled me out of my darkest moments, have inspired me to be brave, have celebrated my uniqueness and encouraged me to share more with the world, and they have loved me unconditionally for who I truly am. They often saw things in me I couldn't see. I have the privilege to be raised by incredible women, work with incredible women, and mentor the next generation of amazing women. We are powerhouses, and may we always lean into each other to create a stronger, more vibrant world for all of us.”

Jacki - “While I am so lucky to have been inspired by many women in my life, both personally and professionally, the woman who has inspired me the most is my beautiful mother, Donna. She is hands down the strongest woman I have ever known. She taught me from a young age to lead with love and kindness, and always encouraged me to be independent and confident in my abilities. Her life hasn't always been easy, but she continues to be positive, strong, and full of love. I would not be the woman I am today without my mom's guidance and support, and I'm so thankful for our bond. I love her to the moon and back. Thanks, Mom!”

Jamie - “I have been blessed and honored to have been surrounded by strong women my entire life. It is very difficult to name only a few. The strength, tenacity, and raw determination of my mom, grandmothers, and aunts have been a constant source of inspiration. Numerous female teachers throughout my continuous academic, artistic, and martial arts journey have guided me not only to navigate life but also encouraged me to be true to my own path. My female friends, who are always there to lead, follow, hold space, and support each other through the highs and lows - walking the trenches side by side when needed.

All of the amazing students I have had the privilege of sharing space with over the past 25 years have taught me so much. I have learned from each and every one of them. My brilliant daughter. Being a mother has taught me more than any other experience in life and Fiona inspires me to be a better human every moment of every day.”

Jessica - “When I reflect on the incredible women who have profoundly shaped my life over the past decade, I can’t help but think of my amazing friends and co-workers: Coty, Jamie, Shelby, and Jacki. Each of them brings a unique blend of creativity, love, and intellect to our daily interactions, enriching not only our team but everyone they encounter. Through their kindness, understanding, and unwavering patience, they inspire me to be a better person every day. I feel incredibly fortunate to call them my friends and to learn from their beautiful examples of strength and intelligence.”

Kenzie - “There are so many strong women that have shaped me into the woman I am today. The women of MCCA are some of the fiercest out there, but the woman who inspires me the most would have to be my mom, Becky! My mom has been my biggest supporter since day one. She is the reason I started theatre and came to MCCA. She leads by example and shows me every day that hard work and kindness will get you the farthest in this life. She is one of the hardest-working people I know. She always makes time for me and makes sure I know how much she loves me, supports me, and values my place in this world. She is my best friend and lover of all things musical theatre. We have seen countless shows together, listened to What Is This Feeling for hours on end, and laughed harder than I could ever imagine. Becky is not only the best mom and role model but a one-of-a-kind human. Cheers to all of the amazing moms and women out there!”

Liz - “Mrs. Chandler, my high school government teacher, and the women of MCCA are incredibly inspirational to me. Mrs. Chandler taught me and many other students to think critically about our world and engage with current events, which has greatly helped me since recently graduating and entering the adult world. The women at MCCA display strength, empathy, resilience, and leadership every day, showing me the power of perseverance and kindness.”

Mia - “MCCA does countless things remarkably well, but I think one of the best is having such a strong group of women at the helm inspiring little girls every day. As a student turned staff member, I’ve felt the profound impact of being surrounded by these women. As a student, Jamie taught me that the light inside all of us is a precious thing that needs to be protected at all costs. As an adult, I still message her on the harder days, but because of her, that light has never gone out.  I could go on and on about the inspiration they have all left with me: Shelby’s love for everyone always, Coty’s passion for everything she does, Jacki’s resilience through every situation, and Jess’ confidence that radiates everywhere. They are a force to be reckoned with, and I am truly honored to have them in my life.”

Quinn - “Throughout my life, I have been inspired and mentored by strong, courageous women. I was raised by them, worked alongside them, befriended them, and most importantly, shared love with them, as they have with me. While narrowing this down to just one woman feels insurmountable to the inspiration and love I have received, there is one woman who stands out among all, my mother. She has shown me the power of bravery and kindness, the importance of strength and independence, and the value of hard work. Above all, she has taught me the true meaning of love. Words will never fully express the gratitude I feel for her or the invaluable lessons she has imparted. I love you, momma!”

Sabrina - “I’ve always been inspired by Miss Jamie! She was my dance teacher and mentor for the entirety of my childhood, and it is so special that I now get to call her a friend and colleague.” 

Skylar - “Anne Frank was one of the first characters I portrayed as an actor and she has since held a very special place in my heart. Despite the terrors of the world around her, she was steadfast in her belief that everyone is truly good at heart. I hope to face the world with the same optimistic wonder and courage as Anne.”

Shelby - “I have been so privileged to be mothered by, mentored by, friends with, coworkers with, mentor to, and inspired by SO MANY incredible women throughout my life.  My friends and co-workers make me laugh, fight fiercely for what is right, are compassionate, kind, and brave, and I am so lucky to be in their presence all the time. My college professor, now friend, Nicole Mattis, instilled so much knowledge in me and inspired me in so many ways to be the teacher and woman I am. My wife is the kindest and best human. My moms, my sister, the women in my family, both chosen and blood, are tenacious, bold, the best kind of troublemakers, and leaders in whatever they do. I have been in rooms with so many women, of all ages and backgrounds, who are unbelievable musicians and artists of all kinds; they inspire me to be better and work harder every day.  I’ve witnessed some life-changing performances by trailblazing, legendary female musicians. The many, many young women I have been fortunate to teach have taught me so much about strength, bravery, and empathy. What a joy to be in a world filled with so many women, each of us unique and powerful.”