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Springboard for the Arts welcomes Ilah Raleigh as new Executive Director

News, Press

A lifelong artist with roots in Minnesota, Ilah brings artistic vision, organizational leadership, and a deep commitment to artists and community.

September 17, 2026
By Springboard for the Arts

We are thrilled to welcome Ilah Raleigh as Springboard’s next Executive Director! Read the comic below to learn more about Ilah. Illustrated by Minnesota-based artist Sophie Wang.

Illustration of Ilah Raleigh, a woman with medium brown skin and brown curly hair waving, surrounded by poppies and butterflies. Text reads, "Meet Ilah Raleigh, Springboard’s new Executive Director!"
Illustrations of Minnesota, Europe, and a family, surround text that reads, "I’m a lifelong artist with roots across the Twin Cities and Greater Minnesota, and my journey has been wonderfully non-linear. I grew up in Rochester in a family of farmers and opera lovers, fell in love with the Italian bel canto vocal tradition, and spent years studying and performing across the U.S. and Europe. My husband and I eventually returned to Minnesota to raise our family in South Minneapolis. I chose to bloom where we were planted; the best decision of my life."
Illustrations of Ilah Raleigh singing, writing, and receiving and Artist Career Consultation. Text reads, "I never believed that there was just one way to “make it” as an artist. Today, my creative life is multi-faceted. I perform new works that amplify once silenced voices, write about music, culture, and history; and spend my days championing the next generation of bold and rowdy artists. (At one point in my career, I too turned to Springboard for an Artist Career Consultation!)"
Illustrations of school buildings and Ilah Raleigh teaching a voice lesson and singing. Text reads, "After receiving an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership, my professional journey has included leadership roles at the Saint Paul Conservatory for Performing Artists, faculty positions at the University of St. Thomas, and service on multiple boards. Most recently, I served as the Director of Visual and Performing Arts at The Blake School. As a mezzo-soprano, I have studied at the Peabody Institute and performed with the Minnesota Opera and Washington National Opera."
Illustration of Ilah standing in the middle of papers (a budget, calendar, taxes, and schedule). Text reads, "My experience as an artist and arts educator shapes how I lead. I know what it means to build an artistic practice, run a small business, and figure out how to sustain a creative life. That’s why I resonate so deeply with Springboard’s work to give artists the tools to make a living and a life."
Illustration of Ilah Raleigh in the middle of a big group of Springboard for the Arts staff. Text reads, "I believe in the power of "leading from the center." I am excited to work alongside Springboard's staff, board, and community across Minnesota and beyond—to champion artists as essential community leaders and to build more just and equitable communities full of meaning, joy, and connection."
Illustration of Ilah Raleigh walking in front of roller skaters and other artists, with road signs pointing to Springboard's buildings in Saint Paul and Fergus Falls. Ilah says, "I am honored to step into this role. I share Springboard’s deep commitment to help artists thrive right where they are—building community, sparking social change, and investing in our collective future."
I am honored to step into this role. I share Springboard’s deep commitment to help artists thrive right where they are—building community, sparking social change, and investing in our collective future.
Illustration of Ilah surrounded by poppies, music notes, and sparkles, saying "My first day at Springboard is October 1! I can’t wait to meet more of you, hear what you’re working on, and get to work together."
Read Ilah’s full bio Read the press release

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