Linsey McDaniel

(she/her)

A smiling person with shoulder-length black locs wearing a bright blue jacket over a dark maroon top — Photo by Amanda Brisco Photography

Executive Director, Balafon West African Dance Ensemble

Advocacy Leadership Institute | 2027 Cohort Member

Bio

Linsey came to arts management from public and private sector work in engineering, international affairs, and business strategy. Inspired to make African dance more accessible as a source of cultural rootedness, well-being, and connection, she went from studying and dancing with Balafon founder Mama Kadiatou Conte to helping shape the company into a lasting institution. A co-convener of peer artists carrying forward African arts, she is eager to join fellow advocates enriching the region.