IMPACT
Art has always been one of the most powerful tools to connect, heal, and tell the stories that need to be heard. As an Afro-Dominican woman in classical music, I’ve often felt the weight of underrepresentation, with voices like mine too often missing from spaces where art is celebrated and preserved. My journey hasn’t just been about finding my own voice—it’s been about creating opportunities for others to be seen and heard. Music is deeply personal to me; it’s how I express my heritage, emotions, and dreams for a more equitable world.
But art is more than personal—it’s a means of resistance. It allows us to challenge exclusionary systems, reclaim space, and foster freedom for ourselves and our communities. The absence of Afro-Latinx narratives in classical music drives my work. I am committed to addressing these gaps, not just for myself but for future generations of artists who deserve to see themselves reflected in the art they love. Every performance, project, and organization I’ve built is guided by the belief that celebrating our culture unapologetically can inspire transformation and change.
For me, the “why” behind everything I do is rooted in the belief that art is a tool for liberation, storytelling, and community empowerment. Music connects us across cultures and histories, fostering a deeper understanding of our shared humanity. Through my performances, advocacy, and leadership, I hope to create a world where no one feels invisible in the spaces they wish to call home and where art serves as a vehicle for healing, resistance, and transformation.
The Afro-Latinx Song & Opera Project is one of my proudest accomplishments. It started as an answer to a question that kept haunting me: Whose stories are missing from the art I love? Classical music has long been dominated by eurocentrism, and I knew that needed to change—not just for me but for the next generation of Afro-Latinx artists who deserve to see their heritage reflected in this space.
This project isn’t just about programming forgotten works by Afro-Latinx composers or showcasing the talents of Afro-Latinx performers. It’s about reclaiming space and showing the world that this music, our music, has always belonged here. Through concerts, workshops, and educational programs, we’re shining a light on a repertoire that’s been ignored for far too long. And we’re building community—one that celebrates the richness of our identities and insists that we belong in every corner of the classical music world.
.png)
Instituto Cimarrón is where my artistic vision and advocacy come together. Its name honors the Afro-descendants of Latin America and the Caribbean who resisted enslavement by forming free communities. Their spirit of resilience and resistance inspires everything we do.
At the core of Instituto Cimarrón is the belief that culture and art are tools for liberation. We promote programming, research, and education that center the stories and contributions of marginalized communities. It’s about creating space for the voices that have been silenced and using the power of art to build a more just and inclusive society.
Our work extends beyond classical music, blending advocacy, community building, and multidisciplinary art. From virtual panels on representation and identity to works like Requiem for Black Grief, which invites audiences to participate in healing through movement and ritual, Instituto Cimarrón is about creating art that drives social change. Our guiding principle—Our Culture is Our Freedom—reflects our commitment to cultural autonomy and social liberation.
With everything I’ve learned as an artist, advocate, and leader, I wanted to create a business that helps others tap into their full potential while prioritizing equity, collaboration, and wellness. That’s why I founded Zuly Inirio Consulting.
Through my consulting work, I partner with individuals, arts organizations, and even corporate clients to create meaningful change. Whether it’s offering holistic executive coaching, helping leaders navigate career transitions, or facilitating workshops on strengths-based teaching, my work centers on empowering others to lead with purpose.
One of the key areas I focus on is DEIBA (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Belonging, and Accessibility) training and strategic planning. I’ve seen firsthand how important it is to create spaces where people feel valued and heard, and I bring that same energy to every organization I work with. My goal is to help people build inclusive, collaborative environments where everyone can thrive.
I’ve also developed a niche in career support for artists, particularly those navigating the challenges of transitioning from academia to the professional world. By offering workshops and one-on-one coaching, I aim to equip artists with the tools they need to succeed while staying grounded in their purpose and values.