Pia Agrawal named incoming Leeway Foundation Executive Director

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We, the Leeway Board of Directors, are delighted to announce that Pia Agrawal will join the Leeway Foundation as our new executive director beginning January 27, 2025.  

Pia is a seasoned arts administrator and grantmaker with a demonstrated passion for curating and resourcing community-based arts and artists. She has brought this passion to cities around the country, including several years working in Philadelphia’s arts and culture sector. Most recently, Pia served as the executive director of Staten Island Arts, an organization that funds local arts and culture work and provides arts programs that highlight local artists (see the complete release for Pia’s full bio). 

Germaine Ingram, chair of the search committee and longtime board member, said about the search:
“This search process affirmed Leeway’s purpose and values. We had to envision the challenges and opportunities ahead, along with the qualities of leadership needed to guide Leeway forward with vigor, vision and grace. Pia Agrawal embodies the powers and habits of heart and mind that will ensure Leeway's ongoing prowess in supporting opportunities for women and trans artists and putting the arts in service of building healthy, caring communities.”

Pia shared the following thoughts on her new role:
“A common thread throughout my career has been advocating for artists and I am honored to bring this energy back to the city I called home for so many years. I look forward to working with the Leeway staff, board, and communities of artists as we foster the future of the foundation and continue to build on Denise’s incredible legacy.”

We thank our volunteer search committee members, Denise Beek, Irit Reinheimer and Sage Crump for their time and care in this process. And we are especially grateful to our committed outgoing executive director, Denise Brown, for her leadership during the search process. To ensure a smooth transition, Denise will step into the role of executive advisor in 2025.  

In the new year, we will have opportunities for Pia to meet with our beloved community members. We know you will join us in extending a warm welcome to Pia as she helps Leeway begin a new chapter in our collective commitment to supporting arts in social change.