Our Team
Arreon Harley-Emerson
President & CEO
Arreon A. Harley-Emerson is the President & CEO of Equity Sings, a social impact agency dedicated to helping performing arts organizations achieve artistic excellence, financial sustainability, and community relevance through ADEI-centered, evidence-based strategies. Equity Sings specializes in strategy and coaching, equipping organizations to attract and engage top talent, mobilize boards and staff, and optimize operations. Through strategic planning, board development, and nonprofit leadership, Harley-Emerson empowers institutions to remain impactful and relevant. A sought-after speaker, researcher, and conductor, he has contributed to scholarly research on culturally responsive choral pedagogy and presented a TEDx Talk on the transformative power of choirs. He also serves as the National Chair of the American Choral Directors Association’s Diversity Initiatives Committee.
In addition to leading Equity Sings, Harley-Emerson is the CEO & Artistic Director of Elevate Vocal Arts (EVA), which fosters professional and creative opportunities for vocal artists, particularly those from historically marginalized communities. A graduate of Goucher College and the University of Delaware, he is a doctoral candidate at Temple University. As a conductor and composer, he has performed at renowned venues such as St. Peter’s Basilica and the Kimmel Center. His commitment to equity in the performing arts extends beyond performance, ensuring music remains a vehicle for social change.
In addition to leading Equity Sings, Harley-Emerson is the CEO & Artistic Director of Elevate Vocal Arts (EVA), which fosters professional and creative opportunities for vocal artists, particularly those from historically marginalized communities. A graduate of Goucher College and the University of Delaware, he is a doctoral candidate at Temple University. As a conductor and composer, he has performed at renowned venues such as St. Peter’s Basilica and the Kimmel Center. His commitment to equity in the performing arts extends beyond performance, ensuring music remains a vehicle for social change.
Alexander Nguyễn
Project Manager & Equity Coach
Alexander Nguyễn is an arts administrator, choral conductor, and singer based in Philadelphia, PA. He currently serves as the Associate Conductor of the Singing City Choir of Philadelphia and performs as a vocalist with various professional ensembles Philadelphia Symphonic Choir. From the podium, Nguyễn is committed to ensuring equal representation in the rehearsal room. He has dedicated his time to researching music from non-western traditions including Vietnamese folk traditions such as ca dao, nhạc tết, and quan họ as well as the music of Trịnh Công Sơn, Vietnam’s most prominent songwriter. Nguyễn also takes pride in spotlighting the influences of displacement in diasporic communities on music and storytelling.
Nguyễn received his master’s degree in Choral Conducting from Temple University under the mentorship of Dr. Paul Rardin, Dr. Rollo Dilworth, and Dr. Mitos Andaya Hart. As a Southern California native, Nguyễn was raised in El Monte, CA and studied his bachelor’s degree in Choral Music Education at the California State University of Los Angeles with Robert MacNeil, Donald Brinegar, and Dr. Christopher Gravis.
Nguyễn received his master’s degree in Choral Conducting from Temple University under the mentorship of Dr. Paul Rardin, Dr. Rollo Dilworth, and Dr. Mitos Andaya Hart. As a Southern California native, Nguyễn was raised in El Monte, CA and studied his bachelor’s degree in Choral Music Education at the California State University of Los Angeles with Robert MacNeil, Donald Brinegar, and Dr. Christopher Gravis.
Jessica Gambino
Executive Assistant
Jessica Gambino serves as the Executive Assistant at Equity Sings. Based in Philadelphia, PA, she draws on her background as a teacher to ensure a commitment to accessibility and equity for all students within the arts. Her work is driven by the belief that every student can find joy in music and artistry. Gambino has experience working with various youth organizations and schools in the Philadelphia area, including School Lane Charter School, Northeast High School, Charles W. Henry Elementary School, and Play On Philly. She has helped to cultivate a love of creating art in students ages 5 to 18, and believes that extending accessibility to all people is how creativity can flourish.
Gambino is a graduate of the Boyer College of Music and Dance at Temple University, having earned her B.M. in music education. Throughout her undergraduate studies, she dedicated herself to exploring and championing inclusivity in music and performance. Under the guidance of the Temple University faculty, she took interest in featuring artists and compositions from both inside and outside the classical Western music canon. She is particularly committed to promoting diversity in artists, mirroring the rich variety found in the communities that engage with their work Gambino believes that representation is a key facet of equity, and is dedicated to learning and sharing the work being done by individuals across the contemporary music landscape.
Gambino is a graduate of the Boyer College of Music and Dance at Temple University, having earned her B.M. in music education. Throughout her undergraduate studies, she dedicated herself to exploring and championing inclusivity in music and performance. Under the guidance of the Temple University faculty, she took interest in featuring artists and compositions from both inside and outside the classical Western music canon. She is particularly committed to promoting diversity in artists, mirroring the rich variety found in the communities that engage with their work Gambino believes that representation is a key facet of equity, and is dedicated to learning and sharing the work being done by individuals across the contemporary music landscape.
