Leading with Purpose: A Conversation with Dr. Myra Rhoden

In this episode of Leading with Grace Notes: Conversations from the Podium, we’re joined by Dr. Myra Rhoden, founder of the Association of Black Women Band Directors and the Athena Music and Leadership Camp.

Dr. Rhoden shares how her upbringing in Tuskegee instilled a sense of pride, purpose, and perseverance that continues to shape her work today. We explore her commitment to teaching leadership to young women, the power of community, and the pivotal moment that sparked the creation of the Athena Camp, when her husband asked a simple but challenging question: “What are you going to do about it?” after she noticed young girls’ surprise at seeing a woman on the podium.

This conversation is a heartfelt look at what it means to turn challenges into opportunities, lead with intention and build spaces that inspire confidence and connection in the next generation of musicians.