About

Meet Mikhayla Harrell
Arts Leadership & Advocacy Strategist | Educator | Facilitator

Mikhayla Harrell is an arts leader and strategist with 20+ years of experience designing equitable arts programs, leading curriculum initiatives, and building creative communities across schools, museums, and cultural nonprofits. Her work focuses on strengthening arts ecosystems—helping organizations align vision with action through partnership-building, program strategy, and advocacy that expands public support for arts education.

Mikhayla is known for bridging worlds that don’t always talk to each other: educators and cultural institutions, youth and leadership teams, grassroots communities and formal systems. The throughline is impact—programs that are accountable to the people they serve and built to last.

Co-President, Louisiana Art Education Association — advancing arts education through statewide support, partnerships, and advocacy.

Led the Teen Intern Program at Ogden Museum of Southern Art

Designed and implemented K–12 arts curricula for schools and cultural organizations

Facilitates professional learning in equity-centered, trauma-informed practice

Builds partnerships that expand access to arts learning and cultural participation

Mikhayla also integrates embodiment practices as a leadership tool—supporting sustainable, human-centered work in high-stress systems.

Across all her work, Mikhayla is committed to cultivating inclusive, transformative spaces where creativity, embodiment, and collective care spark peace, equity, and justice in our world.