Sheena Ramirez

Classical Vocalist

Dr. Sheena Ramirez, described as a “light, perky soprano” (New York Times), has been thrilling classical audiences all over the country and around the world. In 2018, she presented a solo voice and organ recital in the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in Scotland and participated in the Opera Studio program at the American Institute of Musical Studies (AIMS) in Graz, Austria. In 2015, she won “Best Female Voice” at the International Gilbert and Sullivan Festival in Harrogate, England as the lead in Patience with the Blue Hill Troupe. She sang leading roles in the American premiers of Olivo e Pasquale (Isabella) and I Due Figaro (Inez) with New York City Opera company Amore Opera, as well as the roles of Pamina (Die Zauberflöte), Frasquita (Carmen), and Gretel (Hansel and Gretel). As a light opera aficionado, within the Gilbert and Sullivan canon she has portrayed Patience (Patience), Yum Yum (The Mikado), Mabel (Pirates of Penance), Josephine (HMS Pinafore), Phyllis (Iolanthe), Zorah (Ruddigore), Zara (Utopia Limited), The Plaintiff (Trial by Jury), and Casilda (The Gondoliers).

In 2021, she completed her work on her Doctorate in Voice Performance, Pedagogy, and Literature, culminating with a dissertation, lecture recital and accompanying museum exhibit – “Words, Music, Memory: An Exploration of Four Soprano Song Cycles by Lori Laitman Based on Poetry By Victims of the Holocaust.” The Words, Music, Memory project continues to be commissioned for performance, including engagements at Kennesaw State University, James Madison University, Wake Forest University and Oberlin Conservatory. Sheena is a graduate of Oberlin Conservatory (BM), New England Conservatory (MM), and James Madison University (DMA).

Higher Ed Administrator

Dr. Sheena Ramirez has an extensive background working in Higher Education, particularly in the areas of Admissions and Recruitment. Recognized as a thought leader in these fields, she has presented for national organizations such as the Alliance for the Arts in Research Universities (a2ru), the International Council of Fine Arts Deans (ICFAD), and the Collegiate Information and Visitor Services Association (CIVSA). She worked in multiple positions over a five-year tenure at Stevens Institute of Technology during a period of remarkable growth. As the Campus Experience Manager and CRM Specialist at Stevens Institute of Technology, she planned all of the University Visit Days, special events, and daily visit options for prospective STEM students. In 2013, she was recognized as the “Technology at our Core” Employee of the Year at Stevens.

She served as the Director of Recruitment for the College of Visual and Performing Arts at James Madison University in Harrisonburg, Virginia. She worked with prospective students in the School of Art, Design, and Art History; the School of Music; and the School of Theatre and Dance. In this role, she was responsible for developing college-wide recruitment events and initiatives, attending high school visits and arts college fairs, organizing audition and portfolio review days, delivering arts specific communications, and systematic data integrity and analysis.

In 2022 she moved to Winston-Salem, NC to join the Office of Admissions at Wake Forest University as their Senior Associate Dean. In charge of Operations, she oversees the technical operations of the Slate CRM, coordinates the file review process, and manages a team of admissions operations professionals. In 2023, she was selected to be a member of the third cohort of the SACAC Leads program.