NEW YORK CITY: Theatre Communications Group (TCG) has appointed Elena Chang to be its new director of equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) initiatives. Chang moves into the directorship of this newly created department after serving as TCG’s associate director of equity, diversity, and inclusion since 2016.

“I am thrilled to welcome Elena to TCG’s senior leadership team,” said Adrian Budhu, TCG’s deputy director and chief operating officer, in a statement. “Her work over the past few years, specifically around our ED&I programming, Legacy Leaders of Color Video Project, and working with theatres of color, has been invaluable. Her strong commitment to supporting and lifting the American theatre through our values around equity and inclusion will nurture and grow the work of TCG, our membership, and the theatre ecology.”

Chang’s work will be intended to model equity and build community through a cross-departmental, community-centered approach to ensure that TCG’s EDI values are present both internally and externally. Her external work will include the EDI Institute, Legacy Leaders of Color Video Project, the National Conference’s At the Intersections arc, and a renewed programmatic focus on serving theatres of color.

Prior to joining TCG, Chang served program director of the Asian American Arts Alliance, where she was responsible for the development, implementation, and management of all artist-focused programs. Under her leadership, the National Queer Asian Pacific Islander Alliance (NQAPIA) and Asian Pride Project also launched a multilingual national campaign to promote awareness of acceptance of LGBTQ Asian Americans, South Asians, Southeast Asians, Pacific Islanders (AAPI), and their family members. Her advocacy work has been recognized at the White House through the Champions of Change Initiative.