From the drum corps field to the Rio Grande Valley, Andrea Davila’s journey is rooted in a belief that access matters. In this episode, she shares how she blends marketing expertise with mission-driven work—helping organizations like Bluecoats and Synergy Percussion communicate with clarity and care. You’ll leave this episode with a better understanding of both marketing strategy and advocacy in action.

Guest Bio:
Andrea Davila is the co-founder of Synergy Percussion and has led impactful marketing efforts for Bluecoats Drum and Bugle Corps, UTRGV School of Music, and Pageantry Innovations. She’s driven by a passion for providing equitable opportunities to students, especially those from underserved communities in the Rio Grande Valley.

Arielle Isaac Norman doesn’t just tell jokes—she challenges the entire system. In this episode, we dive into Arielle’s sharp, boundary-pushing comedy and how she weaves politics, gender, and identity into her work with fearless nuance. From her debut special Ellen DeGenderless to her take on language, labels, and cultural expectations, Arielle proves that satire can be a powerful—and hilarious—tool for disruption.

Arielle Isaac Norman is a politically fluid, gender-nonconforming lesbian comic whose dark humor tackles hot-button issues with fearless nuance. She’s performed across the U.S. at SXSW, Skankfest, and SF Sketchfest, and opened for comedy greats like Maria Bamford and Louie C.K. Her 2024 special Ellen DeGenderless is a raw, satirical dive into the politics of identity, language, and culture.

Julie Davila is a name you’ll find etched in the halls of WGI and PAS, but her story is far more than accolades. In this episode, Julie shares how her career was built on relationships, initiative, and the quiet power of follow-through. Whether you're a music educator or performer, Julie’s journey reminds us that steady growth and meaningful timing win the race.

Guest Bio:
Julie Davila is a celebrated percussionist, educator, and leader in the marching arts. She’s President of the Percussive Arts Society, a WGI Hall of Fame inductee, and a longtime judge for DCI. Julie is an adjunct professor at MTSU, author of multiple percussion method books, and a clinician who has performed around the world.

What happens when you finally give yourself permission to create what you want? Kelly Raaz answers that question through her story of starting a successful business built on punk nostalgia and self-expression. We talk about healing your younger self, staying true to your voice, and building something real from the ground up.

Guest Bio:
Kelly Raaz is the founder of All That Raaz, an apparel and accessories brand that celebrates emo and pop punk culture. From vending at When We Were Young Fest to opening her own retail space in Austin, she’s carved out a business rooted in authenticity, nostalgia, and DIY creativity.

Kate Warren is here to challenge every limiting belief about musicianship. In this episode, she talks about mental health in the arts, the science behind motivation, and how social media can be a platform for positive change. If you’ve ever felt stuck between your passion and practicality, this episode is your reminder that a thriving music career is possible—and personal.
Kate Warren is an internationally recognized hornist, music educator, and mental health advocate. She’s a featured soloist with Blast!, a lecturer at Ocean County College, and Social Media Coordinator for the International Horn Society. With degrees from Yale, the New School, and FSU, she uses her platform to create accessible, empowering resources for musicians.

From Mean Girls to Cirque du Soleil, Mackenna Tolfa has played it all—and played it well. In this episode, she reveals how staying curious led to world tours, composing original works, and becoming one of the first female drummers to be featured with Blue Man Group. We talk about initiative, identity, and what it means to discover who you are while staying in motion.

Mackenna Tolfa is a global performer, composer, and trailblazer in percussion. She’s toured over 20 countries and currently plays drum set for the Mean Girls National Tour. Previously, she made history as the first featured female drummer for the Blue Man Group World Tour. Her compositions and collaborative projects celebrate the power of music across cultures.

Mackenna's links:

Website: https://www.mackennatolfamusic.com/

What does it mean to direct without dominating? Allison Price (they/them) invites us into their world of intimate, immersive theater and queer performance. With accolades from the Kennedy Center and a deep commitment to inclusive environments, Allison shares how great directing is about releasing control, managing relationships with care, and using the stage as a tool for advocacy.
Allison Price (they/them) is a director and deviser focused on works that are intimate and have a bite. Specializing in new work development, opera, queer performance, and immersive audience experiences, they are a recipient of the Kennedy Center SDC Directing Fellowship, the WildWind New Play Development Residency, and the National Directing Award from the Kennedy Center.

Learn more about our guests and sponsors, and get more resources at: https://www.femfortepodcast.com/

Allison Price: https://allisonpricedirector.com/

Simply Sapphic Podcast: https://www.simplysapphic.com

In this episode of Fem Forte, I am joined by Paulette Tomlinson, the Director of Fine Arts at Tomball ISD. Paulette shares her inspiring journey from band director to fine arts director, highlighting the pivotal moments and challenges she faced along the way. We delve into the crucial role of arts advocacy in the Texas state legislature and discuss how it directly impacts the future of fine arts education in public schools. Join us for an insightful conversation about the power of arts in education and the importance of legislative support for the arts.