Kate Battenfeld

My Journey with Woolf: How a Global MBA Shaped My Voice in Arts Leadership

I’m Kate Battenfeld, and I’ve spent more than two decades working in music education as a teacher, writer, and program leader. My journey began in New Hampshire and has taken me through Boston, Chapel Hill, and Nashville, always guided by one constant: the transformative power of music. Today, I live in San Diego, California, where I serve as the Associate Director of Early Childhood Programs at the San Diego Youth Symphony. I lead music classes and community outreach for families and schools across the region.

But recently, I felt something shift. I wanted to think more deeply about leadership, impact, and the broader value of the arts in society. That search brought me to the Executive MBA in Arts Innovation offered by Woolf and the Global Leaders Institute.

The program’s flexibility and global outlook immediately stood out. I was drawn to the caliber of the faculty and the diverse community of peers: artists, educators, and changemakers from around the world. Every conversation offered a new lens. Every assignment was grounded in real-world relevance.

One of the most meaningful parts of the experience was the cross-cultural exchange. A standout moment for me was the Innovation Summit in Arequipa, Peru — a week of collaboration, creativity, and connection with peers from across continents. That experience reminded me that the future of the arts is global, and that we grow stronger when we learn from one another.

Woolf and GLI gave me something I didn’t even know I needed: language and frameworks to articulate the impact of my work. I began to see early childhood music education not just as learning, but as a tool for family wellbeing and even public health. The program helped me become a more confident leader, a stronger advocate, and a more strategic designer of programs that center equity and care.

I’ll be honest, at the beginning, I questioned whether my work in early childhood education belonged in a global leadership space. That changed when I presented my capstone on family music-making and parental wellbeing. Sharing it with an international audience and being seen and recognized was a turning point. It reminded me that this work does belong on the global stage.

If you’re considering a Woolf program, my advice is: lean in fully. Bring your lived experience, your questions, and your passion. The community will meet you there.

Today, I’m focused on expanding access to music education by building partnerships across education, healthcare, and community organizations. I’m especially interested in how the arts can support public health — including through social prescribing. Thanks to my experience at Woolf, I feel equipped to lead that work with purpose and clarity.