Laura Segura Joins She Is The Music as Executive Director

Laura Segura has been appointed the next executive director of She Is The Music (SITM), a global nonprofit co-founded by Alicia Keys, Jody Gerson, Ann Mincieli and Sam Kirby Yoh that champions gender equality and works to increase the number of women across the music industry.

She will succeed Michelle Yablans, who is stepping down at the end of the month after a successful six-year run, and will lead SITM’s strategic vision, global programs, partnerships and expansion. Segura will oversee initiatives such as all-women songwriting camps, a global creator database, mentorship cohorts, research and advocacy, and partnerships with labels, publishers, DSPs and educational institutions. Her responsibilities include strengthening industry relationships, guiding international growth, managing operations, and driving fundraising efforts.

“I’m so proud to welcome Laura into this role,” said Keys. “She has spent her career lifting people up, building support systems that work, and making sure no one is left behind — and that spirit is at the heart of She Is The Music. Laura understands the challenges women face in this industry and brings the strength, clarity, and compassion needed to create real, lasting change. I know she will help us push our mission even further, opening more doors, elevating more voices, and building a future where women are fully seen, heard, and supported.”

Segura joins She Is The Music after an impactful tenure as executive director of MusiCares, where she spearheaded record-breaking relief efforts, including $35.7 million in pandemic aid and an additional $16 million during the Los Angeles-area fires. Under her leadership, MusiCares expanded its operating budget, modernized systems and introduced programs such as Humans of Hip Hop and the Wellness in Music initiative.

Appointed ED of MusiCares in 2020, Segura previously served as vice president of membership and industry relations at the Recording Academy, where she advanced diversity initiatives and reformed membership structures. Her contributions have earned her repeated recognition on Billboard’s Women in Music list and other industry honors. Segura also serves on the Entertainment Community Fund’s Housing Board, continuing her commitment to advocacy and community support.

Keys’ fellow co-founders Gerson, Mincieli and Kirby Yoh added their enthusiasm for Segura’s appointment, calling it a pivotal moment for the organization. “Her commitment to driving meaningful change reflects the mission we set out to champion from day one,” they said. “Laura brings a rare blend of vision, experience, and genuine care for the people who make this industry thrive, and under her leadership, SITM will continue creating opportunities for women across every corner of the music ecosystem.”