Last month, Sumaira Dharani was named the new Director of Education and Outreach at Asia Society Texas, the Houston-based center of the nonprofit, nonpartisan educational institution that works towards cultural exchange through programs exploring the diversity of Asia.
A veteran educator and administrator, Dharani will be responsible for expanding audience engagement with the permanent exhibition Explore Asia and the online resources Asia in the Classroom, as well as “building upon the success of AST’s Super Saturday programming, and deepening AST’s support for local and regional educators and community partners,” according to a press release.
Dharani previously spent more than a decade at Jubilee Monuments Corporation and the Aga Khan Ismaili Council for the United States, where she led educational initiatives and managed large-scale youth programs. Her expertise also includes curriculum design and volunteer management.
She holds a Master of Teaching from University College London’s Institute of Education, a Master of Arts in Muslim Societies and Civilizations from the Institute of Ismaili Studies in London, and a Bachelor of Arts in Economics with minors in Political Science and Psychology from the University of Toronto.
“We’re delighted to welcome Sumaira to the team,” said Bonna Kol, Asia Society Texas President, in a statement.
“Her extensive experience in education and cultural nonprofit work—paired with a genuine passion for students and a deep commitment to fostering global citizenship and intercultural understanding—will be invaluable as we build upon our educational offerings,” Kol said.
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Sonja Kostich joins Houston Ballet as its new Executive Director, effective this month, following the announcement of her appointment in May. Previously, she served as President and Executive Director of Baryshnikov Arts in New York.
With an expansive career that combines the world of ballet and finance, Kostich began her journey as a professional dancer at age 17 at American Ballet Theatre. Over the course of more than two decades, she also performed with San Francisco Ballet, Zurich Ballet, Baryshnikov’s White Oak Dance Project, and in collaborations with opera and theater director Peter Sellars. Additionally, she co-founded and co-directed the contemporary dance company OtherShore.
Following her retirement from the stage, Kostich earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting from the Zicklin School of Business at CUNY Baruch College, as well as a master’s degree in arts administration. Her business experience includes roles at Goldman Sachs, Mark Morris Dance Group, New York City Center, and Kaatsbaan Cultural Park, where she was Chief Executive and Artistic Officer from 2018-2022.
According to a press release, Houston Ballet’s co-Artistic Directors, Julie Kent and Stanton Welch, have both worked with Kostich in the past: Kent and Kostich shared time during their dance careers at American Ballet Theatre, and Kostich was an original cast member of Welch’s Maninyas (1996) choreographed for San Francisco Ballet.
Kostich succeeds James Nelson, who retires after four decades with Houston Ballet, having served as company manager and general manager over the years, and Executive Director since 2012.
Houston Ballet will open its 2025-26 season on September 5 with John Cranko’s Onegin, and it is one of the participating arts organizations of the 2025 Houston Theater Week.
Houston Arts Journal 