Celebrating Diversity in the Arts

Johanna Sophia Romo honored at the Latino Excellence Awards Dinner

The Claire Trevor School of the Arts is pleased to announce that M.F.A. student Johanna Sophia Romo received the Graduate Student Excellence Award at the Latino Excellence and Achievement Awards Dinner (LEAD). The LEAD is dedicated to honoring key leaders, graduate students, staff and faculty who champion student success and research within the Hispanic/Latinx community at UC Irvine and greater Orange County.

Romo is a first-generation Latina M.F.A. student and the first in her immediate and extended family to earn a master’s degree. Her graduate training involves both theory and practicum in theatrical stage management. Romo's work involves coordinating with various departments to ensure seamless communication and collaboration among the cast, crew and directors for each production. Her extensive work history includes prestigious organizations such as the Los Angeles Opera, South Coast Repertory, Disney+ and the Boston Lyric Opera, underscoring her significant contributions to the field.

Romo deeply understands the transformative power of the arts in shaping perspectives and challenging narratives. She is passionate about how theatre can illuminate stories beyond the white/Anglo-centric perspective, fostering a richer, more inclusive cultural dialogue. Romo is committed to creating accessible pathways for people of color to share their unique stories through the arts, free from fear of repercussion. Her unwavering dedication embodies the spirit of the LEAD awards — celebrating excellence and nurturing the next generation of leaders within the Hispanic/Latinx community. To learn more about the LEAD, visit inclusion.uci.edu.