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Carmen Santos-Robson
Carmen Santos-Robson
Director of Development
Carmen is the inaugural Director of Development for the newly named Sands College of Performing Arts. Born and Raised in Puerto Rico, USA, Carmen is a graduate of New England Conservatory of Music in Boston where she earned a Bachelor of Music in vocal performance and a Master of Music Degree in vocal pedagogy.
In her former position, Carmen led solicitation of five to six figure major gifts, totaling approximately $1 million annually. A lifelong arts enthusiast; She started her career in music and music administration, including positions as the Director of youth orchestras at New England Conservatory, Preparatory school, Personnel Director for the Boston Philharmonic Orchestra and Merchandise Marketing director for the Blue Note Entertainment group and Harley Davidson Cafe, before ultimately transitioning to fundraising.
Carmen has spent the greater part of her professional career creating and advocating for youth arts education programs. She has designed programs and residencies creatively implementing the NJ core curriculum standards, such as a STEAM Lab, accessible percussion programs, choral programs, and instrumental instruction. She founded and directed the Newark School of the Arts Children's Chorus who she led in performances at notable venues like Carnegie Hall, and Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C.
Following her passion for working with young children, Carmen created an Early Childhood Music Education program based on cutting edge research designed to mitigate the effects of toxic stress for socioeconomically challenged children and their families. The program proved so needed that it has been scaled for Early Head Start and Kindergarten throughout Newark bolstered by the quantifiable dividends such early intervention in high-quality early childhood education programs yield. She also created a sequential arts education program for older adults (55+) designed to reduce isolation, improve mental and physical health, and promote social connections. Her philosophy of empowering students of diverse backgrounds to discover the possibilities of artistic expressivity by gaining a strong and clear command of their artistry pervades the curriculum. “I approach the work respectfully, understanding that each student is authentic and unique.” Carmen is currently pursuing her MBA, class of 2025.