Daniel Kumapayi

About Daniel Kumapayi

I\'m a Public & Arts Administrator with a strong passion for social impact initiatives. My motivation for these endeavors is deeply rooted in my personal experiences with injustices and challenges. I have chosen a life path dedicated to amplifying the hidden potential of underrepresented voices. Hailing from Ìṣẹ̀-Èkìtì, I\'m the Founder of Àkójọpọ̀, a volunteer organization fostering an entrepreneurial spirit. We aim to provide accessible opportunities for Nigerian musicians to pursue their artistic visions. In this role, I\'ve developed skills in budget management, stakeholder analysis, fundraising, and program development, enabling me to confidently lead programs independently and collaboratively. My expertise in nonprofit management was further enriched during my time as a Production Assistant at the Chicago Philharmonic Orchestra, where I crafted and executed comprehensive production plans for concerts and events. I\'m a Graduate Assistant at the University of Illinois, actively developing undergraduates\' leadership skills through cross-functional initiatives and collaborations with other university programs. I\'ve also worked as a brand ambassador with Chicago Event Management, contributing to content creation and event marketing for the Bank of America Chicago Marathon. In my final year as a public administration student specializing in nonprofit management, my formal education has provided valuable insights from courses in project management, policy, and strategic management. My journey began as a Chicago Public School teacher during the challenging times of COVID-19. This experience taught me the importance of adaptability in ever-changing environments. I came to understand the significance of thorough preparation, community building, and creative problem-solving. Interacting with students, I realized that making a meaningful impact on the community requires a deep understanding of leading for the greater good. It\'s not about imposing a personal vision but rather about listening to people\'s thoughts and voices, allowing them to guide the best ways to meet their needs. I\'ve maintained an active lifestyle and fully engaged in Chicago\'s running community since early 2021. This community has motivated me to achieve marathons and explore new challenges like my first triathlon. My unwavering enthusiasm propels me to continuously demonstrate dedication, even when I don\'t have all the answers. I\'m committed to efficiently utilizing my resources, exceeding expectations, and embracing best practices to represent my workplace effectively.

Experience

1. Panel Member Data & Research Arts Education Leadership Panel

   Ingenuity - Chicago

   Sep 2025 — Present · Chicago, IL, US

   As a selected member of Ingenuity’s Data & Research Arts Education Leadership Panel, I collaborate with cross-sector leaders to advance equity and access in arts education across Chicago Public Schools (CPS). This advisory role focuses on leveraging data and research to drive systemic impact in alignment with Ingenuity’s collective action framework.Key Responsibilities- Provide strategic guidance on data, research, and evaluation priorities that support equitable arts education policies and practices- Identify trends, gaps, and opportunities in arts education through collaborative analysis and dialogue with CPS, arts partners, and philanthropic organizations- Support the development of shared measurement systems and indicators to assess progress toward citywide arts education goals- Offer expert insight to align efforts across diverse stakeholders, ensuring strategies are responsive, inclusive, and community-informed- Champion initiatives that promote access, representation, and equity for all students in CPS arts programming.This work contributes to the advancement of a shared agenda for high-quality, data-informed, and equity-centered arts education across Chicago.

Education

• University of Illinois Chicago

  Master of Public Administration - MPA, Nonprofit Management

• University of Michigan

  Bachelor's degree, Music Education Instrumental

  2016 — 2020