Episode #12
Rachel S. Moore: Making The Music Center a Place for Everyone
What happens when the career you've built your entire identity around suddenly changes? On this episode of Live From LA County, host Rodney Collins sits down with Rachel S. Moore, President and CEO of The Music Center, for a conversation about reinvention, leadership, accessibility, diversity, community and the power of the arts to make people's lives better. Before becoming an arts executive, Moore was a professional ballet dancer with American Ballet Theatre. When an injury changed the trajectory of her dance career, she faced the difficult task of redefining who she was and what came next. That transition ultimately led her from the stage to arts leadership and to a mission of ensuring future generations have opportunities to create, perform,participate, and experience the arts. Moore takes us inside The Music Center's work to serve communities throughout Los Angeles County, from arts education reaching students and teachers to free community programming, Dance DTLA, major celebrations on Jerry Moss Plaza, and efforts to ensure programming reflects the extraordinary diversity of LA County. She also shares her approach to leadership, why humility matters, how she defines success, and what The Music Center is envisioning as Los Angeles prepares to welcome the world for the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Host: Rodney Collins Producers: Tina Curry, Ramla Javed, Alban Kalasa, Mark Whitney, Sofia Khan Editor: Mark WhitneyGuest: Rachel S. Moore Live From LA County is a storytelling podcast that celebratesthe voices and experiences of Los Angeles County employees. Centered on meaningful conversations, each episode features interviews with County leaders, changemakers, and team members across all levels, highlighting the depth and diversity of our workforce and the shared values that connect us all. From community engagement and cultural milestones to creative problem-solving and innovation, this podcast invites listeners into honest, inspiring discussions about what it means to serve Los Angeles County. It’s a space to listen, learn, and lead together with empathy and purpose. The podcast kicks off with the Living Library Series, a collection of candid conversations with LA County Department Heads. Hosted by Rodney Collins, Chief Deputy Director of theDepartment of Human Resources, this series offers a closer look at the personal and professional journeys of our County leaders. Each episode dives into unfiltered conversations about their values, career paths, challenges, accomplishments, and what makes their LA County story unique.
