Director of Marketing and Communications | Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra

Mariah Forde is a communications professional who is dedicated to building community through the power of the arts. She grew up in Germantown, MD where she fostered her passion for the performing arts through vocal performance from elementary through high school. What started as a dream to sing in renowned performance halls across the world, turned into a desire to bring stories and voices from the stage to the page. 

Mariah obtained her Bachelor of Music in Music Business and Entertainment Industries from the University of Miami and a master’s degree in Communication Management from the University of Southern California. Her career began in 2014 with a focus on arts administration with the Levine School of Music in Bethesda, MD. In 2016, Mariah relocated back to South Florida and held positions with the Dennis C. Moss Cultural Arts Center (formerly known as the South Miami-Dade Cultural Arts Center) and Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts of Miami-Dade County. In 2020, she was named an honoree of Legacy Magazine’s 40 Under 40 Black Leaders of Today and Tomorrow for her contributions to the Miami community 

Throughout her roles in arts administration, she was introduced to communications-focused projects and initiatives that would propel Mariah forward into a new chapter in her career. Upon obtaining her master’s degree, Mariah joined Miami Beach’s New World Symphony as PR and Social Media Manager where she facilitated local and national media relations efforts to promote NWS’s initiatives. Beginning in February 2023, she began her newest role of Assistant Director of Communications with both the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra and the New Orleans Opera Association. In this role, Mariah develops strategic communications plans that promote and enhance the organizations’ brands through media relations and storytelling. 

Mariah resides in New Orleans, LA and is a dog mom to her adorable rescue, Harlow.