Debora Wondercheck – Los Angeles Times

Founder & CEO
Conservatory of Art and Learning

In 2004, Debora Wondercheck founded the Arts & Learning Conservatory (ALC), an award-winning nonprofit organization that provides equitable performing arts education to students of all ages and backgrounds. Her personal journey began when her mother fled an abusive relationship, taking only their instruments with her. The solace Wondercheck found in the arts during this challenging time fueled her passion to provide similar opportunities for all young people. In 2022, she was honored as Alumni of the Year by Vanguard University, Woman of the Year by Costa Mesa, Woman of Distinction by the California Legislature Assembly and named Commissioner of the Arts for Costa Mesa. Her accomplishments include producing performances across the country such as “Gospel Voices of OC” and “Music of the March,” and the creation of a new theater that opened in August.