In this episode, Heena Patel, CEO of MELA Arts Connect, talks about her upbringing in Toronto, Canada, how she transitioned from being a sanitation engineer into a tabla player and performing arts entrepreneur, and where she is now as a cultural connector for arts organizations. Over the years and through MELA, she’s assumed the roles of producer, booking agent, manager, dancer, musician, teaching artist, and diversity and equity advocate. She serves as producer and artistic director for the immersive dance experience Garba360, which is part of the 2021 A2SF summer festival season.