Rachael Worby Is Woman of the Year for the 41st Assembly District

Rachael Worby (Photo – ACast292, BenGibbs)

Assemblymember Chris Holden announced Woman of the Year for the 41st Assembly District, and a Woman of Distinction from each city in the district.

By News Desk

As part of the California State Assembly’s annual celebration of Women’s achievement and leadership, Assemblymember Chris Holden recognized Rachael Worby as the 41^st Assembly District’s Woman of the Year.

Worby is a Pasadena resident,  and in 2011 she created MUSE/IQUE, a performing arts nonprofit to bring live music experiences to all, regardless of their sex, gender, age, race, ethnicity, or social status. From a tiny, scrappy, startup, MUSE/IQUE has become a multimillion dollar non-profit, with considerable influence on the performing arts throughout Southern California.

For two years Rachael held the post of Assistant Conductor of the LA Philharmonic. Then, for twelve years she was the Music Director and Conductor of the Young People’s Concerts at Carnegie Hall.  Rachael was appointed by President Clinton to the National Council on the Arts. She conducted and directed the Wheeling Symphony Orchestra for seventeen years before becoming the Music Director of the Pasadena Pops.

Worby’s success in the professional sphere only deepened her ambition to make the world of live music more inclusive. By partnering with over 19 local nonprofits, MUSE/IQUE gives Worby the platform to create lasting, meaningful relationships with people in the community who have often been overlooked. Inspired by her idol Leonard Bernstein, she joyfully interacts with her audience members throughout her shows to make each performance an inclusive learning experience. Worby is staunch in her belief that music belongs to the community.

Women of Distinction

In addition to recognizing Rachael Worby as the 41^st Assembly District’s Woman of the Year, Assemblymember Holden also recognized a Woman of Distinction from each city in the 41^st Assembly District, including:

• Councilmember Dorothy Wong of Altadena
• Dr. Patricia Jessup-Woodlin of Sierra Madre
• Dr. Sylvia Jauregui of Monrovia
• Dr. Laurie Leshin of La Cañada Flintridge
• Julie Olesniewicz of Alta Loma/Rancho Cucamonga
• Linda Logan of La Verne
• Margarita “Rita” Karasik-McGee, Esq. of San Dimas
• Amy Fass of Claremont, and
• Mary Locke of Upland.

“There are few words that fully capture the extent of my appreciation for each of these women. My hope is that through this honor, they know that their hard work and dedication never goes unnoticed,” said Holden.