Dr. Lonel Woods Peace and Love Award Presented to Crane School of Music Alumna Heather Osowiecki ’11 of Miami, Fla.
Heather Osowiecki ’11 of Miami, Fla., was honored with the Dr. Lonel Woods Peace and Love Award from the Julia E. Crane Alumni Association at SUNY Potsdam’s Reunion 2025.
The Julia E. Crane Alumni Association recently honored Heather Osowiecki ’11 of Miami, Fla., with the Dr. Lonel Woods Peace and Love Award during Reunion 2025.
Named after Crane School of Music Dean Emeritus Dr. Lonel Woods (Hon. ’21), who passed away in 2021, this award is presented to alumni who demonstrate an extraordinary commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging in their workplace and/or community. Osowiecki was honored for her extraordinary commitment to advancing equity and inclusion.
About the recipient:
Heather Osowiecki ’11 is a tireless advocate for equity, diversity, inclusion, belonging and accessibility, whose work has meaningfully impacted arts organizations, public institutions and communities nationwide. She brings an inclusive, people-centered approach to every role, creating environments where all individuals feel valued, respected and represented.
Osowiecki graduated summa cum laude from SUNY Potsdam’s Crane School of Music with a Bachelor of Music degree, triple-majoring in music business, music education and music performance, and went on to earn a Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Massachusetts Lowell. She began her career with Opera Saratoga, later holding leadership roles with Florida Grand Opera and the New World Symphony in Miami Beach, Fla.
She currently works in the human resources division of the City of Miami Beach, where she focuses on culture-building and inclusive process development. Since 2020, Osowiecki has also served as an insights consultant with Diaz Inclusion Consulting, leading survey and analysis efforts that help arts and culture organizations nationwide improve their practices.
Beyond her professional contributions, Osowiecki remains deeply connected to the arts and advocacy. She collaborates with the Master Chorale of South Florida, Trinity Cathedral and Miamibloco, a non-profit organization that builds community through samba percussion. She has volunteered with Nu Deco Ensemble, Seraphic Fire and the Crane Institute for Music Business and Entrepreneurship.
Osowiecki is an active member of the American Civil Liberties Union, League of American Orchestras, Pi Kappa Lambda and Sigma Alpha Iota. Her leadership is especially recognized in the areas of accessibility and LGBTQ+ inclusion. Colleagues praise her as someone who goes above and beyond to ensure others feel seen, heard and celebrated.
About The Crane School of Music:
Founded in 1886, SUNY Potsdam’s Crane School of Music has a long legacy of excellence in music education and performance. Life at Crane includes an incredible array of more than 300 recitals, lectures and concerts presented by faculty, students and guests each year. The Crane School of Music is the State University of New York’s only All-Steinway institution and was one of the first Yamaha Institutions of Excellence. For more information, please visit www.potsdam.edu/crane.