Chiwoniso Kaitano has spent her career at the intersection of art, storytelling, and social change. A passionate advocate for artists and creative communities, she believes that art is one of the most powerful forces for shaping how societies understand themselves and imagine new futures. Originally from Zimbabwe, she has lived on three continents and built a career grounded in the belief that art and culture is central to thriving communities and social transformation.

In 2023, Kaitano became Executive Director of MacDowell, the nation’s preeminent multidisciplinary artists residency program. In the role, she stewards both the organization’s creative vision and its long-term sustainability, supporting generations of artists who come to MacDowell to develop bold new work across disciplines. 

Kaitano’s path to arts leadership has been shaped by a global perspective. Before joining MacDowell, she served as Executive Director of Girl Be Heard, an international nonprofit that empowers young people to speak out about issues affecting their lives through theater and storytelling. During her four years leading the organization, she helped expand its reach and deepen its commitment to youth-driven advocacy and artistic expression around the world. Her academic training reflects the same global outlook that defines her work: Kaitano holds a law degree from the London School of Economics and a Master’s degree in international affairs from Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs.