Meet DSO Board Director Julie Somogyi

Julie Somogyi, a devoted champion of nonprofit impact, advocate for girls and women, and avid arts enthusiast, has recently joined the DuPage Symphony Orchestra (DSO) as a board member. Her remarkable passion for the future and dedication to the arts serve as an inspiration to many. Specializing in nonprofit public relations, marketing, and communication, Somogyi brings her expertise in community-based membership strategies and mission delivery experiences to the DSO.

“In my line of business, we focus a lot on the experience. It’s not just the music or the performers, but the whole ambiance of what you’re creating,” Somogyi said.

Somogyi regards the DSO’s recent concert at Cantigny Park, “Flavors of France,” as her favorite event so far. Alongside over one thousand patrons, she enjoyed a magical night of music with her mother and a picnic dinner under the trees.

“That is what I’m hoping to bring: an appreciation for building moments like that for people to experience the symphony orchestra, so they walk away thinking about more than just the music, but what that moment meant to them,” Somogyi said. “The relaxed vibe was just amazing.”

Before focusing on communications, marketing, and public relations, Somogyi started her career as a newspaper reporter after earning a degree in news-editorial journalism from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.

With unwavering dedication to gender equality and inclusion, Somogyi also works closely with many girls and women as the Chief Experience Officer at Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago & Northwest Indiana.

“I’m always sharing with young women that even when you think the world is collapsing on you, you can navigate any challenge that comes your way, not by being the perception of strong, but by forgiving yourself when you’re not necessarily at the top of your game. Knowing one bad day doesn’t mean the next day will be as bad and being optimistic that you’ll be able to figure it out one step at a time,” Somogyi said.

Somogyi displays exceptional passion for helping girls and women navigate the world by providing them with experiences, skills, and tools to lead successful lives. As a DSO board member, she applies these skills in a different way, offering valuable insight into the arts administration world.

“Nonprofits and arts organizations have to be at the forefront of thinking about the factors that play into the relationship you have with the people who appreciate your art, your music, or your mission,” Somogyi said. “It’s constantly being intuitive about what people need, being open to research, data, and trends, reading a lot, and staying well-connected.”

While an arts administration career demands a variety of skills, Somogyi deems curiosity, resilience, and a boundless love of people as the most important. She also finds that managing the ever-changing nature of the career requires a keen sense of flexibility, versatility, and responsiveness.

“It’s actually a very fascinating career path, but you have to approach it knowing you’re never going to achieve a perfect state. It’s always a work in progress, just like art and music,” Somogyi said. “It looks different from when you started and that’s a good thing because it needs to be a reflection of all the people involved in that work.”

Even as a natural introvert, Somogyi emphasizes the power of networking for building relationships, staying connected, and finding career opportunities. While many believe only extroverts can master networking, Somogyi assures that anyone can do it; many introverts just approach it in a more intentional, focused manner.

“Never underestimate an introvert. Maybe we don’t easily network in a big room, but we can network with a person,” Somogyi said. “It’s not my goal to meet as many people as possible, but to meet that one person and build a meaningful connection.”

Offering guidance applicable to many skills beyond networking, Somogyi reminds everyone to stretch themselves and push their bounds to discover their true capabilities. Her deep appreciation for the power of adversity in promoting growth demonstrates her extraordinary wisdom and valuable experiences.

“Just like anything else, you have to practice it, put yourself in uncomfortable circumstances, and build that muscle, just like you’re practicing an instrument,” Somogyi said.

She notes her biggest secret to success is always channeling energy from a place of joy, even during tough times when you may feel overwhelmed with doubt.

“If you show up with joy, passion, and optimism, you can make it through anything that is tossed your way. Never doubt your capacity,” Somogyi said. “You don’t have to know everything or always do everything correctly, but the way you show up is infinitely more important.”

The DSO is thrilled to introduce Julie Somogyi as a superb new addition to the board, and we look forward to the magnificent season ahead with her on board!