Tracy Popenhagen Appointed to Sweet Adelines International Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Council

Sweet Adelines International recently announced the appointment of Tracy Popenhagen to its Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) Council, a body charged with ensuring that diversity, equity, and inclusion remain a sustained priority across the global Sweet Adelines community.

In this international role, Tracy will help guide DEI strategy, dialogue, and long-term organizational practices, supporting systems that allow every member to participate fully, authentically, and with a genuine sense of belonging. The Council’s work ensures that Sweet Adelines’ commitment to equity and inclusion is not symbolic, but embedded into how the organization listens, learns, and leads in meaningful ways.

Popenhagen sings lead in the San Diego Chorus and contributes to creative development.

Tracy sings lead in The Clef Hangers.

Their hallmark as an MC is a quick wit and engaging humor.

ADVANCING DEI AT THE INTERNATIONAL LEVEL
The Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Council is guided by Sweet Adelines International’s core principles of Culture of Belonging and Diversity & Inclusion. Together, these principles call the organization to celebrate difference as essential to harmony, recognize barbershop’s African American origins, learn from an exclusionary past, and reject discrimination in all its forms.

Tracy’s approach aligns closely with this mission. They view DEI not as a checklist or compliance exercise, but as people-centered systems work—focused on how culture, leadership, and decision-making shape real experiences.

While intent is important, Tracy emphasizes that impact ultimately defines success. Their work encourages organizations to listen closely, reflect honestly, and adjust practices when outcomes fall short of stated values—building structures that endure beyond individual leaders or moments in time.

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​“DEI succeeds when it’s built into systems, not carried by a single voice," Popenhagen says.

LEADERSHIP THAT EMBRACES LEARNING AND GROWTH
With a background in education, facilitation, and organizational development—along with professional experience supporting large, complex organizations including key roles at Adobe and Apple—Tracy brings a systems-oriented approach to DEI leadership.

Rather than avoiding moments of tension, they encourage leaders to slow down and approach disagreement with curiosity rather than defensiveness. Discomfort, Tracy notes, is not the same as harm. Particularly in volunteer-led performing arts organizations, growth often includes unease—and that discomfort can be a sign that meaningful learning is taking place.

This mindset creates space for respectful dialogue, accountability, and forward momentum without eroding trust.

Popenhagen with section leader Rachel Jones and Education Coordinator Kayla Rodgers

​DEI IN PRACTICE: CHAPTER-LEVEL LEADERSHIP IN SAN DIEGO
Concurrently, Tracy is also leading DEI efforts at the chapter level for the San Diego Chorus, providing a real-time example of how international principles translate into everyday chorus life. This work focuses on how DEI shows up in practice - from rehearsal culture and communication norms to leadership pathways and decision-making.

Locally, Tracy will work closely with Melanie Jewell, baritone with the San Diego Chorus and Charmed quartet and director of the Vista Hills Chorus, to build on and carry forward existing DEI efforts within the chorus. Together, they are helping ensure that inclusive practices are practical, relational, and sustained, woven into the fabric of chorus culture rather than treated as a separate initiative.

When singers feel safe, supported, and respected, performance improves. Belonging and excellence reinforce one another.

A PRACTICE, NOT A DESTINATION
Success in DEI work, Tracy believes, is measured by systems that endure and structures that do not rely on a single individual to advocate or explain. It is reflected in leaders who remain open to learning, and in members who feel they truly belong and can show up fully as themselves.

"DEI is not a destination. It is an ongoing practice," Popenhagen says.

With Tracy Popenhagen’s appointment to the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Council, and their concurrent chapter-level leadership, Sweet Adelines International continues to deepen its commitment to creating harmony that is not only sung, but lived.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Nicole Knox sings with Nick of Time A Cappella Quartet and is a member of the San Diego Chorus, where she was named the 2023 Sweet Adeline of the Year. A fractional Chief Marketing Officer, she supports organizations and singers by sharing her expertise in brand, marketing, and communications.

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ABOUT THE SAN DIEGO CHORUS
Founded in 1951, the San Diego Chorus of Sweet Adelines International performs award-winning four-part barbershop harmony. A two-time International Chorus Champion, the nonprofit performing arts organization is dedicated to education, entertainment, and competition, and welcomes women and non-binary treble singers committed to musical excellence and growth.

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ABOUT SWEET ADELINES INTERNATIONAL
Sweet Adelines International is a global nonprofit music education organization founded in 1945 and headquartered in Tulsa, Oklahoma. One of the world’s largest singing organizations for women, Sweet Adelines International includes more than 25,000 members, 1,200 quartets, and 600 choruses across multiple countries worldwide.