User:Pewaukee123/sandbox

Dr. Tequila Kurth is a CEO, innovator, and educational leader in the media arts. She has an undergraduate degree from Alverno College and a master’s degree from the Columbia College of Chicago. Kurth also obtained a second master’s degree from Cardinal Stritch University. With experience working in management and education, Kurth now runs UpGrade Media Arts School, Inc. in Milwaukee, WI.

Early Life and Education
Kurth comes from a background invested in the arts. Her mother’s cousin, Linda Lacy, was her first dance teacher for ballet at Ko-Thi Dance Co, Inc. Her family includes many creative and artistic people, including David Lacy (Kurth’s uncle) who was a professional saxophonist in California. Additionally, Joe L. Lacy, Sr. (Kurth’s grandfather) was a gospel singer for the Milwaukee-based group The Meltones and a radio DJ for the Sunday Morning Gospel Program (WNOV AM).

As a middle school student, a teacher noticed Kurth’s artistic talent and asked her to perform a show which advanced her passion for the arts. Kurth attended the Milwaukee High School of the Arts (Milwaukee, WI) and focused on dance. After graduating, her passion for the arts never faltered, so Kurth went to Alverno College in Milwaukee, WI where she majored in communications and minored in dance/buisness management for her undergraduate degree. Kurth continually choreographed in local plays and started to become more interested in arts management although she had already been working in other jobs.

Her passion for music led her to the Columbia College of Chicago for a master’s degree. Kurth then majored in Arts Entertainment and Media Management, specifically in the music industry. She became a scholarship student as part of the AEMMP* program. This record program, being student run, was run at the Columbia College of Chicago with Kurth’s role being the president. As President of AEMMP Records*, Kurth gained much experience from both the program and the college.

*AEMMP Records is a program run by the Graduate students of the Columbia College of Chicago. It won many awards after its original formation in 1982 and is also now the longest standing label in the world (student-run).*

Early Career
Kurth began to work in the management field but was later encouraged by a friend to try working in the education field. She began as a substitute teacher for schools in the Milwaukee area. Kurth worked in several long-term substitute teaching jobs which gave her various new experiences. Her love for teaching and the arts made her realize she wanted to find a way to combine them. Through dedication, Kurth continued to study to become a licensed time teacher. Kurth then studied at Cardinal Stritch University to earn her graduate degree in Educational Leadership. After these various accomplishments, Kurth went on to achieve even more. She was selected as a candidate (out of 13) for the New Leaders Program*. Kurth later founded UpGrade Media Arts school in 2020 after working in leadership in three of the five largest school districts in Wisconsin. Kurth is now an innovator and the CEO of UpGrade Media Arts school. She is within her 14th year of educational leadership.

*The New Leaders program provided a way for new administrators to prepare themselves for effective leadership in urbanized areas.

UpGrade Media Arts
Kurth now runs UpGrade Media Arts Schools* which integrates online learning into its in-person program. The school provides education with both the arts and core subjects. In an interview with WISN12, Kurth states that the arts are very important as students are able to share their stories and enlighten others. Kurth believes that the staff is able to truly connect with students and their families. UpGrade Media Arts is one of a kind in Southeastern Wisconsin, boasting many partnerships with businesses and arts organizations throughout the state, but it has several partnerships with local businesses.

*UpGrade Media Arts Schools is an independent public charter school teaching film, television, podcasting, radio, and recording arts.*

Additionally, Dr. Kurth recently received the National Superintendent Certification from the AASA (American Association of School Administrators).