Juliet Yaques, Co-Founder and Executive Director: Arts Administration, Grant Development, and Production Leadership

Juliet Yaques is the co-founder and Executive Director of Making Light Productions, an inclusive arts education nonprofit in Tallahassee. Since founding the organization in 2016, she has led its growth into a comprehensive arts center offering theatre, music, dance, visual art, film, technical theatre, private lessons, camps, and fully produced performances for children, teens, and adults of all abilities.

Juliet holds a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology from Florida State University and retired from federal service after more than 27 years of experience in project management, program administration, technology, and public service. She applies that background to Making Light’s operations, grant development, financial management, accessibility initiatives, strategic planning, and organizational growth.

Her arts background includes instrumental music, performance, technical theatre, and production work. She has played flute, saxophone, piano, and other instruments and previously performed with the U.S. Marine Corps 2d Marine Division Band. At Making Light, she has contributed to lighting, sound, technology, production planning, fundraising, and performance, including appearing as Mom in Pete the Cat.

As the parent of a neurodivergent adult, Juliet brings lived experience to Making Light’s inclusive mission. Her leadership focuses on expanding meaningful access to arts education, supporting neurodivergent, disabled, and neurotypical students learning together, and creating pathways for students to participate as performers, artists, technicians, volunteers, apprentices, and employees.