NEW YORK, NY.- The Board of Trustees of The Metropolitan Museum of Art announced today that it has elected Misty Copeland as a Civic Trustee. The election took place at the October 1, 2026, meeting of the Board and was announced by Co-Chairs Candace K. Beinecke and Hamilton (“Tony”) E. James.

“Misty is a trailblazing dancer whose deep commitment to supporting and engaging with the arts has enriched the cultural landscape both in New York City and beyond,” said Board Co-Chairs Beinecke and James. “It is our great pleasure to welcome her to the Board, and we look forward to working with her as stewards of the Museum.”

Misty Copeland is a dancer, author, producer, and philanthropist. Among her professional achievements, she made history as the first Black woman to be promoted to principal ballerina at the American Ballet Theater. Additionally, she has received the NAACP’s highest honor, the Spingarn Medal, as well as an Honorary Doctorate of Fine Arts from New York University, and an honorary doctorate from the University of Hartford for her contributions to classical ballet and helping to diversify the art form, among other accolades. In 2014, President Obama appointed her to the President’s Council on Fitness, Sports, and Nutrition.

Ms. Copeland is the best-selling author of six books and co-founder of the women’s athletic wear line for Greatness Wins. Her production company, Life in Motion Productions, focuses on bringing more diverse representations of artists within the traditional and new media landscapes. She has worked with many charitable organizations, serving as an ambassador of the Boys & Girls Clubs of America and launching The Misty Copeland Foundation to bring greater diversity, equity, and inclusion to dance.

At The Met, Ms. Copeland was one of the honorees at the Museum's 19th Annual Women's History Month event, highlighting her commitment to philanthropy through the Misty Copeland Foundation where she has expanded access to ballet in under-resourced communities.

Ms. Copeland also served on the Host Committee for the 2026 Costume Institute Benefit (also known as The Met Gala) celebrating the opening of the Costume Art exhibition and The Met’s Condé M. Nast Galleries.

Ms. Copeland was born in Kansas City, Missouri and raised in San Pedro, California. She lives in New York City with her husband, Olu Evans, and their son.