Alumni Distinguished Leadership Award
Document Type
Presentation
Publication Date
10-9-2026
Bio
Ms. Lavina Jadhwani was a visionary theater artist and leader whose career reflected distinguished achievement, courageous advocacy, and a deep commitment to inclusion. As a playwright, director, and dramaturg, she reimagined classical works through contemporary, diverse lenses, becoming the first woman of color to direct Shakespeare at the Guthrie Theater. Her widely produced adaptation of “A Christmas Carol” and other works reached hundreds of thousands, expanding access to inclusive storytelling. Lavina served on the boards of the National New Play Network and Chicago Inclusion Project, advancing new works, inclusive hiring, and equitable theater practices. She championed underrepresented voices, created tools addressing bias, and consistently used her platform to elevate others and build community. Lavina died September 10, 2025, after battling breast cancer. Her artistic excellence, courage, and service exemplify the Distinguished Leadership Award and IMSA’s mission to create meaningful societal impact.
Recommended Citation
Jadhwani ‘01 (Posthumous), Ms. Lavina, "Recipient of the 2026 Alumni Distinguished Leadership Award" (2026). Alumni Distinguished Leadership Award. 34.
https://digitalcommons.imsa.edu/alumni_leadership/34