Meet Our 2026 Gala Leadership
April 22nd, 2026
Our 2026 Gala Leadership, Alexandra C. Nichols, Carlos R. Cardenas and Shiraz Kotte, invite you to join them on Monday, May 18, 2026 for MIC's 95th Anniversary Gala!
Alexandra C. Nichols, Honorary Chair
Alexandra C. Nichols is one of Chicago’s most impactful civic leaders and philanthropists.
A cherished member of the Music Institute for nearly four decades, Alexandra has been a guiding force in countless ways: as a parent and grandparent, a Trustee, Board Chair, Chair Emerita, Gala Co-Chair, and now as our 2026 Gala Honorary Chair.
Alexandra’s generosity has shaped many of the city’s most treasured institutions, from the Nichols Bridgeway at the Art Institute to Writers Theatre, and has made landmark contributions to the Lyric Opera and WTTW. In recognition of her profound impact, Alexandra, along with her late husband, John, received MIC’s Cultural Visionary Award for Chicago in 2013.
For MIC, the Nichols name holds a special place. Nichols Concert Hall in Evanston stands as a testament to Alexandra and John’s steadfast belief in the transformative power of music and education.
Alexandra’s generosity, leadership, and passion are woven into the very fabric of MIC, ensuring that music remains a vibrant force for good in the world.
Carlos R. Cardenas, Co-Chair
Since joining the Board of Trustees in 2016, Carlos R. Cardenas, CPA, has been a vital source of insight and advocacy, serving as Director, Gala Co-Chair, co-chair of our D&I Working Committee, and a member of our Gala and External Affairs Committees. In 2022, he initiated MIC’s feature on Wintrust Bank’s iconic mural building, an example of a partnership that has flourished for over a decade thanks to his advocacy.
At Wintrust, he oversees a strategic loan portfolio that empowers local businesses to thrive. Carlos often credits his success to a philosophy of adaptability. While born in Chicago, Carlos lived in Mexico from ages 1-4 and moved back to Chicago, where he changed grammar schools six times: Otis to Alexander Hamilton, Hammond, St. Casimir, Hammond again, and finally Bateman. From an early age, Carlos learned to build friendships and succeed in any environment.
His impact reaches far beyond our halls. He has served as Chairman of the National Museum of Mexican Art, Vice President of The Standard Club, Director of Gads Hill Center, as a Leadership Greater Chicago Fellow (class of 2006), on Chicago Innovation’s Board of Advisors, and as a member of Economic Club of Chicago. In addition, Carlos has been named Chicago United Business Leader of Color (2019) and Crain’s Chicago Business Notable nonprofit leader (2021). Carlos is a tireless advocate for Chicago’s cultural and civic health, building a more resilient and inclusive city.
We are honored to have his passionate leadership at the helm of this year's 95th Anniversary celebration!
Shiraz Kotte, Co-Chair
We are so grateful for the leadership of Dr. Shiraz G. Kotte. Joining the Board of Trustees in 2024, her impact has been felt immediately, most notably through her leadership as Co-Chair of our record-breaking 2025 Fall Fundraiser, and her strategic insight on both the Finance and Investment Committee and the Strategic Planning Committee.
As an MIC parent since 2013, and alumna herself, Shiraz brings invaluable on-the-ground insight and an active passion for the transformative power of an exemplary music education. Her son, Shivam, studies piano with Marta Aznavoorian, our 2026 Richard D. Colburn Award for Teaching Excellence honoree, and her daughter, Sonam, studies violin with Sang Mee Lee, who received the same award at last year’s Annual Gala. The Kotte family knows firsthand the power of an exemplary music education, and their generous support is opening doors for hundreds of students each year.
Shiraz’s investment in building strong, healthy communities extends beyond the Music Institute. Alongside her husband, Vijay Kotte, Shiraz founded K4 Capital Group, directing vital funds to businesses moving the needle to tackle today’s challenges. In addition to K4 Capital, Dr. Kotte serves on the investment committee of Purple Arch Ventures, an Alumni Ventures' venture capital fund for alumni of Northwestern.
We thank Shiraz for her service as Co-Chair for our 95th Anniversary Gala and all the ways she makes the Music Institute a place where lives are changed through music!