Zakiya Fola is a cultural strategist, artist manager, and operations leader rooted in Chicago’s South Side, whose work bridges artistic vision with strategic execution. A former performing musician, her journey began at the age of eight as a trombonist, training through some of the city’s most prestigious youth jazz programs and performing alongside legendary artists such as Von Freeman, Donald Harrison Jr., Willie Pickens, and Charlie Haden.

With a career spanning performance, education, booking, and operations, Zakiya brings a holistic understanding of the music industry from both the artist and administrative perspective. She has held key roles across nationally recognized institutions, including serving as a booking agent at Musiq Haus Management in New York, where she worked with acclaimed artists such as Gary Bartz, Herlin Riley, and Bobby Watson.

Zakiya is currently the Program & Operations Manager at the Jazz Institute of Chicago, where she leads internal operations, oversees program execution, and supports large-scale initiatives that engage thousands of artists and audiences annually. She also serves on the executive committee of the Chicago Jazz Alliance and played a key role in bringing International Jazz Day 2026 to Chicago—marking a significant moment for the city’s global cultural presence. In 2024, she was honored with The Spirit of Jazz Award in recognition of her contributions to Chicago’s jazz community and cultural leadership.

As the founder of Fola Management, LLC, Zakiya provides artist management and consulting services designed to help musicians build sustainable, well-structured careers. Her approach combines strategic planning, industry insight, and creative empathy—supporting artists not only in securing opportunities, but in defining their voice, expanding their reach, and building long-term legacy.

In December 2025, Zakiya earned a certification in Executive Presence and Influence: Persuasive Leadership Development, further enhancing her ability to lead artists, teams, and partners with clarity, confidence, and strategic direction.

Zakiya is honored to support visionary artists and looks forward to continuing the work of amplifying brilliance through Fola Management.