Behind the Music: Alumni Spotlight with Shanti Ifill ‘99
Shanti Ifill ‘99 is Vice President of Marketing and Sponsorship for Live Nation Latin America, overseeing marketing, ticketing, and sponsorship for major concert tours across the region for artists like U2, Coldplay, Bruno Mars, and Paul McCartney. With over 16 years at Live Nation, she has played a key role in building the company’s presence and success throughout Latin America.
A graduate of Oakwood School and Columbia University, where she studied English and Dance, Shanti also holds a master’s degree in Music Business from NYU. She is passionate about mentorship and expanding access to education for BIPOC students, and serves on the Boards of the Speyer Legacy School and The HopeLine in New York City.
A former professional hip-hop dancer, Shanti has performed in Debbie Allen’s The Chocolate Nutcracker, for the WNBA’s Los Angeles Sparks, and taught dance in New York City for over a decade. She is proud to be part of Oakwood’s BIPOC Alumni Committee.
How did your time at Oakwood help to prepare or impact you for your current career, activities, friends, etc.?
Oakwood laid the foundation for so many aspects of who I am today, both personally and professionally. Oakwood is where I first learned to think critically, question thoughtfully, and approach challenges with curiosity and problem-solving skills. I also learned how to write in a way that helped me find my voice and express ideas with clarity and purpose.
Participating in school productions like The Music Man, teaching Hip Hop dance to other students as an elective, and immersing myself in a range of creative opportunities gave me a lifelong appreciation for the arts. These experiences didn’t just shape my interests; they gave me the confidence to show up as myself in any room. Oakwood was a place where individuality was celebrated, and that ethos has continued to guide me in all areas of my life.
Did you know what you wanted to study/focus on academically when you graduated from Oakwood?
Not really. I graduated without a very clear academic path in mind, but Oakwood gave me the tools to explore. That openness to learn and to discover was invaluable. Eventually, I found my way to studying English and Dance at Columbia University, and then Music Business at NYU, and that came through continued exploration and encouragement to follow my curiosity.
Did you have a favorite class or teacher at Oakwood?
Reading Invisible Man in AP English was a pivotal moment for me. The experience of reading that book changed the way I saw literature and identity. It had such an impact that I ultimately chose to major in English in college. And I can’t answer this question without naming Mickey Morgan. His support, his perspective, and the way he showed up for students left a lasting mark on me. His guidance helped shape my experience at Oakwood in profound ways.
What do you love most about what you’re doing now?
Working in the concert industry is a constant adventure. No two days are the same, and every tour brings its own challenges and rewards. But there’s nothing quite like the moment when a massive crowd comes together to share in the joy of live music.
When you’re at a stadium show in Latin America and the crowd erupts—with fans screaming, singing every lyric, and the energy so intense that the ground is literally shaking—it’s magical. Being part of creating that experience is both humbling and exhilarating.
What advice do you have for young people who want to go into the marketing industry?
Get out there! Intern, volunteer, ask questions, and seek out informational interviews. This is a relationship-driven industry, and networking is essential. But just as important is gaining a full understanding of how the business works. Learn what different roles entail, see what excites you, and be open to unexpected paths. It’s not always glamorous, but if you’re passionate and willing to put in the work, it can be incredibly rewarding.
Did you have any strong female mentors throughout your career?
Yes, I’ve been fortunate to learn from and be supported by several incredible women throughout my career. Stacey Stewart, who was my first boss and oversaw all entertainment for the LA Sparks, and Carolyn Specht, longtime head of finance at Live Nation Latin America, stand out as two mentors whose leadership, strength, and insight helped guide me at critical moments. Their example showed me what it looks like to lead with confidence and compassion in an often male-dominated industry.
What is a professional highlight of your career, either where you currently work or in the past?
One standout moment was promoting Paul McCartney’s free show at the Zócalo in Mexico City. It drew hundreds of thousands of people—an unforgettable, once-in-a-lifetime kind of experience. Seeing that many people come together in joy and awe was deeply moving and a true career high.
Do you have a favorite moment or a fun memory to share from your time at Oakwood?
I always think back fondly to the school assemblies. They were such a celebration of creativity and community. Students would share music, dance, poetry, whatever moved us. And the sense of support and appreciation in the room was palpable. It was such a unique and affirming part of school life and something I’ve never forgotten.
