Dr. Alicia Romero-Sardiñas is the founder and creator of Empowering Voices. She is the Director of Education and Artistic Programs for the non-profit Vocal Youth Miami and an adjunct professor of Music Education at Florida International University. She teaches University Singers, Vocal Techniques, Secondary Choral Methods, and Seminar in Music Education. She also supervises future teachers in their internships.  A first-generation American daughter of Cuban immigrant parents, Dr. Romero-Sardiñas holds degrees in Music Education from Florida International University (B.S.) and Florida State University (M.M.Ed) and a degree in Curriculum and Instruction (Ph.D.) from Florida International University.

Dr. Romero-Sardiñas is a dedicated educator and choral leader who believes that education is about people first and foremost. She began teaching in Miami-Dade County public schools over 20 years ago, instructing students in choir, piano, theory, and orchestra. Whether working with "big bodies or little bodies," her teaching is rooted in the conviction that everyone deserves to be appreciated and cared for, and she views the classroom as a unique space to share the "ultimate act of hope".

Her academic and research interests reflect her commitment to meeting students exactly where they are and building them up. Dr. Romero-Sardiñas has presented her research at the annual Florida Music Education Association (FMEA) conferences, the Biannual National Association for Music Education (NAfME) Conference, and the College Music Society International Conference. Her philosophy emphasizes that the journey of learning is more valuable than the destination, and she actively champions a "growth mindset" that celebrates struggle as a necessary path to success.

As a sought-after choral clinician and adjudicator throughout Florida, Dr. Romero-Sardiñas moves beyond a strict pursuit of technical perfection. She operates under the belief that we do not attend live concerts to hear perfection, but to feel a connection to our shared humanity. She often describes the "magic" of music-making as collective effervescence, the profound communal emotion that arises when individuals from different walks of life work together for a common, beautiful goal.

In addition to her clinical work, Dr. Romero-Sardiñas serves as a board member of the Florida Vocal Association, where she has developed programs to encourage student composers. Through her platform, Empowering Voices through Music, she seeks to build a supportive community for choral directors and foster independent music makers. Guided by the principle that "rushing is the enemy of contemplation," she remains a passionate advocate for mindful, intentional teaching that honors both tradition and the necessity of growth.