Breaking Barriers: Alia Jones-Harvey's Journey to Broadway Success

Alia Jones-Harvey's path to being a noted Broadway producer is an interesting one. Hailing from Largo, Maryland, she was surrounded by the arts throughout her upbringing. Her creative spirit was fueled from within by watching the lively performances in local theaters.

Since her early years, Alia had dreams of not just being a spectator but actively participating in the world of Broadway behind the scenes.

Alia faced challenges starting out. Back then, Broadway was not very welcoming to people of color, especially women who wanted roles behind the scenes. The lack of people like her made things difficult, but Alia didn't give up.

Even though the odds were against her, Alia decided to face the industry head-on. She jumped right in and did what she could to figure out how everything worked in theater. From choosing actors to understanding the money side behind successful Broadway shows, Alia did not miss a beat in her quest for knowledge.

The theater world seemed like a club that did not want to change, but Alia was different. She would not follow the usual way of doing things. Her message was that if you are enthusiastic and put in the hours, there are no limits. It turned out that her way of thinking would become her greatest power in an industry that had not known much diversity.

Alia kept going and it paid off for her. One big victory was her producing A Trip to Bountiful, a Broadway show that earned raves for its outstanding cast and moving story. It was not just Alia's victory, though. It was a big step toward a more diverse and inclusive Broadway.

That is not the end of her success story. She followed up with other hit shows, and each one shifted things on Broadway. Take Eclipsed, for example. It was all female and all Black, making Alia an early pioneer in this industry that did not always give voices like hers the spotlight. But Alia did not stop with great shows.

She also took the time to train and encourage newcomers, particularly those not often chosen. She just wanted to remove the same barriers that had held her back to make it easier for the next generation of producers and creative minds to take a similar path.

From dreaming big until she became a Broadway producer, Alia Jones-Harvey demonstrates that passion and not giving up do make a difference. She worked very hard, was determined, and made sure everyone felt a part of it. She achieved her goals, yes. But she also opened doors to a more diverse and exciting future for Broadway.