Essence McGill Arzu (Co-President) is a transactional lawyer who focuses on corporate finance, business combinations, banking and nonprofit governance. Essence was first introduced to BDA in 2006 through the Arts and Business Council’s Business on Board program. In addition to her service on BDA’s board, she has served on numerous other nonprofit boards, including the Big Sister Association of Greater Boston, The Partnership, Inc., Boston Bar Foundation, Harvard Club of Boston, Celebrity Series of Boston, Boston Children’s Museum and Boston Educational Development Foundation. Essence received her B.A. from Harvard and Radcliffe Colleges, her M.A. from Harvard Graduate School of Arts & Sciences, Davis Center for Russian Studies, and her J.D. from Columbia University School of Law. Essence studied classical ballet and other dance forms for twelve years and now is an enthusiastic dance audience member. She is proud of BDA’s role as convener and connector within and outside of the dance community.
