Marana Avant, Director of Development, joined the Octet Collaborative team in July 2025 and brings a diverse background in nonprofit development, education, and classical music.  Previously, she worked in the Office of Admission at Boston Trinity Academy where she had the privilege of mentoring middle and high school students. She is also no stranger to the MIT community; from 2018 - 2021, she held positions at the Office of Leadership Giving and the Office of the Recording Secretary. As a freelance classical singer, she has performed with major opera companies and continues to sing professionally on a part time basis. She graduated with a Master of Science in General and Nonprofit Management from Simmons College and a Bachelor of Music in Music Education from the University of Arizona.