The Metropolitan Museum of Art has elected Misty Copeland as a Civic Trustee, the Museum's Board of Trustees announced on October 1, 2026.
The election took place at the Board's October 1, 2026, meeting and was announced by Co-Chairs Candace K. Beinecke and Hamilton ("Tony") E. James.
"Misty is a trailblazing dancer whose deep commitment to supporting and engaging with the arts has enriched the cultural landscape both in New York City and beyond," said Board Co-Chairs Beinecke and James. "It is our great pleasure to welcome her to the Board, and we look forward to working with her as stewards of the Museum."
Copeland is a dancer, author, producer, and philanthropist. She made history as the first Black woman to be promoted to principal ballerina at the American Ballet Theater. Her accolades include the NAACP's highest honor, the Spingarn Medal, an Honorary Doctorate of Fine Arts from New York University, and an honorary doctorate from the University of Hartford for her contributions to classical ballet and helping to diversify the art form. In 2014, President Obama appointed her to the President's Council on Fitness, Sports, and Nutrition.
She is the best-selling author of six books and co-founder of the women's athletic wear line for Greatness Wins. Her production company, Life in Motion Productions, focuses on bringing more diverse representations of artists within traditional and new media landscapes. She has served as an ambassador of the Boys & Girls Clubs of America and launched The Misty Copeland Foundation to bring greater diversity, equity, and inclusion to dance.
At The Met, Copeland was one of the honorees at the Museum's 19th Annual Women's History Month event, and she served on the Host Committee for the 2026 Costume Institute Benefit, also known as The Met Gala.
Born in Kansas City, Missouri, and raised in San Pedro, California, Copeland lives in New York City with her husband, Olu Evans, and their son.