Cecilie Maria Nielsen empowers and leads music communities, building connections among key music industry partners while paving paths toward long-term success. She is a founding producer of the American edition of Independent Venue Week, and has played integral roles in launching the National Independent Venue Association (NIVA) and Port Authority Music Export Academy. Cecilie started at Marauder as an intern nearly a decade ago and has since graduated to a leadership role. She holds a masters degree in music business from New York University’s Steinhardt School and an undergraduate degree in innovation and entrepreneurship from Copenhagen Business Academy. A major factor driving her passion for growing music communities is that she, herself, is a celebrated songwriter and performer under the moniker Cillë.