Hillary Watkins is a native of Jackson, MS. She earned her bachelor’s degree in vocal performance from Jackson State University. Hillary is not only a performer, but also an activist and educator. In her undergraduate years, she has performed numerous roles. Those roles include Adele (Die Fledermaus), Lucy (Treemonisha), Gilda (Rigoletto), and Gretel (Hansel & Gretel). In 2016, Hillary performed the role of the Queen of the Night (Die Zauberflöte) in Viterbo, Italy under the International Lyric Academy. She has also competed in the Bahamas (high school) and performed in Vienna, Austria (undergrad w/ chorale). In 2018, she was an instructor for JSU’s Camp Stars Theatre Camp Program. One of Hillary’s many competition achievements was winning the Metropolitan Opera National Council Audition Encouragement Award in 2019 (Memphis District). In 2018 and 2021, she has had two major concerts: “I Wonder As I Wander” Hillary and Special Guests and “An Evening with Hillary,” featuring tenor Gavin Hughes. She has facilitated several panel discussions. One in particular, “The Black Church: Let’s Talk About It,” discussed several historical aspects, including music. Hillary is currently completing her master’s degree in vocal performance at Roosevelt University, CCPA. She has covered the role of Claudette (Bluebeard’s Waiting Room) and performed the role of Seconda sorella (Suor Angelica). She acknowledges Jesus Christ in all things, and He directs her path.