CAATA Welcomes Kayla Kim Votapek as New Executive Director and Announces National Healthcare Benefits Program for Members
New York, NY —November 1, 2025
The Consortium of Asian American Theaters and Artists (CAATA) is proud to announce the appointment of Kayla Kim Votapek 김난주 as its new Executive Director. A multidisciplinary artist, cultural organizer, and transformative leader, Kayla steps into this role at a powerful time in CAATA's journey as the organization prepares to celebrate its 20th anniversary in 2026
Having previously served as CAATA’s General Manager, Kayla transitions into this expanded role with a deep understanding of the organization’s mission and community.
A Korean-American adoptee, storyteller, and advocate for justice in the arts, Kayla brings a deeply embodied understanding of what it means to live, create, and lead in the in-between. Her work at the intersections of identity, artistry, and community healing has shaped national conversations on equity, belonging, and the expansive potential of theater as a liberatory practice.
“Stepping into the role of Executive Director feels like a natural next step in my journey with CAATA. As General Manager, I witnessed the power of this network to build belonging and collective imagination. Now, I’m honored to lead in this new role with care, clarity, and courage; not only to sustain our legacy but to dream even bolder for the artists, communities, and futures we serve,” shares Kayla. “I am excited to co-create a future where artists don’t just survive, but thrive.”
Kayla’s appointment reflects CAATA’s evolving vision as a national advocacy and service organization committed to artists across the Asian American, Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander (AANHPI), Southwest Asian, North African (SWANA), Middle East, North African (MENA), and mixed-race diasporas. Her leadership arrives at a time when CAATA is reimagining its role in building sustainable ecosystems that nourish not only artistic excellence, but also the full humanity of the people who make the art.
New National Healthcare Option for CAATA Members
As one of the first initiatives under Kayla’s leadership, CAATA is proud to launch a new national healthcare benefits program for its members, including artists, administrators, cultural workers, and freelancers across the U.S.
This offering was made possible through the generous support and guidance of the New Jersey Theatre Alliance (NJTA), which first initiated a version of this healthcare option for theater workers in New Jersey. CAATA thanks John McEwen, NJTA’s Executive Director, and Erica Nagel, NJTA’s Deputy Director, for their leadership and insight in helping CAATA navigate healthcare options for its national network.
Healthcare Benefits Available
Through CAATA’s relationship with Patriot Medical Plans and Nich Benefits LLC, CAATA members can now access:
Health Insurance Plans through national PPO networks like Cigna, Anthem, PHCS (and QualCare for NJ residents)
Dental Insurance with no waiting periods for major services, from providers like Delta Dental, MetLife, and Solstice
Vision Coverage through national providers such as VSP and Davis Vision
Supplemental Plans, including critical illness, hospital indemnity, accident, and life insurance — with guaranteed issue (no medical exams required)
These benefits are:
Available year-round (no open enrollment period)
Accessible for individuals, sole proprietors, and small businesses
Offered at competitive group rates
Easy to use with no payroll deductions or employer setup required
Enrollment Details
To learn more or enroll, members can visit www.caata.net or contact Kayla at kayla@caata.net.
About CAATA
The Consortium of Asian American Theaters & Artists (CAATA) envisions a strong and sustainable Pan Asian American theater community that includes Central/West Asian, Arab, Middle Eastern, North African, Pacific Islander, and Native Hawaiian voices. Through national convenings, advocacy, and resource-sharing, CAATA fosters a collaborative network of artists and organizations committed to equity, innovation, and cultural leadership.
Founded in 2006, CAATA continues to be a catalyst for new work, creative dialogue, and transformative justice within the theater field. The organization hosts its flagship ConFest (National Asian American Theater Conference and Festival) biennially in rotating cities across the U.S.
To learn more about CAATA or support its work, please visit www.caata.net.