MMC Theatre Faculty Recognized as “Women to Watch on Broadway”

Assistant Professor of Theatre Arts Vanessa Leuck and Theatre alum and instructor Monet Hurst-Mendoza ’09

Assistant Professor of Theatre Arts Vanessa Leuck and Theatre alum Monet Hurst-Mendoza ’09, who teaches Introduction to Playwriting at MMC, are among this year’s 40 honorees. The Broadway Women’s Fund, a nonprofit advancing gender equity in theatre, created the list in 2020 to recognize women across the Broadway ecosystem for their professional achievements, influence, and leadership potential, and to encourage producers and investors to support women-led work.

Leuck was recognized for her growing influence as an award-winning costume designer and producer. Her design work spans Off-Broadway and regional theatre, with recent credits including The Great Gatsby: The Immersive Show and productions at Bucks County Playhouse and the Dorset Theatre Festival. Her recent producing credits include Holiday Spirits and A Christmas Carol.

Hurst-Mendoza is an award-winning playwright and television writer whose work weaves together wit, cultural commentary, and inventive storytelling. She recently received both the 2025 Parity Development Award and the Helen Merrill Award. Her play Torera premiered at Alley Theatre, was produced Off-Broadway at WP Theater and in Los Angeles at Outside In Theatre.

Visit the Broadway Women’s Fund website to read the full list and learn more about Leuck, Hurst-Mendoza, and other honorees.

Published: March 11, 2026