Chausson's Poème with the Hopkins Symphony Orchestra

Performing as a soloist with a full orchestra is one of the most exhilarating and demanding experiences Ito knows. Every sound the soloist produces becomes the reference point for more than 100 musicians and the conductor. There is no room to hesitate.

In a reflection shared on LinkedIn, Ito described moments leading up to the performance when she questioned whether to carve out time for music alongside research, coursework, and marathon training for the Boston Marathon. She never felt fully ready—but the performance arrives anyway. “So you step forward with conviction, because the music does not wait.”

That moment reminded her of something that extends far beyond music: leadership is not about eliminating fear or reaching a perfect state of readiness. It is about moving forward with clarity and conviction, even in the presence of uncertainty, and still creating something meaningful together.

Ito thanked the musicians of the Hopkins Symphony Orchestra, Maestro Jed Gaylin, and her music mentors—and friends from the Bloomberg School of Public Health and Carey Business School who came to support her. Carey Business School responded to her post: “Thank you for sharing your talents in celebration of The Johns Hopkins University's 150th Anniversary.”

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