Welcome to our new blog series: Access Advocates! Here, we’ll feature people who have invested in Audiences Unlimited in significant ways. Whether they served on the board, made a financial contribution, or advocated for those with limited access to the arts in some other way, we want you to hear the stories about why they have chosen to invest in our vision of inspiring others to value a rich quality of life for all people.

When Kody Tinnel signed up for the Young Leaders of Northeast Indiana (YLNI) Leadership Institute in 2015, he had no idea it would lead him into the world of arts accessibility. One of the program’s activities—a nonprofit “board speed dating” event—introduced him to dozens of organizations seeking new leaders. But one conversation stood out.

“I met Anna Ross from Audiences Unlimited, and I was fascinated,” Kody recalled. “I had never heard of this organization before, but the idea of using music to reach people who might otherwise go without really intrigued me.”

That curiosity led to a six-month board internship—and soon after, a formal invitation to join the Audiences Unlimited Board of Directors, where Kody served from 2016 to 2018.

“It was my first real nonprofit board experience,” he said. “I learned so much about governance, budgeting, and collaboration. The staff and board were incredibly dedicated—a cohesive team that really believed in the mission.”

For Kody, that mission—bringing the arts to those who might not otherwise experience them—hit home on a deeply personal level. “If you went through your entire day without hearing music or experiencing art, you’d be missing something intrinsic to being human,” he said. “Music connects us, heals us, and brings joy. Everyone deserves access to that.”

As part of AUE’s marketing committee, Kody helped amplify the organization’s story and build community awareness. “We wanted to make it less of a best-kept secret,” he said with a smile. “It was exciting to help open the next chapter for an organization with so much potential.”

Today, as vice president of community development at Arts United, Kody continues to champion that same spirit of collaboration and access. He’s proud that Audiences Unlimited programming has found a sustainable home within The Embassy’s regional framework.

“The merger is a great example of nonprofits strategically merging resources for the greater good,” Kody said. “What matters most is that the programs continue—and that people in our community continue to experience the joy that art and music bring.”

And to those considering supporting or getting involved with Audiences Unlimited, Kody offers a reminder: “Access to the arts is what makes us truly human. Every little bit of investment is powerful—and absolutely worth it.”