2026 CME STEM Leadership Award for Lifetime Achievement

Ann Ziff serves as Chairman of the Metropolitan Opera, where her visionary leadership and enduring commitment to the arts have shaped one of the world’s premier cultural institutions. A passionate advocate for interdisciplinary collaboration, she has forged meaningful connections between music, education, and science. As co-founder and founding Chairman of Smile Train, she has advanced global healthcare access for children. Her philanthropic reach includes Juilliard, Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, and the World Science Festival, where she champions the intersection of artistic and scientific inquiry. Ms. Ziff holds advanced degrees in social work and music therapy, and lectures internationally on the transformative power of the arts. She also designs jewelry under the Tamsen Z brand and founded the Caribbean Community Theater in St. Croix. Her lifelong dedication to education, music therapy, and expanding opportunity continues to inspire future generations and leaves an indelible legacy of compassion, creativity, and impact.