Cameroonian-Ugandan-American mezzo-soprano Veena Akama-Makia is a former Jette Parker Artist (2023–25). She is a graduate of the Eastman School of Music and the young artist programs at Chicago Opera Theater and San Francisco Opera. Recent highlights include her return to the RBO for Annina (La traviata) and Giovanna (Rigoletto), as well as her role debut as Marta in a concert performance of Iolanta with the Royal Philharmonic, and her debut as the alto soloist in Tippett's A Child of Our Time with the Blackheath Halls Orchestra. For Chicago Opera Theatre, roles included Nancy (Albert Herring) and creating the role of Kendra (The Cook-Off). For San Francisco Opera, she performed as the Third Lady (Die Zauberflöte) and was a soloist in the Merola Grand Finale. As a Jette Parker Artist, her roles included Mércèdes (Carmen), Herdswoman (Jenůfa), Zweite Magd (Elektra), La Mère (Larmes de couteau) and The Queen (Full Moon in March).