Fellow Appoinments
Claudia
Curiel
GLI 2023 | United States
Mitsuko
Flynn
has been appointed Charleston Symphony’s Chief Operating and Impact Officer. She will lead all programming, education, and community engagement efforts and oversee the organization’s financial management. (July 2025)
GLI-Líderes 2022 | Colombia
Daniela
Ocampo
has been named Executive Director of the Amadeus Foundation, a nonprofit organization that harnesses the power of music to promote social inclusion, leadership, and emotional well-being among children and youth in underserved communities. (July 2025)
Kristelle
Holliday
has been appointed Executive Director of Exeko, a Montreal-based organization that works to build a just and inclusive society through art, philosophy, culture, and education. With degrees in visual and performing arts, a master’s in museology, and an MBA in arts innovation, Kristelle brings a multidisciplinary lens to cultural leadership. (June 2025)
Fiona
Stevens
has been appointed Executive Director of the Basel Sinfonietta. With her interdisciplinary perspective and passion for socially engaged programming, Fiona will help shape the next chapter of the Sinfonietta’s bold and community-centered work. (June 2025)
GLI 2025 | United States
Amanda
Ehst
has been appointed Administrative Director at the Upper Darby Arts and Education Foundation, leading efforts to open a new arts and education center at Barclay Square. With a background in music education, Amanda has worked in the nonprofit arts sector since 2019. (May 2025)
Atteqa
Malik
has been appointed Chair of the Karachi Biennale Trust. She leads creative tech workshops for Karachi high school students, including exchanges with Denmark, and has presented at global platforms like ISEA and Transmediale. The Trust organizes a major free international art exhibition every two years to connect art with the city and its people. (May 2025)
Ronald Kabuye
has been appointed Country Manager at Brass for Africa. With experience leading music-based youth empowerment projects, he now oversees music education programs reaching over 2,000 young people weekly in Uganda, Rwanda, and Liberia. (April 2025)
Andres
Tucci
has been appointed Director of Impact and Engagement at NYO Canada. With over 15 years in the arts sector—including 11 impactful years at Sistema Toronto—Andres brings deep expertise in community engagement, program innovation, and arts leadership. (April 2025)
Guiomar
Blanco
has been appointed to the New Works Project’s board. This organization aims to break down access barriers in music by providing inclusive commissioning and publishing services, educational programming, and career resources for composers, performers, educators, and audiences. (March 2025)
Janine
Coombs
has been named Deputy Director at Music Unites Jamaica Foundation. MUJF works to raise awareness and preserve Jamaica’s diverse musical heritage. (November 2024)
Juan Pablo Aschner
has received the Intercultural Achievement Award 2024 from the Austrian Government for the project Traditional Craftsmanship of Colombia, developed by the Faculty of Creative Studies at Universidad del Rosario and Artesanias de Colombia. (November 2024)
Maia
Steinberg
has won the Society Award at Fontys University of the Arts in the Netherlands for her cultural enterprise, Project A. (September 2024)
Mauricio
Peña
has been appointed Program Director and Faculty of Arts Administration at Florida State University. Mauricio is the former Head of the Music Division of Colombia’s Central Bank (Banco de la República | Luis Ángel Arango Library’s Recital Hall) and developed the Undergraduate Degree in Arts Administration at Pontificia Universidad Javeriana. (September 2024)
Janna
Sailor
has been appointed Director of the Canadian Music Centre, Prairie Region. The CMC is a catalyst that connects people to the ever-evolving world of Canadian musical creation through performance, education, and promotion. (August 2024)
Drake
Driscoll
has been appointed Director of Education & Community Engagement at Young Concert Artists, Inc.! YCA has been at the forefront of discovering and launching the careers of the future leaders of classical music—stars who combine world-class talent with creative vision to bring new reach and relevance to the art form. (August 2024)
Emily
Davis
has been appointed to the Leader Seat of The Hallé Orchestra. She shares the the Orchestra Head role with Roberto Ruisi beginning in the 2024/2025 season under Principal Conductor Kahchun Wong. Emily debuts with a performance of Stravinsky’s The Firebird. (August 2024)
Joana Boechat and Anna Rosa Mari
were appointed to co-lead the management team of the 2024 Orchestra of the Americas / OAcademy Residency with Yo-Yo Ma and Kayhan Kalhor in Ann Arbor, Michigan. (June 2024)
Zinia
Chan
Fiona
Stevens
Maria José
Morales de Chang
Amanda
Suckow
Peter
Clark
has been appointed as the Second Violinist for The New Zealand String Quartet Trust (NZSQ). Peter brings a wealth of experience to the Quartet, having previously held the role of Principal Violin of Australia’s Omega Ensemble and the first violinist of the Australian Chamber Orchestra’s Inspire Quartet. (April 2024).
Angela
Sindeli
has been appointed Institutional Alliance Manager of the IN.TUNE European Universities Alliance, on behalf of the National University of Music Bucharest. This role brings several opportunities for students, teachers, and non-academic staff; great innovative ideas on research, education, mobility and e-learning, capacity building, community involvement, and many more. (March 2024).
Gabriel
Wayar
has been appointed Executive Director of the Ensamble Sinfónico del Litoral in Santa Fe, Argentina. The ESL is a music ensemble whose primary focus is the practice and dissemination of the symphonic band repertoire. (March 2024).
Erin
Guinup
has received the American Academy of Teachers of Singing AATS Award for inclusion and inspiration in recognition of her work creating and directing the Tacoma Refugee Choir. The TRC is a non-auditioned choir of refugees, immigrants, and friends who seek belonging and are committed to creating a more equitable and welcoming community (February 2024).
Juan Sebastián
Delgado
received Quebec’s 2024 Prix Opus “Artist of the Year” Prize and International Achievement Award in recognition of his project Stick & Bow. The duo is led by Canadian marimba player Krystina Marcoux and Argentinian cellist Juan Sebastian Delgado, who combine musical narration with humor and story-telling to transform familiar works in refreshing and unexpected ways (February 2024).
Marlon
Daniel
has been appointed Artistic Director and Conductor of the Symphony Orchestra at the Universität Münster – Musikhochschule in Germany. (February 2024)
Maria
Claudia Parias
has been appointed Director of Idartes, a public initiative dedicated to promoting and shaping Colombia’s cultural landscape. This entity, part of the Ministry of Culture, Recreation, and Sports, boasts a unique management model dedicated to propelling the cultural areas within the city of Bogotá. (February 2024)
Nicholas
Trygstad
has been appointed Head of Strings at Royal Birmingham Conservatoire. Nick has taught for 15 years at the Royal Northern College of Music and is a tutor for the National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain. (January 2024)
Gabrielle
Molina
has been appointed Lead Program Consultant for El Sistema USA. This organization supports a nationwide movement of programs inspired by El Sistema to effect social change through music for children. (November 2023)
Emily
Gann
has won Australia’s Women in Innovation Award 2023 for her inspiring and impactful work building Connecting the Dots in Music and Lullaby Project Australia. (November 2023)
Priti
Gandhi
recently joined the artistic department of the Metropolitan Opera as Associate Director of the Laffont Competition. The competition is designed to discover promising young opera singers and assist in developing their careers. Priti is a leader in opera administration and innovative casting, a passionate artist advocate, and a frequent speaker on industry panels regarding diversity in casting. (October 2023)
Lia
Uribe
has been selected as part of Music to Life’s official Juried Artist roster. MtL is a national nonprofit founded by 60’s civil rights icon Noel Paul Stookey, dedicated to cultivating & empowering a network of musicians and change agents. Lia is an Associate Dean and Professor of Music at the University of Arkansas Department of Music. Dr. Uribe maintains an active career as a chamber musician, orchestral player, and artist-teacher. (September 2023)
Guiomar
Blanco
joins Arabella Arts as Head of European Strategy and Artist Manager. In the newly created role, Blanco will complement and build upon Atlas and Scully’s years of work cultivating relationships with European presenters and institutions, and will generate opportunities appropriately tailored to each artist’s career. Blanco is a manager, pianist, and musicologist with 20 years of international experience. (September 2023)
Anita
Lee
is joining the Osaka International School in Japan as Director of the String Orchestra. Lee has degrees in violin performance, linguistics, and education from the University of British Columbia and Harvard University. (August 2023)
Meaghan
Bennett
is joining the faculty of New York University as Director of Woodwind Studies. Bennet previously served on the faculties of California State University, Northern Kentucky University, Prairie View A&M University, BSO OrchKids, and the Carolina Summer Music Conservatory. (July 2023)
Atteqa
Malik
has been named to the Pakistan-UK Business Council (FPCCI) board of directors. Malik is one of the founding trustees of the Karachi Biennale Trust. As Chair of the Karachi Biennale Trust, Malik has coordinated extensive educational and art collaborations between Karachi and UK institutions. (July 2023)
Steven
Edwards
has been named a National Collegiate Honors Council fellow. His induction will take place in November 2023 at NCHC’s annual conference. Edwards serves as Director of the College Honors Program at Louisiana’s Delgado College. (July 2023)
Toufic
Maatouk
has been named Dep. Executive Director at the Abu Dhabi Festival & Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation. “I am thrilled about the journey that lies ahead. Here’s to an exciting chapter filled with growth, achievements, and meaningful accomplishments. Thank you, The Global Leaders Institute.” (June 2023)
Rachael
Cohen
has been appointed Institute Programs Manager at the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. “I’m excited to manage the Civic Orchestra Fellowship Program and continue to find ways to share the educational resources of the CSO with a broader audience of people across Chicago and the world.” (June 2023)
Yoelvis
Medero Lunar
has been appointed Director of the National Youth Choir of Belize pilot program. The program provides an engaging and nurturing space for young people to showcase their talents and contribute to Belize’s cultural and artistic heritage. Congrats Yoelvis!
Jessica
Tufte
has been appointed to the Dean’s Advisory Council at the University at Buffalo’s School of Public Health and Health Professions. In this role, she advises the dean on community engagement, social justice, and other strategic priorities. Since 2020, she has worked as Assistant Director of Evaluation and Analytics for Community Connections of NY, a nonprofit management services organization. (May 2023)
Lia
Uribe
has been named Chair of the University of Arkansas Department of Music in the Fullbright College of Arts and Sciences. “Dr. Uribe is a tremendous resource and leader in Fulbright College, at the U of A, and in our community,” said Kathryn Sloan, interim dean of Fulbright College. “Her excellence in teaching, performance, research, and service demonstrate why she is poised to lead our accomplished Department of Music to new heights.” (April 2023)
Ronald
Kabuye
has been named Program & Administration Manager at Brass for Africa (April 2023). An attorney, trombonist, and cultural entrepreneur, Kabuye oversees operations and development of Brass for Africa, furthering the work of the organization across 5 Key Pillars: Gender Equality, Disability Inclusion, Community Empowerment, Workforce Readiness, and Fulfilment of Creative Potential. (April 2023)
Ivan
Henares
has been appointed Secretary General of the UNESCO National Commission of The Philippines, Department of Foreign Affairs. Dr. Henares assumes this position while continuing as a professor at the University of the Philippines, guiding heritage policy research & tourism education. (March 2023)
Rebecca
Crenshaw
has been named Executive Director of New Orlean’s Birdfoot Festival. “Rebecca’s track record of leadership, arts advocacy, and music education work in New Orleans is complemented by a commitment to community voice and the impact that runs through everything she does,” announced Birdfoot Festival on naming Crenshaw to the post. Crenshaw’s unique background, including her training with the GLI, enables her, in her own words, to “understand the intricacies of the New Orleans music experience as well as the expansiveness of the international arts community.” (March 2023)
Nathan
Mertens
has been named to the University of Colorado Boulder faculty for the incoming Assistant Professor of Saxophone role. Mertens has served on faculty at the University of Arkansas, Baylor University, and Hastings College while continuing his roles as a clinician, active performer, and cultural manager. (May 2023)
Anna
Hiemstra
has been named Artistic Development Manager at the Princess Christina Competition. “I look forward to working with the stellar team at the Princess Christina Competition to support young people in reaching their musical goals. I can’t wait to learn from my new colleagues and see what we can achieve together.” (February 2023)
Claudia
Curiel de Icaza
has been sworn in as Minister of Culture for Mexico City, the nation’s capital and largest municipality, and one of the country’s most important cultural leadership roles. “My experience with The Global Leaders Institute prepared me for my role as CDMX Minister of Culture, not only in terms of being prepared to manage the complexities of a major cultural institution but also in terms of understanding how to support communities best and improve lives through access to cultural activities.” (June 2022)
Nathaly Ossa
Alzate
has been named Head of Programs at the Academy for Impact through Music (AIM). “I am thrilled to join the Academy for Impact through Music team to support the transformational work of AIM to support impact-focused music educators worldwide. My experience with the GLI was an important part of the journey that prepared me for this opportunity. I’m fully committed to musical and social initiatives that empower communities. I feel like I found my Ikigai!” (February 2022)
Carlos
Fontán
was recently appointed Pedagogic Director at Acción por la Música Foundation. Among his new responsibilities is to ensure the vanguard and educational innovation in the social and musical sectors and the strengthening of a solid pedagogical plan for the Foundation. (February 2022)
Diana Ramirez
Rosales
has been appointed Upper Strings Specialist and YOSAL Artist for YOSAL (Youth Orchestra Salinas), California. This is an El Sistema USA program. She is beyond excited to work with students ages 7 through 17 in their musical development and encourage them to become better people and discover their potential. Her position also has a vital community engagement component: she plans family concerts, recruits students, and connects with the Salinas residents. There is a lot of potentials to grow the music scene in this region, and she is thrilled to use her GLI skills to contribute to the growth of this program and surrounding communities. Diana has also been appointed Associate Faculty for Sinfónica Azteca, México, where she will be teaching a series of masterclasses to an extraordinary cohort of Mexican violinists. (January 2022)
Drake
Driscoll
started a new role as the Coordinator, Learning and Engagement Programs at the Weill Music Institute, the social impact and education branch of Carnegie Hall. Drake is focusing on their Musical Explorers and Link Up programs. (October 2021)
Rose
Martus
has recently started a new role as Development Generalist for the University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre & Dance. (October 2021)
André Robles
Field
Janet
Fischer
has been appointed CEO at Live Music Now. “I am thrilled to be joining Live Music Now at such a critical time in its history. LMN has an incredible team working at the forefront of transformative musical experiences. This has been difficult for many, and the need for our life-changing services is growing across the UK. I’m looking forward to ensuring that as many people as possible have access to our work while ensuring that LMN continues to create significant experiences for our musicians and participants and is a national voice for change.”
(February 2021)
Bridget
Kinneary
has been appointed Head of Secondary School Music and Orchestra Director at Berlin Cosmopolitan School, an international/IB school in Berlin that offers a dynamic music curriculum built on the values of performance, international-mindedness, and lifelong learning. Bridget enjoys the new perspectives the job brings to her existing work in a leadership role of Mit Mach Musik e.V., an organization providing cost-free music lessons to migrants in Berlin.” (February 2021)
Jackson
Guillen
has been appointed Director of the Houston Youth Symphony, an El Sistema-inspired project located in Texas’ largest urban metropolis.” (February 2021)
Jennifer
Tobin
has been recently appointed Assistant Director of Education for the Richmond Symphony School of Music in Richmond, Virginia, a community music school created in addition to its existing youth orchestras. “In a field that is often very competitive – and at a time when we musicians are especially filled with uncertainty – I know that my participation in the Global Leaders Institute made me a standout candidate. In my new role, I use my GLI skills every day in one way or another. My organization values and respects my ideas and contributions rooted in the experiences I gained as a GLI cohort member. I am empowered with a skill set that allows me to think boldly and creatively. I am often reminded of my GLI cohort members, who inspired me with their innovative thinking as we learned openly from one another and celebrated each other’s achievements.” (November 2020)
Caitlyn
Kamminga
has been appointed Associate Professor of University of Trinidad and Tobago, Academy for the Performing Arts. Through service-learning courses she has led at the Academy for many years, Consortium of Disabilities Organization (CODO) in Trinidad and Tobago has been a longstanding partner. She is excited to report that they’ve just completed their first virtual CODO Music Festival for Persons with Disabilities. (October 2020)
Aron Frank & Diego Barbosa-Vásquez
have co-founded The Americas Chamber Orchestra (The ACO) at the Indiana University – Jacobs School of Music. The ACO is a performing arts ensemble that activates artistry and promotes cultural diversity among its musicians and the communities they serve through innovative musical projects. Emphasizing the multi-cultural music of the Americas, the group has successfully performed in-person and virtual concerts. It has gained a large following throughout the Midwest and Latin America. (September 2020)
Courtney
Gillet
has been recently appointed Teaching Artist of Gifford Youth Orchestra in Vero Beach. “For the past two years, I have been working as Office Manager of The School of Music at The University of North Florida. I’ve also recently taken a position as Teaching Artist at Gifford Youth Orchestra in Vero Beach. Beyond these positions in Florida, I continue to support fellow musicians back home in Belize, teaching students remotely at SJC Junior College. Many GLI connections continue to play an active role in my professional life.” (September 2020)
Patricia
Weitzel
has been appointed Lecturer of Double Bass of Columbus State University – Schwob School of Music, a distinguished conservatory of music in a comprehensive public university. There she will teach classes and oversee the bass studio, guiding students through their music journey. In addition to her role at CSU, Patricia will continue her work as the Membership Chair of the International Society of Bassists. This organization inspires, connects, and educates more than 2000 bassists in over 40 countries. She remains active as a performer, giving recitals, workshops, and masterclasses worldwide. (May 2020)
Jessica
Tufte
has been appointed Assistant Director of Evaluation of CCNY Inc. . She is charged with leading evaluation teams working to create reports that result in data-informed decision-making for various programs ranging from child welfare to racial equity. She cites the variety of perspectives of faculty and fellow Cohort Members as already positively influencing her critical thinking process in her evaluation work. She also says, “The expansion of my personal and professional network through the GLI has noticeably increased my professional reach and has enabled me to educate others about the importance of program evaluation and how it can be used to improve program offerings and increase positive outcomes for all drastically.” (April 2020)
Lindsay
Bobyak
has been appointed Beginning Strings Program Teaching Artist of Aspen Music Festival and School’s AfterWorks Program, which provides after-school strings classes for 2nd-5th grade students throughout the Roaring Fork Valley in Colorado. Each student receives weekly group classes, private lessons, and performance opportunities throughout the school year. “I am one of the lead teachers at four of the schools served by this program. The GLI helped me realize my passion for meeting the needs of the community one serves. I am thankful to have joined a program that does this and to be able to use the skills I gained through GLI fieldwork and coursework to serve my own community.” (October 2019)
Joel
Schut
has been appointed Assistant Director of Orchestral Studies and Instructor of Music Education of University of Colorado-Boulder. “Here, I serve a multi-faceted role conducting the Philharmonia Orchestra, helping future teachers through music education coursework, and offering clinics and music outreach in the community. I remain active as a violinist performing with the Boulder Philharmonic Orchestra and have presented at national conferences and provided clinics to youth and honors orchestras. As a GLI alumnus, I often reflect on how this has impacted me to be an actively contributing leader to all through the infinite possibilities of music.” (October 2019)
Usman Waseem
Peguero
has been appointed violinist of the Ulster Orchestra. “After finishing the Global Leaders Institute, I can make a difference in our communities. My job with the Ulster Orchestra requires me to participate in learning and community engagement projects. I am happy to be able to play in this orchestra, but most importantly, to inspire the people of Northern Ireland and come up with proposals for it. Thanks to the GLI, I approach this work confidently due to the extensive and innovative education I received.” (September 2019)
Anna
Hiemstra
has been appointed Assistant Professor at the research department for Music Cognition at the University of Amsterdam. (August 2019)
Ernesto
Estigarribia
has been appointed Artistic Director of the Southeastern Minnesota Youth Orchestras. “In recent years, I’ve had the fortune to win leadership positions with the Southeastern Minnesota Youth Orchestras, Greater Twin Cities Youth Symphonies, and the Quad City Symphony Youth Ensembles. My experience in The Global Leaders Institute supported this growth as an artist, educator, and social entrepreneur committed to engaging and supporting communities through music.” (February 2019)
Bradley
Powell
has been appointed TYSO Manager & Education Associate with the Toronto Symphony Orchestra. Bradley commented, “I’m excited to begin managing the Toronto Symphony Youth Orchestra during its 45th season. The TSYO instills a passion for excellence in its members, regardless of career paths, and is tuition-free thanks to generous support. In addition to my TSYO duties, I will collaborate on all the education initiatives of the TSO, and our team is excited to explore new ways to engage the community.” (November 2018)
Safira
Antzus
has been appointed Artistic Director and Principal Conductor of El Sistema Greece Youth Orchestra. Safira remarked, “I feel grateful and humbled for this wonderful opportunity, and I am looking forward to engaging in the new challenges and responsibilities that this position entails. A special thanks to The Global Leaders Institute because without its academic coursework and its experiences in the field, I wouldn’t have made as well-rounded a candidate as I needed to be for this position.” (September 2018)
Labib
Palis
has been appointed Music Specialist of the National Youth Orchestra of Jamaica (NYOJ). Labib commented, “As a member of Cuso International, an organization that works with local projects in developing countries to help them grow and thrive, I am excited for this new position where I will teach the students in the orchestra and facilitate teacher training sessions with the NYOJ faculty.” (September 2018)
Nicholas
Reynolds
has been appointed Instructor of Music in Piano (tenure-track) at Volunteer State Community College in Gallatin, Tennessee (USA). Nicholas reflected, “The music department at Vol State is growing, and I will be their first full-time pianist, so one of the challenges will be helping build the program. I am also teaching various classes in addition to piano, including music history and theory.” (September 2018)
Tessa
Sacramone
was appointed Resident Musician at Community MusicWorks in Providence, Rhode Island. Tessa noted, “I’m teaching at the Daily Orchestra Program, where elementary school-age children meet five days a week for after-school string orchestra instruction and private violin, viola, or cello lessons. My experience in the Global Leaders Institute prepared me with helpful knowledge for this position. Gaining insight into the inner workings of social-minded music nonprofits and learning current methods in teaching artistry through the GLI has been an indispensable tool.” (May 2018)
Aron
Frank
was appointed to a position teaching violin, and viola, and directing the Youth Orchestra at the Tecnocentro Somos Pacifico, which is part of Fundación Batuta, the national El Sistema-inspired music program of Colombia. Aron commented, “This year, I will also implement my Global Leaders Institute Social Enterprise Challenge Music Collage at the Tecnocentro, a Cultural Arts Center that enables underserved youth to develop technological skills, which allows youth between the ages of 12-18 to combine music with a variety of digital art forms, including video, graphic design, and photography.” (April 2018)
Miguel
Ortega
has been appointed Program Manager of Musicians Without Borders. “Previously a volunteer for Musicians Without Borders, a Netherlands-based NGO working in post-war or conflict zones that uses music as a tool to reconcile communities, heal war wounds, and build new community connections, I became Project Manager in El Salvador. In collaboration with Unicef and El Salvador’s Secretary of Education, the project offers training to music teachers and community workers linked to educational and cultural centers around the country. Thanks to the knowledge and experience acquired in The Global Leaders Institute, I am more prepared and confident to lead this project.” (July 2017)
Gabriel
Polycarpo
has been appointed violinist of the IRIS Orchestra in Memphis, Tennessee. “This position is a fellowship designed to provide instruction and in-the-field experience in music education and orchestral and chamber music performance. As a fellow, I work as a music mentor in area schools, perform in all IRIS Orchestra concerts during their season, perform as part of the IRIS Fellows String Quartet, and receive training and coaching from IRIS musicians and guest artists. IRIS Artist Fellows Program’s vision is to empower underrepresented populations in classical music and create a positive impact in underserved communities through community engagement programs that focus on social equity.” (February 2018)
Jaqueline
Jove
has been appointed Director of Education at Sphinx Organization. “Sphinx Organization is a Detroit-based national organization dedicated to transforming lives through the power of diversity in the arts. Its programs reach over 100,000 students and live and broadcast audiences of over two million annually. As Director of Education, I manage the Sphinx Overture Program, Sphinx Organization’s in-school violin program at twelve Detroit and Sphinx schools, and the Sphinx Performance Academy, summer chamber music academies taking place at Cleveland Institute of Music and Roosevelt University. In addition to my role at Sphinx, I will continue to perform as a soloist and chamber musician.” (March 2017)