Fellow Appointments | Global Leaders Institute

Fellow Appoinments

Fiona Stevens

has been named a fellow of the DeVos Institute of Arts Management Fellows for 2024-2026. Dr. Stevens is CEO of Concerto Köln and is a lecturer for music in the context of social work at the University of Applied Sciences in Darmstadt. The Global Arts Management Fellowship from the DeVos Institute of Arts Management at the University of Maryland is a three-year program that aims to support leaders at critical career points and foster a lasting community of mutual support. (May 2024)

Germany | GLI 2024

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)

USA & Colombia | GLI 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)

Colombia | GLI 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)

USA | GLI 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)

Mexico | GLI 2021

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)

Colombia & Spain | GLI 2018

Carlos Fontán

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)

Costa Rica l GLI 2021

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)

United Kingdom | GLI 2019

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)

Germany | GLI 2017

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)

USA | GLI 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)

Trinidad & Tobago | GLI 2021

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)

GLI 2018 & Colombia | 2014 Fellow

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)

GLI 2014

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)

GLI 2019

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)

GLI Cohort

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)

2019 Cohort

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)

GLI 2014

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)

GLI 2014

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)

GLI 2015

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)

GLI 2017

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)

GLI 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)

GLI 2017

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)

GLI 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)

GLI 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)

GLI 2016

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)

GLI 2017

Fellow Appoinments

Claudia Curiel

Guiomar Blanco

Jan Swierkowski

Elizabeth Winslow

Amy Appleton

Sarah Hollandsworth

Joseph Peterson

Kristian Clarke

Michael Bobbitt

Derek Beckvold

Kate Battenfeld

Nagham Wehbe

Mitsuko Flynn

Daniela Ocampo

Kristelle Holliday

Fiona Stevens

Amanda Ehst

Atteqa Malik

Ronald Kabuye

Andres Tucci

Guiomar Blanco

Janine Coombs

Juan Pablo Aschner

Maia Steinberg

Mauricio Peña

Janna Sailor

Drake Driscoll

Emily Davis

Joana Boechat and Anna Rosa Mari

Zinia Chan

Fiona Stevens

Maria José Morales de Chang

Amanda Suckow

Peter Clark

Angela Sindeli

Gabriel Wayar

Erin Guinup

Juan Sebastián Delgado

Marlon Daniel

Maria Claudia Parias

Nicholas Trygstad

Gabrielle Molina

Emily Gann

Priti Gandhi

Lia Uribe

Guiomar Blanco

Anita Lee

Meaghan Bennett

Atteqa Malik

Steven Edwards

Toufic Maatouk

Rachael Cohen

Yoelvis Medero Lunar

Jessica Tufte

Lia Uribe

Ronald Kabuye

Ivan Henares

Rebecca Crenshaw

Nathan Mertens

Anna Hiemstra

Claudia Curiel de Icaza

Nathaly Ossa Alzate

Carlos Fontán

Diana Ramirez Rosales

Drake Driscoll

Rose Martus

André Robles Field

Janet Fischer

Bridget Kinneary

Jackson Guillen

Jennifer Tobin

Caitlyn Kamminga

Aron Frank & Diego Barbosa-Vásquez

Courtney Gillet

Patricia Weitzel

Jessica Tufte

Lindsay Bobyak

Joel Schut

Usman Waseem Peguero

Joana Boechat and
Anna Rosa Mari