Chayanika Abeysekera Lutes Elected as Board Chair
We are pleased to announce that long-time Board Member Chayanika Abeysekera Lutes was elected Chair of the Board at the OrKidstra Board of Directors Meeting on April 10, 2024. For personal reasons, outgoing Board Chair Paul Wells indicated to the Board in 2023 that he would step down once a suitable candidate was appointed.
Paul Wells has served as a Board Member since 2018 and as Board Chair since 2022 and will continue to remain deeply involved with OrKidstra. Paul says, “I’m so glad I’ve had a chance to get to know OrKidstra and I have every intention of continuing to support it. It’s a wonderful organization that’s tremendously beneficial for our students, their families and the broader community. As I step down, I know I leave the organization in good hands: Chayanika truly embodies the values of OrKidstra in everything she does and will make a wonderful Chair.” OrKidstra extends its sincere thanks to Paul Wells for his remarkable leadership of OrKidstra over the last two years and wishes him all the best on this new journey.
An OrKidstra supporter since 2016, Chayanika Abeysekera Lutes brings to OrKidstra a wide range of skills and experience in community development, social change, philanthropy, economics, and business. An Economist at Statistics Canada and a mom of two, Chayanika is a “lifelong learner” with a Bachelor of Commerce, a Master of Development Economics, and a passion for music including singing, flute, and piano. Chayanika has served as an OrKidstra Board Member since 2020 and was appointed Secretary in 2022.
“From my very first experience at an OrKidstra concert in 2016, I knew it was a family that I wanted to be a part of,” Chayanika says. “Social development through music education embodies so much of what I am passionate about. I am thrilled for the opportunity to bring my experiences and perspectives to OrKidstra in this new leadership role at such an exciting stage of growth. I look forward to collaboratively guiding the organization with continuity and unwavering passion.”
OrKidstra is also thrilled to welcome lawyer, community leader and jazz musician Antoine L. Collins to its Board of Directors. Currently a Coordinating Member with the Refugee Protection Division of the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada, Antoine is actively involved with the community, and is currently President of the Ottawa Chapter of the Canadian Association of Black Lawyers (CABL). Outside his legal career, Antoine is in demand as a performer, and has independently released three jazz albums. Antoine says “I’m thrilled to be joining the Board of Directors of a such wonderful organization. I look forward to working with OrKidstra’s wonderfully inclusive community to provide children and youth with the opportunity to build their potential through music.”
Riaz Mohammed will continue as Vice-Chair, Marie-Josée Lambert will continue as Treasurer, and Chayanika Abeysekera Lutes will retain the role of Secretary in addition to Chair until the 2024 Annual General Meeting.
OrKidstra is an Ottawa-based charitable social development program that empowers kids from equity-deserving communities by teaching life skills through singing and playing music together. Learn more at orkidstra.ca
