NEWS: OrKidstra announces new co-leadership model strengthening the organization’s capacity for growth
Innovative modulation sets the stage for helping more kids reach for success through music
OTTAWA, Ont. – Sept. 12, 2024 – OrKidstra Board Chair Chayanika Abeysekera Lutes and Co-Founder Tina Fedeski, MSM, are thrilled to announce a new collaborative co-leadership model for OrKidstra. This exciting development will strengthen the organization’s ability to help more kids reach for success through music. OrKidstra is pleased to share that Executive & Artistic Director Tina Fedeski will take on the newly created role of Artistic Managing Director leading side-by-side with Director of Finance & Operations Carrie Lauzon in the new co-leadership role of Executive Managing Director.
Board Chair Chayanika Abeysekera Lutes is thrilled with this new development. “For almost 20 years, Tina’s dedication to the transformative power of music has positively impacted thousands of lives,” she shared. “Embodied by her commitment to mentorship, OrKidstra’s philosophy of empowerment extends throughout our organization. Carrie Lauzon has been an integral part of OrKidstra for over 10 years: her dedication, passion, and compelling depth of organizational knowledge are exceptional. Together as a team, these women truly make OrKidstra sing! This shared leadership will play to the strengths of both Tina and Carrie, empowering them to collaboratively focus their energies on the ‘centre stage’ and ‘backstage’ sections of our organization respectively as we grow our capacity for expansion. I’m deeply encouraged by this new progressive leadership model which will set the stage for organizational development in line with our Strategic Plan.”
Awarded the Governor General’s distinguished Meritorious Service Medal in 2016 for her creation and leadership of OrKidstra, Tina Fedeski has led both the executive and artistic sides of OrKidstra since 2007. “Along with Co-Founders Gary McMillen and Margaret Maria, we could not have imagined how our idea, passion, and determination would evolve into the amazing charity OrKidstra is today,” Tina says. “What a journey, and what an honour and privilege. At this exciting point, and with the students and the growing organization at the heart of my decision, I shared my intention with the Board to focus my time, love, and creative energy on the program. As an organization that was collaboratively founded and developed, co-leadership feels so right and resonates with OrKidstra’s values. Welcoming the extraordinary Carrie Lauzon into the role of Executive Managing Director as I modulate to the role of Artistic Managing Director feels like the most beautiful and natural progression. She has been my right-hand person at OrKidstra for over 10 years and I am thrilled that she has agreed to move forward as the Co-Leader of this incredible organization, together. My heartfelt thanks and love go to OrKidstra’s remarkable team and Board and our beautiful community for playing such an integral role in helping us reach this significant point in OrKidstra’s story.”
An integral member of the team since 2014 with expertise in arts management and finance, Carrie Lauzon is a 2022 CharityVillage Awards Finalist for Most Outstanding Impact – Staff and a 2024 recipient of The Barbara McInnes Executive Mentoring Project Fund. “OrKidstra has been my passion and purpose for over a decade,” Carrie says. “With the incredible mentorship and collaborative spirit Tina has fostered, I’m honoured to step into the role of Executive Managing Director to co-lead OrKidstra into its next chapter of growth. This new phase presents exciting opportunities to expand our mission of transforming lives through music. Together, we will continue to inspire and support the next generation, deepening our connection with the communities we serve and building a brighter future through Love, Courage, Excellence & Belonging.”
OrKidstra is a charitable social development program that helps kids, ages 5-18, from equity-deserving Ottawa communities grow their potential through music. Inspired by El Sistema, OrKidstra carries out its mission by providing over 700 children, from 62 cultural and linguistic backgrounds, with free group and individual music lessons and the chance to learn important life skills like respect, compassion, teamwork, and responsibility through playing and singing together. Learn more at orkidstra.ca (Charitable Org. # 83246 7153 RR0001)
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Contact
Rebecca Russell
Director of Development & Communications, OrKidstra
development@orkidstra.ca | 613.416.8012
orkidstra.ca
Photo credits: Robert S. Vibert/OrKidstra/Richard Dufault
