Facilitated by Gabrielle Molina

Executive Director, Project Music

Gabrielle Molina (she, ella, siya) is currently the Executive Director of Project Music, a youth development and El Sistema-inspired music nonprofit located in Stamford, CT. In addition to her work at Project Music, Gabrielle is on the coaching faculty of AIM, the Academy for Impact through Music, where she coaches and mentors teachers from around the world working in ‘music for social action’ organizations. From 2019-2023, she was a faculty member and career coach at the Longy School of Music of Bard College. Prior to joining the leadership team at Project Music, Gabrielle founded Teaching Artists International, a music nonprofit that creates teaching artist exchanges spanning 4 continents. She is the winner of the 2020 Sphinx Tank, awarded to the “Next Great Cultural Entrepreneur.” In 2022, she was named one of Yamaha’s “40 Under 40” — Celebrating Excellence in Music Education. Gabrielle has held fellowships with the National Arts Strategies, the Global Leaders Program, Mass Challenge, and the Harvard Innovation Labs. Gabrielle holds K-12 teaching credentials in CA and CT and began her career at YOLA (Youth Orchestra of Los Angeles) and at iCAN (The Incredible Children’s Art Network), two El Sistema-inspired programs in Southern California. Gabrielle holds a Master’s in International Education Policy from Harvard University’s Graduate School of Education.

Lauren Shelton

Executive Director of the Indianapolis Center for Arts Education and Innovation at Butler University

Lauren Shelton is an accomplished leader and advocate in the field of arts education. As the founding Executive Director of the Indianapolis Center for Arts Education and Innovation at Butler University, she has spearheaded transformative initiatives and continues to oversee the Butler Community Arts School. With a strong background in arts education, advocacy, and management, Mrs. Shelton brings a wealth of experience to her role. Mrs. Shelton has been a classroom educator, music director for the San Diego Children’s Choir and Girl Scouts San Diego and launched the Community Opus Project with the San Diego Youth Symphony.

Prior to joining Butler University, Mrs. Shelton successfully reintroduced visual and performing arts to the Chula Vista Elementary School District, employing 94 arts teachers across 47 schools. She has also served as faculty for the Longy School of Music of Bard College’s Master of Arts in Teaching program.

Recognized for her expertise and commitment, Mrs. Shelton has been invited to speak at various conferences and events. Her speaking engagements have included Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) Conference, NAMM Show Non-Profit Institute, Creativity Conference at Southern Oregon University, Save The Music Foundation, and Grantmakers in Education Conference, among others.

She holds a California Teaching Credential, California Administrative Credential, and completed her master’s in educational leadership with a focus on Arts Integration and Common Core Standards Implementation with honors. Mrs. Shelton has received multiple awards, including the Yale School of Music Distinguished Educator of the Year and the Outstanding Administrator Award from the California Music Educators Association.

Passionate about equitable arts education, Mrs. Shelton proudly serves on the Board of Directors for El Sistema USA as Board Chair and Chair of the Executive Committee.