Lauren Shelton, Board Chair of El Sistema USA, has dedicated her career to ensuring that every child can thrive through the transformative power of the arts. She began her journey as a classroom teacher and choral conductor for the San Diego Children’s Choir, where she witnessed how high-quality instruction can empower young people to find their voice—both musically and personally. From there, she created and managed the Community Opus Project with the San Diego Youth Symphony, an El Sistema–inspired program that fosters academic engagement, social-emotional growth, and cultural connectivity.
As the Visual & Performing Arts Coordinator for the Chula Vista Elementary School District (CVESD), Lauren guided a district-wide renaissance in arts education. Using Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP) funding, she hired and trained over 120 credentialed visual and performing arts teachers and ensured that, for the first time in over 30 years, every child received quality arts instruction as part of their school day. Under her leadership, CVESD earned national recognition as a model for equitable, integrated arts education—fueled by innovative curricula, community partnerships, and a commitment to serving all learners. During this time, Lauren also served as adjunct faculty at the Longy School of Music of Bard College, preparing future educators to embrace culturally responsive, student-centered teaching practices.
At Butler University, Lauren expanded the Butler Community Arts School (BCAS), increasing access to instruction and introducing culturally relevant programs that reflected and honored the communities served. She also launched a Teaching Artist training program for over 150 emerging educators, secured sustainable funding to ensure equitable access, and founded the Indianapolis Center for Arts Education and Innovation, uniting schools, artists, nonprofits, and philanthropic partners to broaden arts opportunities and strengthen communities.
Today, as Chief Systems Innovator at the Greater Good Group and through her consulting practice, Lauren helps arts organizations refine their models, bolster funding strategies, and cultivate culturally responsive learning environments. Her leadership at El Sistema USA continues to shape a nationwide movement dedicated to inclusive, high-quality music education that resonates in every community.
