About Us

Our Values

Musical Empowerment believes in:

The intrinsic power of music to transform lives
The importance of mentorship to inspire greatness
Investing in our children to unlock their unique potential
Compassion, respect, and dignity towards all
The importance of personal and institutional accountability and discipline
Its commitment to the organization, its stakeholders, and its mission, vision, and values

Our Vision

A world where music is a catalyst for all children to unlock their unique potential.

History

Founded at UNC as “Carolina Music Outreach”
2002
Incorporated as 501c3 “Musical Empowerment”
2013
NC State University Chapter Founded
2015
Wake Forest University Chapter Founded
2016
East Carolina University Chapter Founded
2018
Dartmouth College Chapter Founded
2018
High Point University Founded
2019
NC Central University Chapter Founded
2019
Hunter College Chapter Founded
2020
High Point Chapter Merged with Wake Forest Chapter
2021
20 Year Celebration!
2022
Duke University Chapter Founded
2022

Meredith Richard Scholarship

The Meredith Richard Scholarship was established by previous Musical Empowerment board chair, Bernard Glassman, to honor Musical Empowerment’s first Executive Director, Meredith Richard. Meredith transformed Musical Empowerment from a small student organization to a national nonprofit serving hundreds of children each year. In the spirit of Meredith’s hard work and dedication, this scholarship has been created in her name to benefit a young musician at Musical Empowerment who demonstrates the same passion and commitment to music education.

This award supports one year of music lessons (up to $2,500) for a deserving student who strives for music excellence. The scholarship will be paid directly to the certified, Musical Empowerment-approved music teacher who is selected by the student and mentor.

Donate directly to the scholarship fund here.

Apply Now

Team

Board of Directors

Dr. Bryan Gilliam

Professor Emeritus of Music at Duke University

Inspired by his youth chamber ensemble, Bryan’s deep passion for music and history led him to earn a PhD from Harvard University and Honors in Music History from the University of Cincinnati. As an author, Bryan’s research focuses on various areas such as German opera, Viennese culture, Wagner, Strauss, Korngold, Weill, film music, and German musical aesthetics. Bryan is also a member of the East Chapel Hill Rotary Club and a board member of the North Carolina Opera Board of Directors.

Cody Lopez

Mid-Atlantic Relationship Manager Secured Tech Solutions

Cody Lopez is a music entertainment entrepreneur and seasoned advocate for youth mentorship. His nonprofit leadership experiences through 4-H and College Mentors for Kids have prepared him well for board service. Cody has a great appreciation for music and deep respect for mentorship. His college years as a mascot (Virginia Tech Hokie) and current gigs as a DJ prove that Cody’s enthusiasm and winning attitude will be a great addition to the M.E. team.

Lynne Chen

MBA Candidate, UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School, Forté Fellow

Lynne Chen is a Musical Empowerment mentor alumna who returned to the organization to serve on the Board of Directors. As a student at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, she taught voice lessons with Musical Empowerment throughout all four years while earning a degree in journalism with a concentration in advertising and public relations. After graduation, Lynne spent nearly five years at a creative agency in NYC, where she advised and represented technology companies. She is now an MBA candidate at UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School and a Forté Fellow. Lynne is passionate about continuing to combine her love for music and storytelling to support Musical Empowerment’s continued growth.

Katharine Batchelor

Attorney, Lee Segui PLLC

Katharine Batchelor is a Musical Empowerment mentor alumni, serving the organization now as a board member and advocate. Katharine was a mentor at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill where she taught two students the piano, forming a lifelong bond with them and their family. She experienced firsthand the unique platform that music lessons provide for mentorship and her time as a mentor was an immense privilege. In addition to volunteering with a variety of community organizations, Katharine currently works as a class action and employment attorney in Raleigh, North Carolina.

Woodrow Battle

Finance & Management Consulting, Baker Tilley, Board Treasurer

Woodrow Battle comes to Musical Empowerment with multiple years in the finance and management consulting world. However, from the earliest age, music has been a huge force of motivation and joy in his life, having spent countless hours practicing, performing, and enjoying all types of music. Woodrow obtained his Bachelor’s Degree in economics and political science from Moravian University, in Bethlehem Pennsylvania, where he furthered his musical passions in groups like the jazz big-band and orchestra. Woodrow was inspired to join Musical Empowerment through its mission of bringing a musical foundation to students and mentors in all walks of life. Woodrow currently works in Philadelphia and is an experienced consultant for governments and utilities.

Sarah Cavaiani

Business Administration Manager, CaroNova Owner, Hummingbird Harmonies

Sarah Cavaiani is a nonprofit professional and creative entrepreneur based in Raleigh, NC. A lifelong musician, Sarah is a sought-after harpist throughout North Carolina under her own brand. She is also a guest performer with groups such as the Triangle Youth Ballet and City Ballet of Wilmington. Outside of music, Sarah manages HR, finance, and IT functions at CaroNova, a healthcare innovation nonprofit. She contributes her wealth of nonprofit knowledge to the advancement of Musical Empowerment.

Maya Schroder

MEM/MBA Candidate at Duke University

Maya Schroder is a Musical Empowerment mentor alumna and is excited to return to support Musical Empowerment’s mission. Maya was a mentor at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where she taught voice lessons and also served on the Leadership Team as the chair of the Student Relations Committee. Maya is a dual degree candidate at Duke University’s Nicholas School for the Environment and Fuqua School of Business. Before returning to the Triangle, she lived in the DC area for four years, working in financial services and economic consulting.

Ruben McFarlane

Ruben McFarlane is an arts administrator, string teaching artist, and violist currently living in the Boston area. His work centers on creating equal opportunities for educational institutions and communities to experience the performing arts, along with mentoring students through his private lesson studio. Ruben additionally works as the Director of Community Engagement and Partnerships with Castle of our Skins, along with being the Education Programs and Partnerships Manager with the PostClassical Ensemble in Washington, DC. He has held administrative and leadership positions with other small and large music non-profits, in addition to past experience teaching in both public school and after-school settings.

Staff

Sinclair Palmer

Program Director

Sinclair Palmer is a multi-instrumentalist and music educator from Durham, North Carolina. A performing musician since 2011, Sinclair has worked with musicians such as The Tallest Man on Earth, Sigur Rós, Vanessa Ferguson, Uwade, Tito Rojas, Charly Lowry, Rissi Palmer, and many, many more. Sinclair holds a Bachelor of Music in Double Bass Performance with a concentration in Jazz Studies, and a Master of Arts in Musicology. They have served several non-profits in the NC Triangle and Triad area over the last 15 years, including the Community Music School of Raleigh, Triangle Youth Music, the Boys’ and Girls’ Club of Greensboro, and Kidznotes of Durham.

Advisors

James Moeser

Chancellor Emeritus of UNC-Chapel Hill, Professor of Music, and Senior Consultant for Special Initiatives at the UNC IAH

Christine Moseley

Founder of Carolina Music Outreach, Founder and CEO at Full Harvest

Terry Rhodes

Professor of Music and Senior Associate Dean for Fine Arts and Humanities in the College of Arts and Sciences at UNC-Chapel Hill

Michael Richard

Retired Corporate Vice President and Treasurer at McDonald’s Corporation

Meredith Richard

Former Executive Director, Fundraising Consultant @ Campbell & Company

Ketura Parker

Director of Development for Carolina Performing Arts

Adam Martin

Associate at Robinson, Bradshaw & Hinson

Alex Kim

Treasurer, Former Musical Empowerment at NC State Co-President, Consultant and Data Scientist at Deloitte

Jackie Gonzalez

Finance Director at North Carolina Democratic Party

Meera Chakravarthy

Senior Associate at Public-Private Strategies

Tivi Jones

Founder and CEO of Hey Awesome Girl studio

Lifetime Trustees

Adam Martin

Associate at Robinson, Bradshaw & Hinson

Bernard Glassman

Former Board Chair

President’s Club

Co-presidents lead their chapters with dedication and integrity. These are all of the Presidents who have contributed to Musical Empowerment’s growth:

Christine Moseley

Founder, UNC Chapel Hill

Michelle Lee

UNC Chapel Hill

Mark Frank

UNC Chapel Hill

Kara Schoo

UNC Chapel Hill

Josie Johnson

UNC Chapel Hill

Landon Meekins

UNC Chapel Hill

Wes Johnson

UNC Chapel Hill

Michele Hicks

UNC Chapel Hill

Maggie Peng

UNC Chapel Hill

Allie Howard

UNC Chapel Hill

Katie Weinel

UNC Chapel Hill

Kaitlyn Hamlett

UNC Chapel Hill

Nonprofit Partners

Corporate Sponsors

Institutional Supporters