Staff and Board | Musical Empowerment

Team

Staff

Katie Battle

Executive Director

A Summa Cum Laude graduate of Susquehanna University in Pennsylvania, Katie joined Musical Empowerment’s team in July 2022 after almost 10 years as a music educator in the public school system (Oregon and Durham, North Carolina). The children she served came from a variety of cultural and socio-economic backgrounds ranging in age from kindergarteners to seniors in high school. Katie’s primary instrument is French Horn, but enjoys singing and learning all wind, brass, and string instruments. As a teacher, Katie has long recognized the positive impact that a supportive and caring relationship will have on a child’s development. It is Musical Empowerment’s focus on mentorship that first drew Katie to the organization. She takes over the Executive Director role after a year and a half as ME’s Program Director.

Sinclair Palmer

Program Coordinator

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.

Board of Directors

Ayeza Nxumalo

Analytics Advisor at SAS, Board Chair

Musical Empowerment Board Chair, Ayeza, is a passionate and driven individual born in Manzini, Swaziland, and raised in Greensboro, NC. Since the age of 9, she has been involved in musical theatre, bringing her love for performing to the stage. Additionally, she played the clarinet for eight years, showcasing her passion for music. Ayeza received her Bachelor’s degree in Journalism from Georgia State University and attended Wake Forest University, where she obtained her MBA. Currently, Ayeza enjoys using her problem-solving skills to help clients at SAS.

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

Account Executive, Racepoint Global

Lynne Chen is a Musical Empowerment mentor alumni, who is coming back to the organization to support the Board of Directors. Chen participated as a student mentor for Musical Empowerment all four years at the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill. While mentoring she studied journalism with a concentration in advertising and public relations. She now works at a public relations agency that shapes conversations for tech-forward brands. She is thrilled to bring her passions for music and communications together to support Musical Empowerment moving forward.

Katharine Batchelor

Associate Attorney, Milberg Coleman Bryson Phillips Grossman, Board Secretary

Katharine Batchelor is a Musical Empowerment mentor alumni, returning to the organization now as an Attorney. Katharine was a mentor at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill where she taught students the piano. 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 complex civil litigation attorney in Raleigh, NC.

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.