Frameworks for Advocacy and Action

Laura Catalina Mendoza Neira, una mente curiosa y una amante incansable de la música y el arte. Con una formación sólida como músico y una pasión desenfrenada por el desarrollo de proyectos culturales, cree en el poder transformador del arte.



Tengo un Master en Music Business y como violonchelista, en mi trayectoria como músico y gestor, he podido tener la oportunidad de tener una mirada de 360 grados de la industria musical gracias a los 20 años de experiencia que me acompañan.



Mi experiencia laboral y educativa demuestra mi capacidad para desempeñarme en roles de liderazgo y gestionar proyectos con éxito.

Stanford Thompson is a musician and educator who serves as the Founder and Executive Director of Play On Philly and Founding Board Chairman of El Sistema USA and the National Instrumentalist Mentoring and Advancement Network. Recognized as a TED Fellow, Stanford believes that music education is a powerful tool for positive personal and community change. Mr. Thompson serves on the faculty of the Global Leaders Program and regularly presents at major universities and music conservatories about leadership, entrepreneurship and social justice. As a consultant, he has guided the development of dozens of music programs across the United States and collaborated with major orchestras, higher education institutions, and arts organizations to develop new strategies and initiatives that help provide equitable access to the arts. As a professional trumpeter, Stanford has performed as a soloist and member with major orchestras around the world and continues to perform throughout the Philadelphia region. Stanford is a native of Atlanta, GA, a graduate of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra’s Talent Development Program and holds degrees from The Curtis Institute of Music and the New England Conservatory’s Sistema Fellows Program.

Dean of Cohort Affairs at The Global Leaders Institute I Directora at Somos CaPAZes I Acumen Fellow 2021.



Creative, energetic and analytical Nonprofit Management Professional with a focus on education, peace building, social justice through arts and innovation. Graduate from New York University with a degree of Arts Administration with a well-grounded experience working in dynamic multicultural environments. Experience in program management, strategic planning and global programs. Quick learner, strategic thinker, culture lover, positive “can do” attitude and problem solver with a collaborative and entrepreneurial mindset.

Academic Director at The Global Leaders Institute.



José Pedro Zenteno (MA) is a graduate of the Eastman School of Music and NYU with music and arts leadership degrees. Based in New York, he sits on the board of two regional nonprofits and has completed advanced entrepreneurship and leadership coursework at Harvard and Oxford Universities.