Ava Spece, executive director: B.S., music and music education, Portland State University. Ms. Spece is an alumna of the Anchorage Youth Symphony and the Portland Youth Philharmonic and has also taught music in the public schools, in Oregon and Washington. Ms. Spece has spent the last fifteen years working in senior-level management positions in both profit and nonprofit companies. Prior to joining the DC Youth Orchestra Program, she served as the Executive Director of ICD Bridges in San Angelo, TX, a nonprofit organization providing temporary housing and supportive services to victims of domestic violence as well as housing and developmental services to adults with mental retardation. She has served as the President of the Tom Green County Coalition Against Violence, Division Chair for the United Way Agencies Campaign Committee, the Legislative Team Leader for the P.P.A.T., and on the United Way Advisory Committee in Texas. ava@dcyop.org

Rashida Coleman, orchestra coordinator: B.S., business administration, Strayer University; undergraduate studies in music performance and administration, University of Miami FL. Ms. Coleman is an alumna of the DC Youth Orchestra Program and taught percussion with the program for three years. She has over six years experience working with children in both music and aquatics, as well as multiple experiences working in management and administration. Ms. Coleman is responsible for supporting and coordinating the major ensembles with the program, including rehearsal and concert coordination. rashida@dcyop.org

Badriyyah Shakir, bookkeeper: Ms. Shakir became connected with the DC Youth Orchestra Program through the membership of her three children from 1988 through 2001. Two of her children were able to participate in the Austria/Germany tour in 1999. Ms. Shakir is responsible for the day-to-day accounting function as the organization's bookkeeper and has worked with the organization since 1998. badriyyah@dcyop.org

Alberto Garcia, instrument coordinator: Mr. Garcia is responsible for the catalogue, management and repair coordination of the organization's 800+ instrument inventory. He has been with the program since 2004. alberto@dcyop.org