The People That Make It Happen
Our Team
Sammy Gonzalez Zeira, CEO/Founder
Young Musicians Unite was founded by Sammy Gonzalez, a Miami-born, internationally acclaimed musician and mentor. Sammy recognized the staggering lack of music education in many of Miami’s underserved communities and created YMU as a response to this deficiency.
Sammy has over 22 years of experience working in music education; and under his leadership, YMU has impacted over 40,000 students since 2013. As an educator, Sammy has been teaching since 2004. His students have gone on to excel in schools such as New World School of the Arts, Juilliard, Harvard, NYU, Georgetown, Cornell, Vanderbilt, and Penn State. Sammy has personally raised over $35 Million for music education.
Zachary Larmer, COO
Zach Larmer is an internationally acclaimed jazz musician and educator. As a performer and composer, Zach has received three GRAMMY awards and embarked on numerous world tours. He has had the chance to work alongside artists such as Pat Metheny, John Scofield, and the Steve Miller Band. Zach is also the guitarist on American Dreamers: Voices of Hope and Freedom, an album that gained bi-partisan support in the house and senate for its advocacy of citizenship for DACA recipients.
As a music educator over the last 12 years, Zach has focused on creating an infrastructure for musicians to support their growth as they transform into fully capable artists.
Melanie Greenwald, CFO
Melanie Greenwald, a Certified Public Accountant, spent four years in New York at a major CPA firm and then transitioned to a finance and accounting role at Fortune Magazine. In 2018, Melanie joined as YMU’s Chief Financial Officer overseeing all financial aspects as it grew from serving 8 students to over 12,000 students today. Melanie is thrilled to be able to work with the team to accomplish its mission and looks forward to YMU expanding its footprint and impact on our community.
Pedro Diaz, CPO
Pedro Diaz is a project manager, film producer, and cultural promoter who has worked in a wide variety of organizations, institutions, film, and social projects in South Florida, Guatemala, Panama, and Costa Rica. As a native of Guatemala where he grew up and started his career, Pedro was able to witness the importance of real-life changing opportunities while working with underserved communities. Pedro’s expertise lies in creating, planning, developing, and overseeing projects throughout their full life cycle to ensure success. He’s passionate about images, stories and serving his community.
Luciana Pavan, CMO
Born in Brazil, she brings over 25 years of experience in marketing, digital media, and digital business development across the United States, Europe, and Latin America. Her career spans the media industry, working with global brands including VIACOM (MTV, Nickelodeon, VH1), A&E Networks (History Channel, A&E, Lifetime), HBO, and various nonprofit organizations in Miami.
In addition to her corporate leadership, she has been actively involved in public education, serving as Vice President of the PTA and President of PIPA (Portuguese International Parents Association) at Ada Merritt K–8 Center.
As Chief Marketing Officer, she is currently building and structuring a high-performing marketing department, developing strategy, systems, and scalable initiatives to drive sustainable growth.
Luisana Salazar-Martinez, Director of Development
Mission-driven development leader with 15+ years of experience spanning the nonprofit and entertainment worlds. From the music and entertainment industry to building organizations that create lasting community impact, she brings a rare blend of relationship savvy, creative thinking, and rigorous development strategy.
With deep expertise in fund development, donor cultivation, and strategic planning, Luisana has spent her career building the systems and partnerships that scale mission-driven work. She now serves as Director of Development at Young Musicians Unite.
Juan Alvarez, Director of Operations
Operations leader with 8+ years of experience managing high-volume culinary and hospitality establishments across diverse markets. Proven expertise in streamlining processes, developing high-performing teams, and delivering exceptional customer experiences. Strategic thinker skilled in driving revenue growth, optimizing operational efficiency, and fostering collaborative work cultures. Born In Mexico City, passionate about food and service.
Hector Mendez, Entertainment Industry Coordinator
Hector J. Mendez is an entertainment executive and is a second-generation immigrant with Cuban and Mexican roots. Hector is known for being passionate about two things – sports and being a dad.
He is a proud graduate of FIU and Johnson & Wales in Culinary Arts and Hospitality Management and was the first in his family to graduate. Shortly after graduating he became a licensed Real Estate Broker which allowed him to gain expertise in contract negotiations.
Alan Valladares, Arts Access Director
Alan Valladares is a Mexican-born guitarist and educator. He earned a full scholarship to study Classical Guitar at New World School of the Arts and later completed his Master’s in Music at the University of Miami’s Frost School of Music.
From 2013 to 2020, Alan held several roles at Young Musicians Unite, including Director of Shows and Events. He then served as Musician Advancement Manager at the New World Symphony, where he led community engagement efforts and managed the College Track Mentorship Program.
Juan Pelaez, Academic Manager
Juan Pelaez was born and raised in Medellin, Colombia, where he got his first guitar at the age of 12, and just a year later he was playing in his first band and writing songs. Music played such an important part in his life that he decided to move to the United States to study Jazz Guitar and Music Production at Miami Dade College and continued studying Music Composition at the New World School of the Arts.
Emilio Medrano, Central Regional Manager
Emilio Medrano is a Dominican composer, producer, pianist, singer, educator, and software engineer from Jarabacoa. Influenced by artists like Richard Clayderman, Yanni, and film composers, he trained at the National Conservatory of the Dominican Republic and Berklee Online. He founded Medrano Music Academy and co-founded the Genesis Music Group label.
His music includes the EP Mistakes and singles like “Inspiration” and “Feelings,” surpassing 1.5M Amazon Music streams. Now based in Miami, he has performed at Calle 8 and Bajo la Luna Fest, opened for Arcángel, and collaborated with artists from The Voice, Latin Grammy nominees, and jazz vocalist Nicole Henry.
Julian Bermudez, South Dade Regional Manager
Julian is a multi-instrumentalist from Miami, FL. He started playing Piano at the age of 5 at the encouragement of his grandmother and would eventually learn to play the saxophone as well in high school. He’s a jazz-lover at heart who is interested in many other genres ranging from Salsa to Rock to RnB/Soul. He is an active member of the South Florida music scene who currently composes, arranges and performs with his 2 projects: Lotus Collective and Gather ‘Round Live. Julian is passionate about music and sees it as en essential part of the human experience. Fostering a love for music in others is a personal mission of his and a guiding force in his personal and professional life.
Eric Levy, Miami Gardens Regional Manager
Eric is a percussionist, educator, and composer with 18+ years of experience in performance and instruction. He has directed and arranged for WGI Finalist REEF Independent Percussion Ensemble, the Miami Heat Drumline, and Palm Beach State College, among others. His compositions have been performed at universities like Penn State and Florida State, and his students have earned top awards in marching and concert competitions.
He has consulted for major sports teams and international events, taught abroad, and presented at industry workshops.
Diana Fernandez, Studio Manager
Diana Fernandez is a multiple-woodwind musician with a B.A. in music performance from Florida International University, Private lessons instructor, and Twitch Affiliate. She has 4 years of arts administration experience at Performance Management International LLC. representing artists such as Shesh Besh of the Israel Philharmonic, The Edge Effect, Jeri Sager, Chicago Dance Crash, and more.
As a school volunteer and lifelong brother of Kappa Kappa Psi - service to music programs is a strong passion of hers. She is thrilled to be able to have this opportunity to promulgate and foster a deep appreciation for music in young musicians.
Carlo Barbacci, Audio Engineer
Carlo Barbacci is a Peruvian-born Songwriter and Audio Engineer. Before moving to Miami at 23, Carlo produced independent songwriters in Peru like Camille Jackson, Santino amigo, Elisa Tokeshi, and Paco Barriga. He also toured internationally with his Beatles Tribute band “Los Rigbys,” named the Best Beatles Tribute Band of South America in 2015.
In Miami, Carlo holds a degree from SAE Institute and a B.S. in Audio Production from Miami International University. He founded the music collective MOLD!, which is gaining popularity in the South Florida scene.
Mimi Chacin, Development Manager
Born in Spain and raised in Venezuela, Mimi brings a deep appreciation for culture, community, and diversity. She is a mission-driven nonprofit development professional who is passionate about expanding access to arts and educational opportunities that empower and inspire young people. When she’s not working, you’ll likely find her in the kitchen cooking, enjoying the outdoors with her dog, or on a cross-country road trip — often from Miami to Portland, OR, where her two sons call home.
Dr. Andrea Botero, Arts Access Director of Impact & Storytelling
Dr. Andrea Botero is the Director of Impact and Storytelling at Young Musicians Unite. In this role, Dr. Botero oversees AAM's data and storytelling strategies. Dr. Botero is a trained community psychologist with over a decade of experience in the nonprofit sector and academia, specializing in program evaluation, project management, and research related to community impact. She has expertise in mixed-methods research, qualitative analysis, and data visualization. Before joining YMU,
Dr. Botero served as a Senior Research Associate and Adjunct Professor at the University of Miami. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Engineering from EIA University in Medellín, where she was born and raised. She holds a Master’s degree in Community and Social Change and a PhD in Community Well-Being, both from the University of Miami.
Tasha Martinez, Executive Assistant
Tasha Martinez is a music-loving professional with a passion for blending creativity and business. With a background in Music Production & Engineering from Berklee College of Music and an MBA in Music Business, she’s all about making things run smoothly—whether in a recording studio, an office, or behind the scenes of a big project.
From managing bookings at Quad Studios in NYC to coordinating events and operations at SAE Institute Miami, Tasha thrives in fast-paced environments where music and organization come together. She’s skilled in project management, client relations, and keeping workflows seamless, all while staying up to date with the latest industry tools and trends.
When she’s not working, you’ll probably find her discovering new music, curating playlists, or brainstorming ways to support artists and creatives.
Luis Bolaños, Marketing Coordinator
Luis Bolaños is a multimedia producer and musician from Nicaragua who blends music, storytelling, and visual production to bring creative campaigns to life. He has collaborated with brands like McDonald’s and PepsiCo and co-created El Cuartito Sessions, a live performance series highlighting Miami’s artistic community.
At Young Musicians Unite, Luis leads the execution of marketing campaigns, using his background as a musician and visual producer to help transform ideas into compelling visuals and creative concepts that support the organization’s mission of empowering young artists.
Theo Braun, Shows Technical Director
Theodore Braun is a Miami-raised technical director, music producer, and audio engineer who specializes in live events and complex productions. He works across both the creative and technical sides major concerts, music festivals, luxury private events, recorded music, film and live experiences, focusing on productions that run seamlessly while delivering a strong creative impact.
Julie Bruggner, Finance Associate
Julie Bruggner is YMU’s Finance Associate who is passionate about supporting the organization’s mission and contributing to its growth.
With experience in the financial field, an MBA in Business Intelligence Analytics and a passion for music and art, Julie is eager to apply her skills to drive strategic initiatives and help the company thrive.
In her free time, she enjoys traveling, listening to music and spending time outdoors.
Coco Brown, Arts Access Operations Coordinator
Coco is a graduate of the music industry program at the Frost School of Music at the University of Miami, where she studied violin under Charles Castleman and arranging under Nicole Yarling as a Presidential Music Scholar. As a violinist she has performed at Carnegie Hall, the Adrienne Arsht Center, and the Kimmel Center, and has performed with artists such as Shelly Berg, Pat Metheny, Pinchas Zuckerman, Monica Mancini, and more. She worked at music non-profit organizations such as Project 440 and Bravo! Vail Music Festival, and has taught violin and music theory at Canal Music Studios, the National Student Leadership Conference's Music Industry and Production Program at UCLA, and the Community Arts Program conservatory. Coco is very excited to work for Arts Access Miami and continue to enrich the arts communities around her.
Marlon Llanes, Office Manager
Born in Cuba and raised in Miami, Marlon Llanes is currently studying Leadership and Innovation and brings experience from fast-paced, data-driven environments where organization and efficiency are essential.
Much of Marlon’s work focuses on administrative coordination and HR operations, helping teams stay organized and ensuring day-to-day workflows run smoothly behind the scenes.
Although his professional background centers on operations, Marlon has always maintained a strong connection to the arts. After playing instruments as a child, he later developed a passion for dance and now spends much of his free time dancing salsa and staying connected to the music and creative community.
Katherine Menendez, Operations Manager
Born in Havana, Cuba, Katherine Menendez was surrounded by the arts from an early age. Her grandmother, a music teacher, introduced her to countless instruments and instilled in her a deep love for music. While music shaped her childhood, Katherine gravitated toward dance and became a competitive dancer during her teenage years.
As she grew older, Katherine developed a passion for workplace dynamics and psychology, which led her to pursue Industrial-Organizational Psychology. Today, she applies that knowledge at Young Musicians Unite, where she helps strengthen operations, build organizational structure, and support the organization’s continued growth with clarity and purpose.
Maria Pulgarin, Afterschool Manager
Maria is a Colombian guitarist, singer, composer, producer, and educator, and a graduate of the National University of Colombia. Since moving to New York City in 2017, she has led her own quintet, blending jazz with Afro-Colombian traditions from the Caribbean and Pacific coasts, incorporating instruments like gaitas, millo flute, and alegre drums.
She has performed with artists including Ian Kenselaar, Benny Rubin Jr., and Nidia Góngora, and has appeared at venues across New York and Miami. Recently in Miami, she has expanded her sound by collaborating with DJs like Anané, bringing Latin and electronic influences into her live performances.
Johnny Sanchez, Senior Graphic Designer
Johnny Sanchez is a Senior Graphic Designer born in the Dominican Republic. He moved to Miami in 2015 to expand his career in the creative industry. Since arriving in Miami, he has worked across multiple industries including technology, fashion, and entertainment, collaborating with companies such as Rich, Elite Media & Marketing, Addict Fashion House and Nucleus Hub. Young Musicians Unite, has opened a meaningful path for giving back to the community, through thoughtful and engaging visual design that helps create materials that inspire young people to explore music, pick up an instrument, and begin a hobby or even pursue a future career in Music.
Estelle Morales, Shows Manager
Estelle Morales was born and raised in Miami with a love for the Arts her whole life. As a YMU alum herself, being a part of the Miami Beach Rock Ensemble, Arrowhead, and Avalanche all throughout high school, she fell in love with the Music Business. She is now joining YMU to give kids the opportunity she was so lucky to have!
Jennifer Difiglia, Grant Writer
Jennifer began her non-profit career with the belief that access to the arts is transformational—not just for aspiring artists, but for any young person seeking purpose, possibility, and power. As Chief Program Officer at several leading youth arts organizations, Jennifer led high-impact initiatives that reached tens of thousands of students and secured millions in public, private, and philanthropic funding for almost 20 years.
Before working in the nonprofit sector, Jennifer was a teaching artist, leading photography and visual arts programs for students to strengthen literacy and critical thinking skills. She earned her undergraduate degree in Fashion Design and began her career in the wardrobe departments of The Public Theater and the New York Shakespeare Festival before spending twelve years working on Broadway productions.
Bowie Gonzalez, Vibes Coordinator
Super chill guy that accepts scratches and pets as payment.