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POWER OF MUSIC TEAM CONTINUED...

Alec Glasser

Chairman of the Executive Committee

The Founder of The Drake restaurant in Laguna and The Drake Gives, learned to play the saxophone in a public school when he was 12. That experience profoundly shaped his life in ways he never dreamed possible - his wish is for all kids of all ages to have access to music education. Prior to his endeavors as a restaurateur, he practiced law, specializing in real estate and securities, then served as a faculty member at USC’s law school. Later, Glasser was a commercial real estate investor and developer. Establishing his beloved nonprofit in 2021, The Drake Gives is a 501(c)(3) foundation that provides underserved youth in public schools with music education, materials, and instruments to experience the transformative power of music. Alec’s vision for amplifying music's impact on society took a significant step forward when he connected with Dean Jon Gould and Richard Matthew at UCI in 2023 to create the Center for the Power of Music. In addition the annual Glasser Scholarship was established to support 10 students annually who want to infuse music in their future professional paths in some manner.

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Richard Matthew

Faculty Director

Richard Matthew is a Professor of Urban Planning and Public Policy at the University of California at Irvine. He is the Director of two programs at UCI: the Alec Glasser Center for the Power of Music and Social Change, and the Climate and Urban Sustainability Program. He also directs the University of California’s Institute on Global Conflict and Cooperation’s Climate Change and Security Program. He is a Senior Fellow at the International Institute for Sustainable Development; a member of the United Nations Expert Group on Environment, Conflict and Peacebuilding; and a member of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature’s Commission on Environment, Economic and Social Policy, where he co-chairs the Task Force on Climate Change and Migration. He co-founded the eARTh Studio with aerial dancer Pamela Donohoo. His research includes: examining links among climate change, conflict, public health and migration; developing evidence-based solutions to human trafficking; developing high resolution flood risk models in complex urban environments; and using music to mobilize youth around climate change and sustainable urban redevelopment. Fieldwork sites: Cambodia, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Eswatini, Malawi, Mexico, Nepal, Pakistan, Paraguay, Rwanda, Sierra Leone and USA. UN humanitarian and peacebuilding missions: DRC, Rwanda and Sierra Leone. >200 publications. H-index 41.

Anna Kamanzi (she/her)

Staff Director

Anna is the Director for the new Center for the Power of Music and Social Change at UC Irvine. She has a PhD in cultural anthropology from UCI and has spent more than two years living and conducting ethnographic research in Rwanda. She has also worked for USAID and the World Bank to manage and conduct research and evaluation projects to promote rights and inclusion for Indigenous and rural communities in Africa. Born and raised in northern California, Anna loves art, being outdoors, reading, traveling, and spending time with her family.

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Michelle Ly (she/her)

Coordinator

As a proud first-generation anteater alumna from UC Irvine, Michelle is enthusiastic to apply her fresh perspective and strong organizational skills to this new initiative. Michelle’s role involves handling various operational, logistical and administrative tasks as well as coordinating and planning events. Outside of work, Michelle finds enjoyment in exploring new food places, attending live music performances, and cherishing moments spent with loved ones.

Wendy Misner

Program Director, The Drake Gives

Wendy has taken on a vital role with The Center for the Power of Music and Social Change at UCI, helping to shape the initial stages of the project. She managed key project information, supported the formation of the team at UCI, and remains deeply involved as the Center grows, collaborates with new partners, and amplifies its impact. Wendy's dedication ensures that the Center continues to thrive, broadening its reach to touch even more lives through the transformative power of music.

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FACULTY AFFILIATES

A diverse array of faculty across the UCI campus has enthusiastically signed on as affiliates of The Center for the Power of Music and Social Change, bringing their unique expertise and passion to this transformative effort. These esteemed partners will play a crucial role in shaping and expanding our curriculum and contributing to groundbreaking research activities. As we continue to grow our network and faculty affiliates, we look forward to fostering collaborative relationships that enhance the educational experience and deepen our understanding of music’s profound impact on society.

 

LEGEND

CLS = Criminology, Law & Society

UPPP = Urban Planning and Public Policy

Psych Sci = Psychological Sciences

 

Dominic Bednar (UPPP), Mukul Kumar (UPPP), Susan Coutin (CLS), Mark Le Vine (History), Michael Dessen (Music), Beth Loftus (Psych Sci), David Feldman (UPPP), Richard Matthew (UPPP), Brandon Golob (CLS), Michael Mendez (UPPP), Jon Gould (CLS), Oladele Ogunseitan (Public Health), Sora Han (CLS), Jodi Quas (Psych Sci), Charis Kubrin (CLS), Keramet Reiter (CLS), Stephen Schueller (Psych Sci)

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info@thedrakegives.org

(949) 549-4255 

The Drake Gives is a 501c3

Tax ID #: 84-4335326

Donations are tax-deductible

100% of your donation goes to support The Drake Gives’ partnership programs.

Copyright © 2024 The Drake Gives

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