Gustavo Samudio, graduate student in the Department of Music pursuing his M.M. in guitar performance, has been selected as one of 50 musical changemakers from around the world to participate in the 2021 "Global Leaders Program" cohort.

Samudio, a native of Panama, will be joining a prestigious class of musicians to study and apply, in real-world settings, dynamic strategies and solutions for different initiatives; including perspectives in cultural agency, artistry, social enterprise, and leadership through a 40-week curriculum.

The program is a nine-month Executive Graduate Certificate in Social Entrepreneurship, Cultural Agency, Policy Leadership, Teaching Artistry, and Business Management taught by distinguished faculty including Nobel Laureates, Grammy winners, and TED presenters. The faculty also includes notable professors from Harvard University, McGill University, NYU, and El Sistema USA.

Samudio discovered the GLP as he sought to participate in opportunities to develop a greater understanding of social entrepreneurship with a cultural agency.

"I have always envisioned music as a compelling tool to build a more diverse and equal society," he said.

A feeling enthusiastically supported by his guitar instructor, professor Jake Hertzog, who encouraged him to apply. The rigorous application process included musicianship, management experience, and multiple interviews.

Samudio has been involved with music and social change programs in Panama and is currently working to create a non-profit organization — the Northwest Arkansas Guitar Society — to provide a series of concerts for the Northwest Arkansas community that will promote the awareness of the guitarists and focus on guitar pedagogy. Additionally, as part of his graduate work, Samudio has been working with faculty to continue developing music projects in Panama that will focus on cultural agency and free music education to members of underprivileged families as a way to overcome social inequalities.

To read more about the Global Leaders Program, as well as information on how to apply for next year, their website can be found at globalleadersprogram.com.