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Meet Our Team

Luke Henning is an esteemed Executive Director at Mid-City Community Music, bringing a rich tapestry of experience and expertise to the organization. With a diverse background in journalism, public relations, and digital marketing, Luke has cultivated strong relationships with arts professionals and organizations across Southern California. Holding a Bachelor's degree in Political Science from San Diego State University, he embarked on his career as a writer for the prestigious Associated Press, where his passion for storytelling and connecting with communities through words took root.

In 2020, Luke joined Mid-City Community Music as Programs Manager, and since then, he has been an instrumental driving force in the organization's remarkable success. Leading a team of talented teaching artists across multiple school sites in San Diego County, he has spearheaded the implementation of impactful grant-funded programs. Luke's visionary leadership and unwavering dedication to nurturing young talents have been pivotal in shaping the organization's mission and fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for aspiring artists.

Taking on the role of Executive Director in 2023, Luke further solidified his commitment to Mid-City Community Music's growth and positive impact on the community. As Executive Director, he passionately champions the organization's vision of bringing music and art education to justice-involved and under-resourced communities in San Diego's Mid-City area. Under Luke's guidance, MCCM has expanded its reach and influence, enriching the lives of countless young individuals and fostering a deep appreciation for the arts.

Luke's dynamic approach to leadership and his unwavering belief in the transformative power of music and art have earned him the respect and admiration of his colleagues and the community alike. His strategic vision ensures that Mid-City Community Music continues to thrive, making a lasting impact on the lives of those it serves. As Executive Director, Luke Henning is instrumental in shaping the organization's path forward, creating a legacy of artistic enrichment and community engagement that will resonate for years to come. With his unwavering dedication and passion for empowering individuals through creativity, Luke is truly a driving force in the organization's success, leaving an indelible mark on the arts and the community.

Luke Henning

Executive Director

Sylvia Mariposa's journey at Mid-City Community Music is a testament to her deep-rooted passion for both administrative support and the world of dance. With an impressive background in providing administrative assistance since 2001, Sylvia's expertise has been honed through her work in esteemed institutions such as the CSUF Dean's Office and the College of Natural Science & Mathematics. Her dedication to supporting the growth and development of others extends beyond administrative roles, as she has also been teaching dance for over 25 years, imparting her love and knowledge of this art form to aspiring dancers.

Since joining MCCM in 2020, Sylvia has made significant contributions to the local community, making a positive impact on teens, families, and individuals from all walks of life. She strives to create enriching and rewarding experiences for everyone involved with the organization. Drawing from her experiences during her time at CSUF, Sylvia cherishes the opportunities she had to work with college students and prepare them to teach fun science to K-12 children, fostering a love for learning and discovery among the younger generation.

Dance holds a special place in Sylvia's heart, and she feels privileged to teach dance to local teens and facilitate dance workshops for adults at MCCM. With extensive training in classical and contemporary dance, including ballet, jazz, danza arabe, and American Tribal Style certification, Sylvia brings a wealth of expertise to her teaching, directing troupes, designing costumes, choreographing performances, and showcasing her talents on professional stages.

Her involvement with SAMEDA (San Diego Middle Eastern Dance Association) further exemplifies her commitment to the dance community, and she finds joy in sharing insights and trade secrets with her students, creating a fun and supportive learning environment. Beyond her wildest expectations, Sylvia has experienced remarkable highlights, performing for prestigious events such as Cirque du Soliel (VIP event), Disneyland (executive event), SD Public TV, and even an international TV ad.

Grateful to be part of the dedicated team at MCCM, Sylvia eagerly embraces the opportunities that come her way, leaving a lasting impact on the organization's growth and the lives of those she touches through her administrative support and her passion for dance. Her multifaceted contributions and genuine enthusiasm make her an invaluable asset to the Mid-City Community Music family.

Sylvia Mariposa

Administrative Support

Librado Hernandez is a dynamic and accomplished operations manager at Mid-City Community Music, known for his strong leadership and commitment to driving the organization forward. Hailing from the vibrant city of San Diego as a proud Mexican-American, Librado brings a deep understanding of the local community and a passion for making a positive impact on the lives of its residents.

In his role as operations manager, Librado wears many hats, managing essential aspects of the organization's functioning. His expertise in marketing and content creation has been instrumental in boosting Mid-City Community Music's visibility and reach. Librado's strategic approach has led to successful advertising campaigns, captivating social media content, and the acquisition of grants and alternative funding sources. Additionally, he is involved in revamping the organization's website, ensuring that it remains user-friendly and informative.

One of Librado's key areas of focus is building a strong and cohesive team. Through his hiring and training initiatives, he ensures that Mid-City Community Music maintains its commitment to excellence in all aspects of its work. Librado's leadership extends to overseeing day-to-day operations, where he adeptly crafts scalable systems that facilitate the organization's growth and adaptability in a dynamic environment.

Beyond his professional endeavors, Librado's personal journey has significantly influenced his work. Drawing inspiration from his own experiences, he is dedicated to providing opportunities to young individuals, especially those in justice-involved and under-resourced communities. He firmly believes in the transformative power of music and art, which drives his unwavering dedication to fostering community engagement and promoting inclusivity through the arts.

Under Librado's guidance, Mid-City Community Music continues to enrich the lives of San Diego's diverse communities, bridging gaps and strengthening bonds through the shared experience of music. His innovative and compassionate approach makes him an invaluable asset to the organization, and his tireless efforts ensure that Mid-City Community Music remains at the forefront of empowering and inspiring the next generation of artists and change-makers.

Librado Hernandez

Operations Manager

Carlos Moya is an accomplished finance and grants manager, renowned for his commitment to transparency and accountability. Raised in San Diego's vibrant City Heights neighborhood, Carlos developed a strong work ethic and a passion for making a positive impact in his community.

He earned his undergraduate degree in Economics and minor in Accounting from the prestigious University of California, San Diego (UCSD), where he demonstrated exceptional academic performance and showcased his leadership skills through active engagement in extracurricular activities.

Carlos pursued his desire to become a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) to deepen his understanding of financial matters and contribute to the business world. He gained valuable experience in Tax and Auditing with renowned firms, honing his expertise in financial analysis, compliance, and risk assessment. His dedication to upholding the highest standards of integrity and ethics earned him respect from colleagues and clients alike.

Throughout his professional journey, Carlos has remained focused on promoting transparency and accountability within organizations. He continually seeks innovative ways to improve financial reporting practices and internal control systems, recognizing their role in fostering trust and sustainable growth.

Beyond his professional endeavors, Carlos actively participates in community service initiatives, leveraging his financial expertise to assist local nonprofits and organizations in achieving their goals. His ability to bridge the gap between financial literacy and social impact has garnered admiration and recognition from those he has served. Carlos's unwavering commitment to both his work and community continues to make a significant difference in the lives of many.

Carlos Moya

Finance & Grants Manager

Genevieve Storm is a highly accomplished Music Director, renowned for her exceptional talent and dedication to the world of music. With a Master of Music from New York University and a Bachelor of Music from San Jose State University, Genevieve's impressive academic background has laid the groundwork for her illustrious career.

Over the course of 15 years, Genevieve has been teaching music with an unwavering passion and enthusiasm, leaving an indelible mark on her students. Her expertise extends to both music theory and music production, and she has had the privilege of sharing her knowledge with aspiring musicians at prestigious institutions such as San Jose State University and New York University.

As a performer with 20 years of experience, Genevieve's musical journey has been nothing short of extraordinary. She has graced the stage with some of the industry's most renowned artists, including John Ondrasik of Five for Fighting, Vivian Campbell of Def Leppard, Dio, Whitesnake, and Thin Lizzy. Her versatility as a multi-instrumentalist has allowed her to leave a lasting impression in various musical genres, making her an invaluable asset to any musical ensemble.

Genevieve is also a prolific composer, having written music commissions for esteemed ensembles such as the San Jose Chamber Orchestra, Mivos String Quartet, and the Prague Symphony Orchestra. Her compositions have garnered recognition, with seven nominations for Best Original Score for her work on the animated short film "I'm Here" at a film festival circuit in 2022. Genevieve's talent as a media composer shines through her collaborations with film, documentaries, animation, podcasts, and theater productions.

In her role as Music Director at Mid-City Community Music, Genevieve takes great pride in giving participants across all programs a safe and nurturing space for creativity, personal growth, and self-empowerment through music. Her contagious "Genergy" inspires those around her, creating an atmosphere of enthusiasm and dedication to the organization's mission of fostering community through music. With her profound musical expertise, unwavering dedication, and boundless creativity, Genevieve Storm continues to be a driving force in the world of music, leaving an indelible impact on the lives of many.

Genevieve Storm

Music Director

Drew Decker, the visionary founder of the organization, brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his role. With a Masters degree in instructional technology from National University and a certificate in nonprofit management and development from UCSD Extension, Drew's academic background complements his passion for music and community outreach. For an impressive 18 years, he has been a driving force behind the organization's growth and success.

What Drew finds most rewarding about his work is witnessing the transformative journey of youth as they develop both musically and socially. As a true leader, he takes pride in guiding the organization's team towards a bright future, shaping its next era. Drew's dedication has fostered a harmonious environment where diverse groups come together and interact, culminating in unforgettable concerts.

His approach to his role is guided by a deep commitment to personal growth and reflection. Drew firmly believes that the changes he seeks in others are intrinsically linked to his own self-improvement. He is not only an advocate for positive change but also a living example of its power. Engaging actively with the local nonprofit arts community, Drew is grateful for the collaborative efforts of partners who are making a significant impact in San Diego.

Drawing from a profound personal experience, Drew cherishes the transformative effect of music in his life. Learning to play the guitar at the tender age of 13 opened a creative outlet that redirected his energies and curbed delinquent behaviors. The power of music, for Drew, transcends mere notes; it holds a spiritual connection that has shaped his journey and his mission. His ultimate goal is to share this profound experience with others, particularly young individuals who may be facing challenges.

Drew Decker's visionary leadership, unwavering commitment to personal growth, and passion for using music as a force for positive change make him an inspiration to both the organization's team and the community it serves. Under his guidance, Mid-City Community Music continues to flourish and inspire the lives of countless young people.

Drew Decker

Founder

George Sanger, also known as "The Fat Man," is a seasoned musician and Jam Director at Mid-City Community Music. His love for music began in the early '70s when he started playing in bands, and since then, he has been a driving force in running jam groups. With a trailblazing career in the music and sound for videogames industry, George earned recognition as one of the first in the USA to delve into this field. Notably, he served as the first Audio Director at the Augmented Reality company Magic Leap and holds several patents in that domain. His expertise has led him to speak at conferences, run think tanks, author a book, write numerous articles, and conduct insightful interviews related to the industry.

Despite his impressive background, George's true passion lies in jamming, a pursuit that has captivated him since the age of 14. He is affectionately dubbed "the Deepak Chopra of jamming" after writing an influential article sharing tips and tricks for successful jamming sessions. In his role as Jams Director at MCCM, George revels in interacting with participants who are fully immersed "in the flow" of playing instruments and singing. Witnessing the transformative power of music on young individuals involved in MCCM's programs brings him immense gratification and inspiration.

Amidst all his accomplishments, George remains humble and cherishes the connections he has built with wonderful people, including the staff at MCCM and some famous individuals. He takes pride in being associated with Mid-City Community Music and is touched by his youngest daughter's immense pride in his work with the organization.

With his wealth of experience and passion for music, George Sanger is a valuable asset to MCCM's programs. His unique perspective and unwavering dedication to the transformative power of music enrich the lives of participants, fostering a sense of community and empowerment through the joy of playing and sharing music. As Jams Director, George continues to be a guiding force in nurturing the next generation of musicians and instilling a lifelong love for music in all who cross paths with Mid-City Community Music.

George Sanger

Jam Director

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