About ASI

The Arturo Sandoval Institute (ASÍ) will provide Access, Support and Inspiration to music students so they may continue their music education without economic worry. Through scholarships, instrument donations, concerts, clinics, master classes, financial support and community collaborations, ASÍ is devoted to ensuring that music students can focus on what matters – because ASÍ is music!

Founded in 2012, ASÍ continues to provide ways for music students to pursue their passion for music without regard to their economic circumstances. ASÍ programs were designed so burgeoning artists can thrive. The Arturo Sandoval Institute is also dedicated to raising awareness for underprivileged music students through its funding and organizing of concerts and events. Above all, ASÍ aims to uplift artists to honing their craft through passion, hard work and fun.

Michael Velazquez

ASI President and Board Chair | CEO Velazquez & Associates PLLC

Michael is a highly respected Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Personal Financial Specialist (PFS), and Certified Financial Planner (CFP) with a Master of Science in Psychology. He leverages his diverse expertise to provide forward-thinking guidance to clients, families, and organizations.

With a 40-year tenure in California, Michael served as Managing Partner of The Accountancy, LLP, and directed the Wealth Management division. He fostered a long-term relationship with jazz legend Arturo Sandoval, who inspired the creation of The Arturo Sandoval Institute (ASI) in 2011. The non-profit organization aims to bring music to children, and ASI’s inaugural “Save the Music” benefit concert sold out a 1400-seat theater in 2013.

After a temporary hiatus due to COVID, Michael relaunched ASI’s mission and transitioned to Florida. He founded Velazquez & Associates, PLLC, a consulting firm based in Weston, Florida, and continues to be a sought-after expert in tax and financial matters. Michael has appeared on TV and radio and is frequently quoted in prominent news outlets.

Outside of his professional pursuits, Michael is a music enthusiast, avid golfer, baseball fan, and wine aficionado. He resides in Weston, Florida, with his wife, Mercy, and enjoys a fulfilling life with their three adult children and three grandchildren.

Melody Lisman

ASI Treasurer | Arturo Sandoval Personal Manager

Melody is a visionary business and personal manager, renowned for her expertise in the music industry. With a 25-year tenure as the trusted manager of Arturo Sandoval’s career, she has been instrumental in supporting and cultivating the legendary musician’s artistic vision.

Melody’s profound understanding of the music industry and her passion for nurturing talent enable her to navigate the intricacies of Sandoval’s career with ease. From orchestrating hundreds of concerts and managing global tours to producing albums, securing publishing and sponsorship deals, and overseeing promotional activities and client relations, Melody’s expertise is unparalleled.

As a master strategist and executor, Melody collaborates with various stakeholders, including venues, agents, and media, to ensure seamless operations and successful engagements. Her extensive experience, industry connections, and exceptional organizational skills make her an indispensable asset in the entertainment world.

By shouldering the administrative burdens, Melody allows Sandoval to focus on what he does best: creating and sharing his musical genius. Through her dedication and leadership, she has played a pivotal role in sustaining Sandoval’s musical legacy and ensuring its continued growth.

Outside of her professional pursuits, Melody enjoys a fulfilling personal life with her loving husband and their vibrant daughter, Lola. When not working, she can be found exploring the world, learning French, practicing yoga, creating art in her ceramics studio, or cuddling with their beloved giant poodle, Teddybear.

Guillermo (Willy) Gomez

Founder & Managing Partner | Opes Rebus LLC

Results-driven business professional with a proven track record of success in strategy, sales, and leadership. With a strong passion for making a positive impact in the community, Willy has spent 40+ years in banking, leadership, and finance, with a focus on helping sophisticated business persons solve complex problems.

• 40+ years of experience in banking, leadership, and finance
• Proven sales performance and long history of stellar financial performance
• Seven successful start-ups and 30+ years of NFP board experience
• Excellent communication skills and deep knowledge of credit and loan structuring
• Work out experience and extensive acquisition financing
• Served on multiple boards, including Miami Science Museum, Make-A-Wish Foundation of Florida, and Nova Southeastern University Ambassadors Board
• Currently serves on the Tower Club Board of Governors, Big Brothers Big Sisters Board, and Arturo Sandoval Institute Board.

Alejandra Chaparro

Founder/CEO at 17 Entertainment

Alejandra Chaparro is a trailblazing entrepreneur and media expert who’s revolutionizing the industry with her unique blend of journalistic insight and entrepreneurial flair. As the visionary founder of 17 Entertainment, she’s built a reputation as a go-to strategist for companies and high-profile executives across the globe.

With over 15 years of experience in the media landscape, Alejandra has developed a keen eye for compelling narratives and an unparalleled ability to navigate the ever-changing media environment. Her award-winning journalism background has provided her with a deep understanding of the industry, allowing her to craft game-changing PR strategies and drive business results.

But Alejandra’s impact extends far beyond the boardroom. As a passionate mentor with Women Entrepreneurs NYC (WENYC) and advisor to the Consul of Mexico in New York City, she’s dedicated to empowering the next generation of female business leaders. Her commitment to mental health advocacy and her belief in the transformative power of music add depth and nuance to her profile.

In a city that never sleeps, Alejandra Chaparro stands out as a dynamic leader who’s not just keeping pace with the media world – she’s setting the tone. With her expertise in PR, event planning, and digital marketing, she’s changing the game and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. Whether she’s mentoring aspiring entrepreneurs or driving business results for her clients, Alejandra Chaparro is a force to be reckoned with.

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Lydia Quesada

Attorney | Villasante Law

Lorena Salcedo

Director | Legit Music Management

Roberto Villasante

Attorney | Villasante Law

Roberto Villasante is a seasoned attorney with over 39 years of experience in complex civil and commercial disputes, including aviation, telecommunications, international business matters, insurance, medical malpractice, and products liability. He has secured multi-million dollar verdicts and obtained notable favorable results before trial and appellate courts.

Villasante has taught as an adjunct professor at Florida International University’s College of Advanced Professional Studies’ Legal Studies Institute and has spoken on various topics, including emerging drugs and devices, medical monitoring (class action), vaccine litigation, and others. He is a member of the Association of Trial Lawyers of America (ATLA) and has served as co-chair of their Vaccine Litigation Group.

He holds memberships in several prestigious organizations, including the Florida Bar, Supreme Court of the United States, and various federal courts. Villasante has also worked with local counsel in several countries and has served as outside General Counsel to corporate clients.

Born in Havana, Cuba, Villasante immigrated to the US in 1961 via Operation Pedro Pan. He is fluent in Spanish and remains active in human rights causes on behalf of political prisoners and in his community. 

John M. Corrado

Former HR Director | Xerox Corporation

John M. Corrado has over 43 years of experience in human resources, with a proven track record of energizing and motivating groups of employees and management at Xerox Corporation from 1966 to 2009. He holds a BS degree in Business Administration and a Minor in Psychology from St. John Fisher University, as well as an AAS degree in Business Administration from Monroe Community College.

Throughout his career, Corrado has received extensive professional training, including Lean Six Sigma Green Belt certification, Leadership Through Quality, and advanced management training. He has also developed expertise in areas such as compensation, job evaluations, field operations, employment law, security operations, HR systems development, and policy deployment. His experience spans various functions, including sales, service, administrative, finance, and control, both at headquarters and in field operations.

Corrado’s professional achievements include serving as Director Human Resources for Eastern Sales Operations, Senior Human Resources Consultant for Florida/Puerto Rico and Mid-Atlantic Areas, and Manager of Division Compensation, Benefits, and Organizational Development. He has also held various leadership positions, including Chairman of the Board for Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Broward County and Board Chair for Weston Hills Country Club. In 2021, he was inducted into the Senior Hall of Fame by the Area Wide Council on Aging.

Richard García

SVP Managing Director | The Community Advertising Agency

Malena Mendez

President & CEO, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Broward County

As President and CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Broward County, Malena Mendez brings unparalleled leadership expertise and fundraising acumen to the
organization. Since joining in January 2021, she has energized the team with her passion for empowering youth and igniting their potential.

Within months of taking the reins, Mendez spearheaded the groundbreaking Broward Bigger Better Stronger campaign, a bold initiative aimed at reducing the waitlist and raising $1 million to support programming and staffing. The results were nothing short of remarkable: 76% of children on the waiting list were matched with mentors, and an astonishing $1.1 million was raised – exceeding all expectations! Under her leadership, Big Brothers Big Sisters has recorded a record-breaking net assets of $4.1 million.

Mendez’s impact extends far beyond fundraising. She launched a targeted awareness campaign to elevate the organization’s presence in the community, increased staffing to serve more children, and strengthened the board of directors by recruiting influential community leaders. Her dedication has also led to the successful launch of the BIG Thank You Breakfast, which drew over 200 guests to celebrate Bigs’ volunteer commitment, as well as a revamped Déjà Vu annual fundraiser that grossed a record-breaking $500K in 2023.

A seasoned professional with over 18 years of experience at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts, Mendez brings invaluable expertise in fundraising, sponsorship, marketing, events, and relationship management to Big Brothers Big Sisters. As Director of Corporate Partnerships, she cultivated major corporate partnerships that generated significant funding for the Center.

A true champion for Big Brothers Big Sisters’ mission, Mendez was previously an active volunteer and founding member of the organization’s Women on the Verge resource group. She received the prestigious Champion of Children Award at a Big Brothers Big Sisters gala event, among numerous other accolades for her community service.

Mendez has been recognized as:

* Leadership Broward Chair Award
* Broward County Diamante Award
* Broward County Commission Excellence in Community Service Award
* Leadership Broward Fun Lunch honoree
* Hispanic Women of Distinction
* 100 Outstanding Women of Broward County
* Woman of Influence by DeVry University/Puerto Rico Chamber of Commerce

A proud mother, grandmother, and Big Sister to a 5-year-old Little named Malaysia (M&M), Mendez embodies the spirit of community service and mentorship.

Izmira Santiago – Mikel

Managing Director | Latin Grammy Cultural Foundation

With true understanding of education’s power to uplift, Izmira Santiago Mikel has dedicated her career to promoting causes that seek to open doors for all—including underrepresented populations throughout the United States and Puerto Rico. With over a decade of experience in philanthropy management across a variety of sectors, Izmira serves as the Managing Director for Strategy & Operations for the Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation.

Izmira previously served as Director of CSR & Foundation Relations for TelevisaUnivision and as the Executive Director for the Univision Foundation. She also led Strategy Planning and Management as an Associate Program Officer for the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation where she implemented projects that helped push the organization’s mission toward postsecondary success, strategy execution and DE&I. But no matter what project she’s working on, Izmira combines technical expertise with influential people skills to create efficiencies. 

Prior to joining the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Izmira was a Business Analyst for the Department of Homeland Security where she made important contributions on initiatives meant to better equip low-income, first-generation, and underrepresented populations with the skills needed to participate in the knowledge economy. 

Izmira was born and raised in Puerto Rico. Her parents placed high value on education and participated in organizations championing human rights, education, and community programs. Izmira followed suit—hoping to help others from minoritized backgrounds. She studied music and sound engineering in college and went on to earn her MBA. She currently lives in South Florida with her young son Miles. 

Izmira serves on the Advisory Board of Directors for organizations such as Twilio, Mi Familia Vota, A Picture’s Worth, Friends of Puerto Rico, Metro Women’s Business Center, and the Center for Hispanic Marketing Education at Florida State University. When she’s not working or helping others, Izmira loves playing with her son, reading, traveling, digging for obscure vinyl records, and attending concerts and comedy shows with her friends, and family. 

We are grateful for the soulful accompaniment of our talented partners in serving music students.