Rory McLeod is a musician, entrepreneur, and concert designer who takes joy in creating authentic human connections through shared musical experiences. As Executive and Artistic Director of Xenia Concerts, he works with stakeholders in the disability and neurodiversity community, presenting partners, and performing artists to co-create concert experiences that are inclusive for people who face social and systemic barriers to inclusion.

Determined to widen the circle of inclusion in the performing arts, Rory is pursuing his Master’s in Inclusive Design at OCAD University. Rory is also the founder and Co-director of Pocket Concerts, an organization that presents intimate concert experiences in alternative venues all over the GTA. Rory believes that music is a catalyst to emotional connection: he brings an enthusiastic spirit of collaboration to his performances in chamber music festivals across North America and with the Canadian Opera Company and National Ballet Orchestras.

Sara works as a user experience researcher at Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada. She is a recent graduate of the Interdisciplinary Studies in Human-Centred Design postgraduate program at Algonquin College. She holds a BA (Honours) in History from the University of Ottawa.

While a student, Sara worked for the Human-Centred Design Lab, using design research to develop a guide for educators to administer VR in a way that can help children access their emotions in a safe space. As part of her studies, she worked on a team that created new ways for a national museum organization to bring playful experiences to adults outside typical museum spaces. Sara spends her time in her current work speaking with people all over the world who use government services, all with the goal of placing their needs at the centre of design decisions.

Rachel Roberts has navigated both the non-profit performing arts and higher education sectors, having held unique positions in both. In 2018, Rachel was named Associate Professor of Music Leadership and Graduate Degree Program Director, within Eastman School of Music’s Institute for Music Leadership. In this newly created faculty role, she leads the new MA in Music Leadership, which aims to support the development of a unique combination of artistic and executive skills in the preparation of music leaders. As of June 1, 2021, her role expands to also include serving as the third Director of the Institute for Music Leadership. In this role, Rachel is responsible for overseeing all Institute activities and programs, including the Catherine Filene Shouse Arts Leadership Program, the Paul R. Judy Center for Innovation and Research, and the Careers and Professional Development Office.