Our Advisory Board
Ema Nohalova
International Dance Leader
Choreographer and Dance Educator
Ema Nohálova is an international dance leader whose career spans ballet, ballroom, and Latin American styles, performing and competing across Europe and Asia. Originally from Bratislava, Slovakia, she has built a global reputation in performance, education, and choreography. She is a leading advocate for Integrative Dance and inclusive performance and serves as a world championship judge. She is also a fashion and costume designer for dance and has been featured in Forbes. In 2026, she serves as choreographer and dance supervisor for The Duke Ellington Center for the Arts’ Such Sweet Thunder at Symphony Space. Read her full bio here.
Bobby Sanabria
Eight-time Grammy-nominated drummer, percussionist, and bandleader
Bobby Sanabria is an eight-time Grammy-nominated drummer, percussionist, composer, and leading figure in Latin jazz from the South Bronx. He has performed with legends such as Tito Puente and Dizzy Gillespie and is recognized for blending performance, education, and cultural activism. A dedicated educator and mentor, he advances Afro-Latin jazz through teaching and community engagement. A longtime friend of the Duke Ellington Center for the Arts, he performed in Ellington 125 at Symphony Space, honoring Ellington’s legacy..
https://bobbysanabria.com/
David Schroeder
Former Head of NYU Jazz Studies
Author, Media Producer, Educator, and Musician
Dr. David Schroeder is prolific author, media creator, educator and musician. He is the host and producer of From the Minds of Jazz Musicians, an interview and podcast series, and has published two books with Routledge Press London. He has developed acclaimed media platforms including the Barnes and Noble Jazz Interview Series, Hang Time with Tom Scott, and The NYU Jazz Interview Series. His work has featured collaborations with artists including Vanessa Williams, Tony Bennett, and Wayne Shorter. He is developing Mercedes Ellington memoirs, has hosted her as a guest on his interview series, and is a longtime supporter of The Duke Ellington Center for the Arts organization. Read his full bio at NYU.
Bill Wurtzel
Founding Board Member
Jazz Foundation of America
Bill Wurtzel is a renowned New York City jazz guitarist and founding board member of the Jazz Foundation of America (JFA) since 1989. He has performed with Count Basie’s Countsmen and continues to play regularly, including a long-standing duo with bassist Jay Leonhart. Beyond music, he is a former advertising creative director, food artist, and published author in New York. More at https://billwurtzel.com/home
Co-Founder & Artistic Director, Jazz Power Initiative | Music Educator & Cultural Ambassador
Eli Yamin
Eli Yamin is a leader in jazz education and music advocacy whose work bridges performance, teaching, and community impact. As co-founder of Jazz Power Initiative, he has expanded access to high-quality youth music education, teacher training, and community concerts serving thousands annually. An internationally recognized pianist, composer, and educator, he has developed Jazz Power Pedagogy and trained over a thousand artists and teachers worldwide. A Steinway Artist and cultural ambassador, he has performed globally at venues including Lincoln Center, Carnegie Hall, and The White House, and serves as Musical Director for The Duke Ellington Center for the Arts, advancing jazz as a living, inclusive art form. Learn more at his website.
