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The David Z Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization started by singer/guitarist Paulie Z in memory of his brother and bandmate bassist David Z. Inclusive of all and serving a diverse population of underprivileged kids, our aim is to instill a passion for music in kids while providing them with engaging music education opportunities and funding, putting together collaborations between kids and veteran music industry professionals and developing programs within academic school settings as well as music schools, both across the country and internationally. We bring students into the world of music by providing deeper knowledge and experience with instruments, songwriting, recording, music video production, band dynamics and live performances, and offer kids workshops on the music industry itself. In their own schools, the programs we co-design get kids to use the crafts of songwriting, recording and video production to create work which helps explain educational concepts in creative and stylish ways. The foundation’s interest in defining new avenues for music as a helping tool has also led to the application of music in programs for kids with emotional and mental health challenges. The foundation is looking ahead to future programs that will continue a strong focus on music education and well-being through music.
PAULIE Z
Founder/CEO
Paulie Z is the singer of the legendary band SWEET, Host/Producer of Ultimate Jam Night at the famous Whisky A Go Go, and lead singer of the tribute band BOHEMIAN QUEEN. He was the Vocalist/Guitarist for the power trio ZO2, and star of the TV Series Z ROCK on the IFC channel. In addition to 25 years of experience on stage, on-screen, and in the studio, Paulie has been simultaneously performing and creating musical programs for children and was named ‘New Yorker of The Week’ by the NY1 Network for his contribution to music education. Paulie is passionate about bringing change to the world through music education and is proud to have founded the David Z Foundation in his brother’s honor and serve as its president.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Daniel is an Education Specialist serving as Chief Academic Officer of the David Z Foundation. He is a highly innovative and resourceful education professional who quickly identifies and resolves challenging classroom situations, strives to create positive classroom culture, and readily communicates and collaborates with team members across disciplines and agencies. He is passionate about collaborations in both music and education. Daniel has toured with Tajci as a keyboard player and vocalist. He is currently collaborating with Paulie Z on myriad music and education projects, including the David Z Modern Musician Program.
Daniel is an Education Specialist in his 4th year teaching special education at Modoc High School in Alturas, CA. He is a highly innovative and resourceful education professional who quickly identifies and resolves challenging classroom situations, strives to create positive classroom culture, and readily communicates and collaborates with team members across disciplines and agencies. He is passionate about collaborations in both music and education. Daniel has toured with Tajci as a keyboard player and vocalist and is currently collaborating with Paulie Z on myriad music and education projects, including the David Z Modern Musician Program.
Joanne is the Vice President of Education/COO at the Greater Subquehanna Valley United Way in Central Pennsylvania. She has worked in the nonprofit sector for over 15 years focusing on improving early childhood education for families and the community they live in. Joanne began working with Paulie Z in the summer of 2020 to use her broad experience in grant writing and capacity building to help grow the foundation reach. She was also actively involved in the creation of the Music Mentor program with Paulie Z through a pilot program using songwriting as an innovative initiative to address youth mental health. Joanne is honored to have the opportunity to be a part of the David Z Foundation.
David Bennett, CPA, CFE, CFF, CITP serves as Treasurer on the Board of Directors of David Z Foundation. He has more than thirty years of experience in public accounting, corporate finance, renewable energy regulatory reporting, taxation, forensic accounting, divorce mediation, and litigation support. He currently serves as a partner for Weaver and Tidwell, L.L.P., a top 40 accounting, assurance, and advisory firm in New York City.
David's experience in the not-for-profit area spans more than ten years. In 2012, he co-founded Winsol Economic Development Corporation, an organization whose goal was to improve the lives and education of families and children in the Flint, MI area. He currently serves on the Board of Directors of Center for Interreligious Understanding, Inc., as well as Treasurer on the Board of Directors for NFL Alumni Association and Being the Blessing Foundation, Inc.
Ofrit Peres is a producer and talent manager based in Ojai, California. She worked as an early childhood music educator for over ten years and created a successful Brooklyn-based business that ran environmentally-focused programs for children. She wrote two children's albums for her music program with Paulie Z. When an opportunity presented itself, she made a career change to become a partner at Chaotik Media, a boutique talent management and production company with offices in NY and Los Angeles. She is thrilled to be able to support children through music in honor of the incredible David Z.
Lisa has been an educator for more than 30 years. Starting as a teacher and retiring as a principal, Lisa was instrumental in writing a "peace curriculum" educating her kids for a culture of peace and multicultural learning. She worked with Paulie Z in bringing music and video learning to her school, writing songs and music that highlighted a variety of topics. From social to political issues, Lisa ensured that her kids learned to think locally and act globally! Lisa is excited to be part of the David Z Foundation.
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Joanne is the Vice President of Education/COO at the Greater Susquehanna Valley United Way in Central Pennsylvania. She has worked in the nonprofit sector for over 15 years focusing on improving early childhood education for families and the community they live in. Joanne began working with Paulie Z in the summer of 2020 to use her broad experience in grant writing and capacity building to help grow the foundations reach. She was also actively involved in the creation of the Music Mentor program with Paulie Z through a pilot program using songwriting as an innovative initiative to address youth mental health. Joanne is honored to have the opportunity to be a part of the David Z Foundation.
Daniel is an Education Specialist in his 4th year teaching special education at Modoc High School in Alturas, CA. He is a highly innovative and resourceful education professional who quickly identifies and resolves challenging classroom situations, strives to create positive classroom culture, and readily communicates and collaborates with team members across disciplines and agencies. He is passionate about collaborations in both music and education. Daniel has toured with Tajci as a keyboard player and vocalist. He is currently collaborating with Paulie Z on myriad music and education projects, including the David Z Modern Musician Program.
Joanne is the Vice President of Education/COO at the Greater Susquehanna Valley United Way in Central Pennsylvania. She has worked in the nonprofit sector for over 15 years focusing on improving early childhood education for families and the community they live in. Joanne began working with Paulie Z in the summer of 2020 to use her broad experience in grant writing and capacity building to help grow the foundations reach. She was also actively involved in the creation of the Music Mentor program with Paulie Z through a pilot program using songwriting as an innovative initiative to address youth mental health. Joanne is honored to have the opportunity to be a part of the David Z Foundation.
Omid Rahmat. COO. Omid is a technology executive with over 30 years experience in building and managing startups across a number of industry verticals from manufacturing subsystems to health and fitness. He has worked in the areas of 3D computer graphics, console gaming, streaming media technologies, SaaS for enterprise, social media marketing and digital advertising technologies.
