What if the arts are about far more than entertainment? Theresa Smith-Levin, Founder and Executive Director of Central Florida Vocal Arts, sees the arts as a powerful way to build connection, confidence, and community. We explore how her organization has expanded access to arts education and performance opportunities while growing into a lasting community presence. Theresa shares lessons on leading with clear values, building authentic relationships, and continuing forward even when the path feels daunting.

We also discuss the challenges of balancing leadership, motherhood, passion, and burnout and why communities benefit from investing in arts and culture. We close by considering what it means to make choices that reflect who we are and the future we want to build.

In this episode, you will hear:

• Building community through the arts
• Leading with clear values and authentic relationships
• Balancing passion, leadership, motherhood, and burnout
• The role of arts education in confidence, courage, and belonging
• Investing in arts and culture to strengthen communities
• Making long-term choices that align with your values

Resources from this Episode

amycalandrino.com

creorlando.com

thecalandrinofoundation.org

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Episode Credits

If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com. Let them know we sent you.