MUSIC BEYOND TEAM

KAORI FUJII  |  Founder and President/CEO
International Flutist / Educator / Advocate

Kaori Fujii is an internationally acclaimed flutist, educator, and philanthropist whose career has spanned major stages across every continent. She has performed, toured, and recorded with renowned artists and orchestras across the globe, captivating audiences with her artistry and expressive voice.

Kaori has appeared at prestigious venues including the John F. Kennedy Center, Carnegie Hall, Alte Oper Frankfurt, Liederhalle Stuttgart, Teresa Carreño Theater, Tokyo Opera City Concert Hall, and Suntory Hall. She has released eight albums, one of which was shortlisted for a Grammy Award nomination.

Recognized as the youngest-ever prizewinner of Japan’s three most prestigious music competitions, Kaori has also received top awards in major international competitions in Europe. As an educator, she has led clinics and masterclasses for flutists around the world, inspiring the next generation of musicians and championing music as a universal language.

In 2014, Kaori founded Music Beyond, a U.S.-based NGO dedicated to harnessing the power of music to empower artists, uplift communities, and drive positive change in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Under her leadership, Music Beyond has grown into a trusted force, valued by the artistic community in the DRC and trusted by leading international institutions and organizations, while creating innovative programs that use music as a catalyst for empowerment, confidence, and social transformation.

Kaori Fujii continues to bridge the worlds of artistry and humanitarian leadership with unwavering dedication, demonstrating how music restore dignity, inspire unity, and spark lasting change.

KEVIN MCGUIRE | Vice President and Security Advisor
International Security Specialist

Kevin McGuire has been in the security field for over ten years, both domestic and overseas. His expertise is in overseas security, specifically in Africa. He has extensive knowledge in the Democratic Republic of Congo. He has spent a vast amount of time throughout the country. He has worked with many organizations within the security field to include international bodies, policy-makers, partner organizations, key stakeholder groups, NGOs, at-risk communities, and the general public. Kevin continues his work throughout different regions around the world.

GINA IZZO | Board Member
Nonprofit Management Specialist

For over fifteen years, Gina Izzo has worked in the non-profit arts sector, focusing on strategic organizational development, programming, and audience building. She has worked with National arts organizations and institutions including Carnegie Hall, The New School, Chamber Music America, Welltone New Music at Symphony Space, and the Paul Taylor Dance Company.
Izzo's organizational development extends through leading workshops and panels at national conferences, organizations, and institutions such as New York University, Berklee College of Music, the Colburn School, Boise State University, Wichita State University, the Manhattan School of Music, New Music USA, Chamber Music America, Nat King Cole Music Educators Conference, among others. She is also the founder of bespoken, a music mentorship organization for women in music.
Currently, Izzo serves on the Board of Directors and is chair of the external relations committee of the Willie Mae Rock Camp, as an ambassador of the engagement council at The Interlochen Center for the Arts, and as adjunct faculty at the New School.

JULIEN BEAUDIMENT | Board Member
Principal Flutist, Lyon National Opera

Renowned flutist Julien Beaudiment brilliantly represents the French flute school. Born in 1978, he crossed the Channel when he was 18 years old to study at the Guildhall School of Music in London. He stayed there two years, before finishing his studies at the Conservatoire National Superieur de Musique de Paris. He was appointed Principal Flute at the Orchestre de l'Opéra National de Lyon at the age of 22. From 2005 to 2006 he was appointed principal flute of the BBC National Orchestra of Wales under Thierry Fischer and he temporarily took leave from his orchestra in Lyon, which he rejoined the following year. He is currently the only French flutist to have held this position in a great British Orchestra. From 2013 to 2015 he joined the Los Angeles Philharmonic as Principal Flute. In 2015 he returned to France as the Principal Flute with Orchestre de l'Opéra National de Lyon.

Yeremia Vindu | Country Director, DRC

Yeremia Vindu is a cultural leader and program strategist from North Kivu Province in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. As Country Director at Music Beyond, he oversees program strategy, partnerships, and coordination across eastern DRC, ensuring alignment between local priorities and organizational objectives. He is currently based in Kampala, Uganda, where he supports cross-border coordination and regional program continuity.

Deeply connected to the creative and civic landscape of North Kivu, Yeremia brings clarity, judgment, and steady leadership to Music Beyond’s work in complex and rapidly changing contexts. His ability to navigate both artistic communities and operational realities makes him a central pillar of Music Beyond’s presence and effectiveness in the region.

YUSUBU KASEREKA | Operations & Field Manager

Yusubu Kasereka, a native of Goma in North Kivu province, grew up in the conflict-affected territory of Rutshuru, where years of instability deeply shaped his sense of responsibility to his community. As Operations & Field Manager at Music Beyond, he oversees program logistics, field coordination, and day-to-day operations across multiple locations in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Yusubu brings together lived experience, musical practice, and strong field leadership to ensure programs are delivered with care, consistency, and local relevance. His deep trust within the community, combined with his dedication and steady presence, makes him a cornerstone of Music Beyond’s work on the ground.

ANSWER KAVITI | Program Officer

Answer Kaviti is a Program Officer at Music Beyond, originally from Butembo in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. He supports the planning and implementation of artist development programs, leadership workshops, and community-based music initiatives, working closely with local teams and partners across conflict-affected areas.

Grounded in lived experience and close engagement with the region’s creative community, Answer approaches his work with care, consistency, and a strong sense of responsibility to the people Music Beyond serves. His steady presence and thoughtful coordination help ensure that programs are delivered with integrity and local relevance.