Meet the Arts Ahead 2025 Team

A global-minded arts advocate with a passion for creativity and community, Gerardo brings marketing expertise and multicultural business to every project. From championing inclusion in leadership roles to pursuing certification in art therapy, their journey is rooted in empathy and a love for connecting people. Inspired by diverse global experiences and guided by a heart for service, he believes in the unifying power of the arts. They are dedicated to fostering vibrant, inclusive spaces that inspire connection and engagement across diverse audiences.

Olivia Deresti is an arts administrator, curator, events organizer, and artist based in Toronto. They hold a BFA in Art History and Women’s Studies from Concordia University, where they often studied themes of gender, sexuality, and the bizarre. Their current practice is centred around community, accessibility, inclusivity, and connection, and aims to push the boundaries of conventional art viewership. Through her work with the subversive artist collective Somewhere Shared, and more recently Whippersnapper Gallery and Morning Parade Coffee Bar, Liv hopes to foster creative exploration and communal experiences through the inception of unique art spaces and interdisciplinary programming.

Sydney Waters is a graduate of Toronto Metropolitan University with experience in film, photography, and multimedia production and a passion for Art and Film Theory and History. Through her work, she often attempts, and occasionally succeeds, in capturing the brief and everyday moments that come with living life. Driven by a personal and academic fascination with history, narratives, and the artistic endeavours of others, she works in the realm of analogue photography, film, and various other tangible mediums. She has previously worked as a film programmer and live event camera operator, shown her photographic work at Gallery 44, and been a part of Workman Arts Rendezvous with Madness Festival.

Dustin Ragucos is an aspiring arts professional currently enrolled in Centennial College’s Arts Management program. He wants to delve deeper into the world of film and music, leveraging his past experiences as a journalist and a sales operations specialist where possible. His colleagues describe him as the perfect balance between bubbly and serious. With this personality, he aims to better connect others within the arts sector toward the goal of strengthening communities.

Elodie Kyra Tan is a queer Singaporean-Peranakan dancer/author currently based in Tkaronto. The last book in her trilogy RageResistRetaliate was published in 2021 – making her Singapore’s youngest national bestselling author. After graduating from Dance Arts Institute (formerly The School of Toronto Dance Theatre) in 2024, Elodie looked to deepen their artist/art administrator relationship and is currently an Arts Management student at Centennial College. Her somatic and choreographic practice is rooted in Eastern meridian medicine and the question: how can we tune in equally to discomfort/ease and intuition/instinct to balance the moving body?

Yu Xie is an artist and poet whose work reflects on trauma, memory, and the feelings that connect us as humans. She studied Fine Art at the University of the Arts London, where she developed her voice through painting and writing. Yu has also been a content creator for Maylove, China’s largest sex education organization, driven by a desire to help girls protect and uplift themselves. She is currently studying Arts Management at Centennial College to grow as an arts administrator, combining her passion for creativity and advocacy to support more artists achieve their visions.

Howie Wong is an imaginative artist who mainly works with oils, creating pieces that explore different aspects of political issues and personal expressions. She has a curious mind that constantly questions existence and purpose, which helps her create thought-provoking art. After earning her BA in Fine Art from Lancaster University in the UK two years ago, Howie has since embraced her entrepreneurial side while working on her art career in Hong Kong. She started a business from scratch, managing everything from customer service to product creation, marketing, and building a loyal customer base. Howie’s friends describe her as fun, compassionate, and incredibly helpful, bringing energy and passion to everything she does. She’s driven by a desire to connect with people and use her creativity to make a meaningful impact, making the world a tiny bit better place!

Dwayne Tang is a multidisciplinary artist and arts manager with a background in film production, animation, and art history. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Film Production from Bard College, New York, and is currently studying Arts Management at Centennial College, Toronto. His professional experience spans work as a film projectionist in movie theaters and film festival operations, digital marketing and content management, as well as roles as an assistant curator and arts educator. Dwayne is a passionate arts worker, collaborative team player, and curious learner who strives to bridge the creative and technical aspects of the arts and uncover new connections between its significant history and innovative future.

Cass Cabral Pucci is a printmaker and movement artist based in Toronto. Their practice is informed by a desire to connect with others through creative processes and sharing of lived experiences through a surrealist lens. A recent graduate of York University’s Visual Arts and Cultural Practices for Social Justice programs, they are currently studying at Centennial College’s Art Management program where they aspire to further develop their skills and experiences in order to contribute meaningfully to the arts and culture industry in Toronto as an arts administrator.

Cristina is a psychologist with nine years of experience in Human Resources. She has a deep passion for dance and folklore, and possesses a strong focus on organizational skills, ensuring that projects remain on track and deadlines are consistently met. Cristina is a firm believer in enjoying the process and finding satisfaction in each stage of work. She is currently a member of the Web Team.

Maria Isabel is an Ecuadorian singer and musician currently living in Toronto. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Music Arts from Universidad San Francisco de Quito, specializing in singing with over 13 years of experience. Her professional journey includes teaching music, managing artistic projects, and creating performances. Passionate about enhancing the value of arts management, she is currently studying arts management in Toronto to further her mission of fostering meaningful connections between art and community.

Rojin Zeytinoğlu is a Kurdish arts professional with a background in Sociology and social work. She has experience supporting marginalized communities through impactful arts and fundraising initiatives, combining her passion for activism and creativity. Currently pursuing a post-graduate certificate in Arts Management at Centennial College, she is enhancing her expertise in grant writing and programming. She is particularly passionate about exploring the intersection of arts and social justice to create projects that foster inclusion, amplify underrepresented voices, and inspire community connection. Her goal is to create transformative cultural experiences that empower communities and promote inclusion through the arts.

Julia Girardi Bellini  is a Brazilian arts professional with a Bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts. Her background includes extensive experience working at an art gallery, where she developed a solid understanding of the art market and gained knowledge in managing collections, curating exhibitions, building portfolios for artists, and coordinating events. Through her work, Julia developed her skills in exhibition planning, logistical organization, and fostering connections between artists and audiences. Her goal for the future is to work closely with artists, collections, galleries, and cultural organizations to preserve and promote the arts.

Kylor is a committed arts professional from Hong Kong, with a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Creative Arts and Culture and a Master of Arts in Music. Currently advancing her expertise in Arts Management at Centennial College, she brings extensive experience in stage management and event assistance, including work at the Heart Town Festival, Silvermine Bay Music Festival, and masterclasses with Chris Coleman and Eric Moore. She also operates her own drum studio, offering drum lessons for students aged 3 to 60, as well as rental service, score arrangement and transcription services. Kylor aspires to work as a Producer, driving positive societal change through arts events. By creating engaging cultural experiences, Kylor seeks to unite and connect diverse communities.

 Luciano Espin is an Ecuadorian music producer, DJ, songwriter, and educator. He studied Contemporary Music and Philosophy at University San Francisco de Quito, Arts Education and Community Engagement at Centennial College, and is currently pursuing Arts Management. Luciano has taught in rural communities with the Ecuadorian Ministry of Education and gained industry experience in the Canadian Arts organisations through internships at Small World Music and Massey Hall.

Amos is a member of the Operations Team in this year’s Arts Ahead. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Religious Studies and a Master of Arts in Music degree from The Chinese University of Hong Kong and is currently pursuing the Arts Management Post-Graduate Certificate Degree in Centennial College. With a strong passion and interest in classical music, he has extensive experience singing in multiple choirs.