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Margo Drakos
Builder of things, U.S. Military spouse, former professional cellist
Professional Background
Margo Drakos is a spirited advocate for the arts and technology who has made significant strides in promoting arts education across America. As the Founder and CEO of ArtistYear, she has pioneered a ground-breaking initiative, marking the first National AmeriCorps program dedicated to artists serving communities nationwide. This innovative program seeks to address the Arts Education Gap by ensuring that every underserved student in America receives quality arts education through a National Service Arts Corps. Her passion for integrating the arts with national service exemplifies her commitment to social equity and creative education.
In her quest to elevate arts accessibility, Margo worked extensively in both the private and public sectors over the past decade, harnessing technology and strategic alignment to foster revenue generation, sustainability, and scaling of arts programs. Prior to her work with ArtistYear, Margo served as the Chief Technology Officer at McChrystal Group LLC, where she played a crucial role in guiding technological strategies and innovations.
An accomplished musician, Margo's journey began at the tender age of four. Beginning her professional career in music at such a young age propelled her onto the national stage, performing in radio and television commercials. As a cellist, she has had the honor of performing as a soloist as well as in chamber and orchestral settings across five continents, showcasing her artistry on the world’s most prestigious stages.
Education and Achievements
Margo Drakos' educational background is as diverse as her career. She has developed a robust foundation in leadership and public policy by studying Executive Degree in Global Leadership and Policy in the 21st Century at Harvard Kennedy School of Government. Further enriching her academic experience, Margo pursued a Masters in Human Rights, focusing on the Extractive Industry at Columbia University in the City of New York. Her early academic pursuits in music led her to the acclaimed Curtis Institute of Music, where she earned her Bachelor of Music in Cello.
Additionally, Margo’s high school education took place at two reputable institutions: Columbus School for Girls and Laurel School. This combination of institutions helped shape her perspective on education and advocacy, blending rigorous academic training with a deep appreciation for the arts.
Her artistic contributions have also taken on notable forms, including a position as Artist-in-Residence at both the Manhattan School of Music and the Aspen Music Festival & School from 2002 to 2008. Margo's artistry was further recognized through her roles as a cellist for distinguished groups like the American String Quartet and her prominence as Principal Cellist in major symphonies, such as the Oregon Symphony, San Diego Symphony, and Seattle Symphony. Having recorded for esteemed labels like Sony Classical and Arabesque solidifies her status as a key figure in the classical music landscape.
In 2007, showcasing her visionary spirit, Margo co-founded InstantEncore.com, a pioneering start-up that became the leading provider of web and mobile technology solutions for the performing arts. Through her leadership, she secured strategic partnerships with notable organizations including Tesitura and Google, thereby propelling the accessibility of arts to wider audiences.
Margo's exceptional contributions to leadership and arts have led to numerous accolades, including being honored as a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum in 2010. Her insights and expertise have been sought after in prominent publications such as The International Affairs Review, Stanford Social Innovation Review, and Cornell International Law Journal, where she has shared her knowledge on arts, technology, and social change.
Achievements
- Founder and CEO of ArtistYear: Successfully launched the first National AmeriCorps program for artists, aiming to bridge the Arts Education Gap for underserved students.
- Strategic Leadership at McChrystal Group: Spearheaded technological initiatives to enhance company performance as Chief Technology Officer.
- Recognized Young Global Leader: Honored by the World Economic Forum, celebrating her impact on arts and social innovation.
- Influential Contributor: Published insightful articles in renowned journals, advocating for the crucial role of arts in society and technology's transformative power.
- Global Music Performances: Achieved a remarkable performance history as a cellist across five continents on prestigious platforms, enhancing the global appreciation of classical music.
- Innovative Start-Up Leader: Co-founded and expanded InstantEncore.com, revolutionizing how the arts engage audiences through technology and digital platforms.
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