Shalisa Kline Ugaz, 35, Berwyn (Chicago), IL

Shalisa Kline Ugaz and her passion for music have transformed the
lives of thousands of Latino youth in Chicago. Her rapport with children
combined with her energy and charisma have resulted in outstanding concert performances given by her students in the Alegre Strings Program.  The Alegre Strings Program teaches violin to young people through a unique approach developed by Ms. Kline Ugaz, which combines traditional violin instruction with Latin Folk music. Participants, primarily from Chicago’s inner-city Latino neighborhoods, feel great pride as they perform the music of their own culture and tradition.