The Florida Alliance for Arts Education recognizes leaders who work in various capacities to ensure that arts education is available in all Florida schools and communities and that arts education is of the highest quality. Leadership in the areas of education, administration, and community are recognized.
FAAE is honored to present the 2025 FAAE Leadership Award | Dr. Mary Palmer Legacy Trailblazer Award to Theresa Smith-Levin, Founder and Executive Director of Central Florida Vocal Arts and Executive Director of Opera del Sol. The award is named after Dr. Mary Palmer, Ph.D. (a founder of FAAE) who is Professor Emeritus of the UCF College of Education and whose tireless work on behalf of arts education – and specifically arts integration – has gained her a national reputation as not only an advocate for arts education, but also as an individual who recognizes the transformative power of the arts. This award honors individuals who have elevated arts education as their core mission. Awardees recognize the transformative power of the arts, have led to change that will make significant short or long-term impact on arts education and have set a standard for others to follow. Theresa’s nominator, Victoria Wells, said:
“Theresa Smith-Levin’s journey is one of resilience, vision, and dedication to transforming the arts landscape in Central Florida. After a canceled performance inspired her to create opportunities instead of waiting for them, she founded Central Florida Vocal Arts (CFVA) and filed for 501c3 status within 24 hours. Theresa single-handedly sourced performers, space, and audiences for CFVA’s first production, laying the foundation for an organization that has grown to be a powerful force in the local arts community.
Her leadership extends beyond CFVA’s growth; Theresa has enriched the broader arts sector through her advocacy and vision. Every year, she leads arts executives in lobbying for Orange County funding at the state capitol. Despite unexpected losses in state funding, CFVA will have its most profitable year yet in 2024, with increased staff size and compensation.
Theresa’s personal commitment to the arts stems from a belief in their transformative power and the desire to make them accessible to all. CFVA’s core values of Excellence, Equity, Impact, and Inclusivity ensure that students receive exceptional instruction while promoting community wellness. Through CFVA’s programming, students gain confidence, self-efficacy, empathy, and more, building skills that extend beyond the stage.
In 2019, Theresa co-developed and launched the Arts 1:1 program with Arts Superintendent Scott Evans. Starting with just ten students, the program now serves three counties and is used by multiple arts organizations, including the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra, providing hundreds of underserved students with free individual lessons each week. This initiative, along with other equity-driven programs, has made a significant impact on youth in underserved communities.
Theresa’s programming choices emphasize diverse voices and inclusion. For example, CFVA partnered with AdventHealth to host lectures and recitals focused on neurodivergence for their production of Light in the Piazza. In 2024, CFVA will present the regional premiere of Scalia/Ginsburg, a contemporary opera that fosters civil discourse across differences. This commitment to using the arts as a tool for meaningful community dialogue is central to her vision.
Theresa’s influence has been recognized widely. She was named one of Winter Park Magazine’s Most Influential (2023) and was a 2024 Victory Cup Finalist. She has secured over $250,000 in new revenue for CFVA and is a frequent speaker and performer, demonstrating her multifaceted impact.
Through her leadership, Theresa has not only shaped CFVA but also left a lasting mark on Central Florida’s cultural and educational landscape. In 2024, she launched Tenacious & Tangible, a nonprofit consulting firm to help other passionate founders transform their communities. For her visionary leadership, advocacy, and unwavering commitment to inclusivity and growth, I am proud to nominate Theresa Smith-Levin.”
The awards brunch will celebrate all Leadership Award Winners at the FAAE 2025 Summit Awards Brunch on Saturday, April 26th from 9am to 12pm at The Doubletree by Hilton Downtown Orlando.
Please join FAAE in congratulating Theresa Smith-Levin!