FAAE ANNUAL SUMMIT 2025Keynote Speakers
Kuniko Yamamoto
A native of Japan, Kuniko, an award winning theatre performer/artist, came to the United States in 1985 to study theatre with Tony Montanaro. Last 2 decades she performed her solo show, “Japanese Storytelling with Magical Mask, Mime and Music” “Origami Tales” in venues such as Disney Epcot Center, The Kennedy Center and National Storytelling Festival. Kuniko’s marvelous presentations promote cross-cultural communication and understanding in entertaining way. As a teaching artist, she taught Origami & Math at more than 2,000 schools and colleges.
- “Magical Teacher!” Tampa Tribune
Origami Air Art Studio
Origami Air was established in 2017; thanks to positive responses from audiences who enjoyed her origami shows, owner Kuniko Yamamoto felt compelled to start this ambitious origami studio.
The studio aims to create an enduring passion for fine arts in the community. We offer a broad range of services, such as origami workshops, exhibitions and live fine arts performances. Our goal is to connect international artists and artwork with the Sarasota community.
Juan Cantú
Juan works as a director, writer, actor and singer. He is currently a show director at Disney Live Entertainment where he directed “Celebración Encanto” at EPCOT and “Plaza de Coco” on the Disney Treasure. Previously, he worked as a casting/booking director at Walt Disney World. In 2018-2021, he was a show director at Universal Studios Japan. While he was there, he developed Magical Creatures for The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. He also wrote and directed shows for Viking Cruise Lines. He has also directed for Sea World, Busch Gardens, the Orlando Fringe Festival and various regional theatres. Juan performed in “Tarzan Rocks!” and “Finding Nemo the Musical” at Disney. Juan has recorded vocals for Disney shows and parades, Norwegian Cruise Lines, Royal Caribbean as well as various television jingles. In Las Vegas, he was in “Starlight Express,” "Hot Stuff,"and sang at the Motown Cafe. He has written songs for many national projects including the “Miss America Show Us Your Shoes Parade,” The Philly Thanksgiving Parade, The Ocean City Theatre Company, The Cherry Blossom Parade in D.C., Universal Studios Japan and Disney.
Theresa Smith-Levin
In 2024 alone, she secured $250,000 in new organizational revenues and is a regular public speaker and performer, showcasing her multifaceted impact.
In 2024, the Orlando Business Journal recognized Central Florida Vocal Arts as the single-fastest growing arts organization in the region and in 2025 was honored with Community Organization of the Year by the Winter Park Chamber of Commerce. As a highly collaborative organization, CFVA has formal partnership programs with Orange, Osceola and Lake County Public Schools, Pace Center for Girls, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Florida, Black Theater Girl Magic, OCA, Camp Boggy Creek, the Center for Health & Wellbeing, local library systems and many more. CFVA also regularly partners with AdventHealth, the Dr. Phillips Performing Arts Center and United Arts of Central Florida among others.
Theresa has also played a critical role in the growth of other organizations, including the Park Avenue District, serving as Treasurer and Governance Committee Chair, helping to
guide nonprofi t best practices, with an anticipated 500% increase in revenue from 2023 to 2024. She also visits Tallahassee annually, leading a small group of arts leaders in meetings with elected officials to lobby for arts funding. In 2024, Theresa founded her own nonprofi t consulting fi rm, Tenacious & Tangible to support other passionate founders like herself who dream of using their talents to transform our community for the better.
Theresa fi ercely fi ghts for a better future for the whole community, especially her beloved friends and family. She is a proud mother to Bodhi (7) and Beckham (5) and wife to her loving and exceedingly patient husband, Brent.
Theresa Smith-Levin is the founder and Executive Director of Central Florida Vocal Arts and a lifelong Winter Park resident, widely known and respected for her constant involvement in the community. Her journey is one of resilience, vision, and an unwavering dedication to making a difference. After a canceled performance in 2012, Theresa was inspired to create opportunities rather than wait for them, leading to the overnight founding of Central Florida Vocal Arts. Over its twelve subsequent seasons, CFVA has laid the foundation for a community transformed, through the power of performing arts.
Theresa is a graduate of the University of Central Florida (B. Music Education and minor in Spanish) and the University of Miami (M. Music in Vocal Performance). She is a member of Florida Executive Women, the Women’s Executive Council, the Winter Park Arts Alliance and an alumni of Athena Next Gen and Leadership Winter Park. She has been recognized for her outstanding leadership as
Orlando Business Journal’s 40 Under 40 (2025),
Victory Cup Initiative Finalist (2024),
Well Together Showcase Winner (2024),
Winter Park’s Most Infl uential by Winter Park Magazine (2023),
Women’s Executive Council Achievement in the Arts (2023),
Orlando Family Magazine Superwoman (2022)
American Express Women in Arts Leadership National Conference (2019)
Shawn Welcome
Shawn Welcome is the Poet Laureate for the City of Orlando, and an award-winning professional speaker who uses his gift with words to inspire, entertain, and educate the world around him. He has traveled the world speaking, performing, and facilitating writing and performance workshops. Shawn has dedicated his life to serving others and amplifying the voice of his community.
He founded the longest running open mic in Central Florida, "Diverse Word", which has been in operation since 2006. Shawn has written and performed content for Disney, Universal Orlando, Nike, the Orlando Magic, Orlando Business Journal, and the University of Central Florida to name a few. He has curated multiple educational poetry experiences on behalf of the Dr. Phillips Center for Performing Arts, Bethune-Cookman University, 33rd St. Jail, and many Orange County Public Schools. Shawn holds a BA in English Literature, made guest appearances on National Public Radio and other notable media outlets regarding his role in Central Florida as Poet Laureate. He also serves as the Orlando Chapter President for Next Level Speakers Academy, continuing to strengthen a community of aspiring professional speakers.
Shawn lives in Orlando, FL with his wife, Jannah, and their five children.