We had the good fortune of connecting with Diogo Pereira and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Diogo, what matters most to you?
My principles and values are guided by my two passions, music and social justice. I feel really blessed to see myself working and devoting all of my time and energy to the success of the Harmony Project in Phoenix where I can combine my two passions and facilitate a positive impact in the lives of children in Arizona.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Harmony Project is a non-profit that uses music as the tool for social inclusion. When a child learns how to play an instrument with the aspiration to achieve excellence, the child is developing crucial 21st century life skills. First, young musicians develop the cognitive flexibility to recognize patterns better than non-musicians. Second, young musicians who participate in orchestras develop empathy and team working skills. The nature of the act of playing in orchestras is to work together towards a common aesthetic objective, the objective to create beauty. Third, the focus and discipline. Learning how to play an instrument well is one of the hardest things in life. If a child is capable of playing an instrument well, he or she develops the growth mindset of someone who is also able to go to college and fulfill their dreams.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
The children and youth in Arizona and their parents deserve all of the credit of their success of the Harmony Project in Phoenix. Their stories of resilience are my inspiration to get up in the morning and nourish my purpose. Sometimes their voices are marginalized or unheard, but we, as society, have a lot to learn from the stories and culture of immigrants beyond stereotypes.

Website: www.harmonyprojectphx.org
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/harmonyprojectphoenix/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/diogo-pereira-0829b558/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/harmonyprojectphx/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8lydcl2CwpQ

Image Credits
Noah Weber Blanca Abarca