LEBEC hosted an intimate gathering in Coral Gables that brought together influential voices across arts, education, and innovative finance to explore bold new pathways for supporting the next generation of creators. Held at a private residence and moderated by LEBEC Founder and CEO Alix Lebec, the evening featured a moving fireside chat with award-winning choreographer JaQuel Knight and Guitars Over Guns CEO Chad Bernstein, followed by a dynamic panel conversation with leading voices in impact and the arts. 

Panelists included Nikisha Williams, Vice President of Collective Impact at The Miami Foundation; Jennifer Farah, Director of Arts at the Knight Foundation; Max Polaner, Managing Partner of Investor Relations at New Profit; and Sara Templeton, Senior Business Development Officer at ImpactAssets. Together, they explored how catalytic capital, flexible philanthropy, and ecosystem thinking can unlock new pathways to opportunity for youth and artists—especially in underserved communities. 

Throughout the evening, stories of purpose, resilience, and innovation flowed—from JaQuel Knight’s mission to copyright choreography and open wealth pathways for dancers, to Chad Bernstein’s call to make arts education a must-have, not a luxury. The conversation underscored the urgency of shifting how we fund and value the arts—not just as enrichment, but as a lifeline for identity, mental health, connection, and community. 

Guests closed out the evening with a live performance by Guitars Over Guns students, meaningful networking, and a shared commitment to mobilizing capital, creativity, and courage to meet this moment.