Our Team
Iris is a women and musician-led initiative guided by a core team of five dedicated leaders who oversee the organization while working directly with older adults throughout the Baltimore-Washington community.
Staff
Lauren Latessa
Founder &
Executive Director
Sofia Hailu
Managing
Director
Jiyoung Oh
Director of Programs,
Pianist
Joanna Owen
Director of Finance,
Violinist
Lauren Gelmann
Donor Engagement
Associate
Iris’ Board of Directors brings together a diverse array of experiences and perspectives across aging, arts and culture, non-profit and corporate leadership sectors. Each member brings a deep commitment to Iris’ mission, helping to drive strategy and long-term sustainability.
Board
Lori Raphael
Co-Chair
Sol Glasner
Co-Chair
Michael Wallsh
Treasurer
Marla Phillips
Secretary
A team of specialists brings expertise and ongoing guidance to Iris across a range of areas—from research, to development and leadership practices, visual design, and strengthening how we tell the Iris story.
Consultants and Advisors
Iris is proud to partner with the Peabody Conservatory’s Music Education Department to bring three graduate student musicians to Weinberg Villages for the 2026/2027 season. Through this partnership, students gain valuable hands-on experience performing in a community setting, building relationships with residents, creating a new model for musicianship in the 21st century.
Interns
Iris contracts musicians who represent the highest standards of artistic excellence. They are the engine of Iris—bringing care, meaningful connection, and creativity to communities across the breadth of our work. Click a musician’s name to read their bio and learn more about the community they serve.
Musicians