UNO alum Jovonie Tejero-Holmes (MM 2024) was recently recognized by the Las Vegas Academy for his work in music education. Jovonie is a Black and Filipino educator, musician, and national advocate for equity in music education, recognized for his dynamic leadership and deep commitment to access and representation. With over 15 years of teaching experience, he has built a transformative career expanding high-quality musical opportunities for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) and low-income students across Nevada.

Jovonie earned his Master of Music degree in conducting, studying orchestral conducting with Dr. Matthew Brooks at the UNO School of Music from 2022 to 2024. He is currently pursuing his PhD in Music Learning and Teaching at Arizona State University, where he also teaches music education. His research explores how representation influences student success, aligning with his mission to uplift underrepresented communities through music.

Jovonie serves as Vice Chair of the Representation, Inclusion, and Accessibility Committee for the American String Teachers Association and is a fellow with the Foundation for the Advancement of String Education. He is also the founder of the Tejero-Holmes Foundation, which provides free orchestral training, mentorship, and wellness support for BIPOC students. Guided by a vision of equity and representation, his work continues to transform music education into a space where every student is seen, valued, and empowered. For more information, visit www.tejero-holmesfoundation.org.