Executive Board

PRESIDENT

Ryan's musical journey began in Western Michigan, where he developed a passion for music at Reeths-Puffer Schools, participating in various ensembles. He pursued higher education at Hope College in Holland, Michigan, and Grand Valley State University, earning Bachelor's degrees in Business and Information Systems. During his college years, Ryan was actively involved in multiple music ensembles at both institutions, where he began playing the Euphonium and Tuba.

After college, Ryan's career required extensive travel, which led to a hiatus from playing music. In 2005, his professional endeavors brought him to Texas. Nearly 25 years later, Ryan's nephew invited him to participate in the Dallas Tuba Christmas event. This experience rekindled his love for music, prompting him to join the Oak Lawn Band seven months later.

Ryan quickly recognized the profound impact of the Oak Lawn Band, not only as a beacon of hope and acceptance within the community but also as a source of camaraderie and belonging for its members. His renewed passion is now dedicated to supporting the growth of the Oak Lawn Band, ensuring it continues to provide a welcoming space for individuals seeking a musical community.

VICE PRESIDENT

JQualin Scott aka Jay is a proud non-playing member (bandaid) of the Oaklawn Band (for now). Hailing from Everman, Texas, JQualin’s musical journey began in middle school where his passion for music and preforming first took root. A skilled trumpet player and vocalist, he quickly made a name for himself both in the classroom and on stage. Throughout his career, JQualin’s love for performance expanded into musical theater, where he has been involved in numerous productions, showcasing his versatile talents.

Outside of music, JQualin is a self-proclaimed nerd, with a deep love for movies and video games. His unique blend of creativity, dedication, and enthusiasm for all things artistic make him an exciting and valuable addition to the Oaklawn Band. His commitment to fostering a collaborative, supportive environment for musicians reflects his passion for community and the arts. JQualin is thrilled to take on this new leadership role and looks forward to contributing to the band’s growth and success.

SECRETARY
Bio coming soon!

TREASURER

Bio coming soon…

DIR. OF MEMBERSHIP

Laura Yoo’s mom swears she asked for piano lessons as a child, but Laura maintains that music lessons were no fun until learning flute and playing in band. Like many in the Oak Lawn Band, concert band music took a back seat for a long time after graduation (though she dabbled in guitar and ukulele and is learning viola). Laura has roots in technology, having majored in Computer Science and Math. She has been a licensed acupuncturist since 2006 and a licensed esthetician since 2020. She joined the Oak Lawn Band in 2014 and appreciates that the group is collaborative rather than competitive. Feeling welcomed from day one and watching the band get bigger and better in the last decade, Laura is excited to see it keep growing and welcoming members new and current.

DIR. OF FUNDRAISING

Bio coming soon!

DIR. OF COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

Two of Kason's favorite creative outlets are music and social events. His band journey began in the 6th grade with the clarinet in Weatherford, TX, later learning the saxophone as well. While working on his music degree at The University of Texas at Austin, Kason helped put on numerous events like band banquets, service projects, dormitory mixers, clarinet holiday gatherings, and countless parties. Since then, he also played a big role in hosting his class reunion. The stress that comes from hosting a social event-much like performing in a concert-makes him feel alive. To him, it is an act of service. This position is one of the many amazing opportunities the Oak Lawn Band has given him.

DIR. OF SOCIAL MEDIA

Celina Blanco, also known as “CEL” identifies with He, She, and They pronouns and serves the OLB on the board, as a musician and as a color guard performer.

For their day job, Cel works as a Lean Digital Transformation Program Manager, working to streamline processes, automate manual work and coach leaders how to lead their own Lean Six Sigma projects in various service lines.

They also serve as a DEI champion for their company, creating education material, designing interactive activities as well as hosting several annual Heritage and Diversity events for large groups of up to 1000 in person, and up to 2000 attendees remotely.

As far as fun facts- Cel is a cat lover, bassoon player, and painter who loves reggaeton, industrial metal and alternative music.

Cel describes their background and connection to the OLB:

“As a nonbinary, neurodivergent, Latine with an invisible disability- it hasn’t been easy to fit in anywhere.

However, the longer I’ve been in the band, the more people I’ve met who’ve had similar life experiences to me, and others who haven’t but still accept me nonetheless. Suddenly, before I knew it, I had my safe community. But not just that, I had found a family within this band that deeply care and are patient with me when I’m not perfect- and for that I am beyond grateful.

Music and community is not only healing, but it is life saving. This is why I work so hard to make sure we are seen, for all the people desperately needing to be found.”

DIR. PUBLIC RELATIONS

Dr. Jakin Vela is a sociologist, game developer, and community advocate whose work bridges systems thinking, storytelling, and social change. As Executive Director of the International Game Developers Association (IGDA), he leads global efforts to support developers through advocacy, policy, and inclusive community-building. He also co-leads two indie studios—Astral Interactive and Tiger Bear Games—each developing debut titles that explore themes of identity, grief, and harmony through narrative and music-based gameplay. With a background in mixed-methods research, Jakin combines structural equation modeling (SEM) with arts-based practices like composing original music to represent qualitative data, examining how inclusive game spaces can reduce minority stress and promote mental well-being.

Jakin’s career spans film, nonprofit leadership, higher education, and legal services, and he is the founder of MagiTech Management Solutions, a consultancy for nonprofits and small studios. He plays percussion in Dallas’ LGBTQ+ Oak Lawn Band (where he serves as Director of PR), volunteers with the Dallas Bears, and co-leads an LGBTQIA+ gaming community in Final Fantasy XIV with his husband, Jordan. A longtime singer-songwriter and vegan cook/baker, Jakin is driven by a belief that interactive media—and the people behind it—can foster empathy, connection, and lasting change.