“I founded The Music Education Group, Inc. to unlock the potential within our youth, providing them with the life skills and career opportunities essential for thriving in the entertainment industry’s dynamic landscape.”
Ric Ross
Our Mission
The Music Education Group, Inc., an Atlanta-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit, empowers students with life and career skills through cutting-edge music, film, digital media, and screen printing education. Established in 2004, MEG has been at the forefront of bridging the gap between untapped potential and opportunity, making state-of-the-art media education accessible to underserved youth. Our comprehensive curriculum is more than just an introduction to equipment and technology; it’s a roadmap to creativity, innovation, and leadership.
Recognition
The Music Education Group, Inc. has been honored with numerous awards for its outstanding commitment to service, recognizing our impact on empowering youth through innovative programs in music, film, and digital media.
Connecting Through Creativity
At MEG, we believe in the power of music and film to unite and inspire. Our programs are designed to delve deep into the artistic process, offering students a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to succeed. By marrying creativity with technology, we prepare our students to become the next generation of industry leaders and visionaries.
Addressing the Skills Gap
Georgia stands as a beacon for the entertainment industry, yet faces a critical shortage of skilled audio engineers and technicians. MEG’s programs directly address this gap, providing young Georgians with the education and certification needed to meet the industry’s growing demands. Our goal is to ensure that our students are not just participants in Georgia’s creative economy but are its architects, equipped with the skills to innovate and lead.
Bridging Education and Industry
MEG is more than an educational program; it’s a pivotal connection between classroom learning and real-world application. By partnering with leading names in Georgia’s creative industries, we’re setting new standards for how educational and career pathways align. Our initiatives are designed to expand students’ horizons, offering them a glimpse into future careers in digital media and beyond, regardless of their background.
Our Commitment to Access and Excellence
We stand committed to leveling the educational playing field, ensuring every child has access to high-quality, technology-driven learning opportunities. Our collaboration with local organizations and the business community is a testament to our shared vision of a future where education and job creation go hand in hand. Together, we are laying the groundwork for a future where every young person can compete globally, empowered by their creativity and technical prowess.
Our Team
Ric Ross
Board Chairman
Ric Ross, an Atlanta native and 30-year music industry veteran, began his career at Warner Music Group, holding key roles at Reprise, Elektra, Island, Capitol, and Atlantic Records. An expert in promotion and strategic marketing, he has worked with artists like Anita Baker, T.I., and Mary J. Blige. As founder of the Music Education Group (MEG), a nonprofit teaching life skills through music, film, and digital media, Ross is dedicated to providing equal educational opportunities for underserved youth in Metro Atlanta.
James Caldwell
Executive Director
James Caldwell, owner of The Caldwell Group and a partner at Wholeteam Enterprises, has supported independent artists through event activation, music integration, and media campaigns. As Executive Director of the Music Education Group since 2012, he leads efforts to teach life skills through music, film, and media to underserved youth in Atlanta.
Reginald Crossley
Vice Chair
Reginald Crossley, a dedicated public servant, has led various state and local initiatives focused on health and human services across Georgia. With experience in both government and media, he has also worked in public relations at BET, organizing major events. Currently, he consults on business financing, government relations, and rural development.
Dr. Lori Revere-Paulk
Secretary / Treasurer
Lori Revere-Paulk leads curriculum development for Dubai International Schools, overseeing teacher performance and professional growth for over 125 educators. Her experience includes roles as a Math Instructional Coach in Kuwait and Dean of Academics in Atlanta Public Schools. She is dedicated to improving educational outcomes and has also contributed to district initiatives in DeKalb County
Dawn Ross
CFO
Dawn Ross, CFO and co-founder of the Music Education Group in Atlanta, oversees all financial operations to ensure accountability and internal controls. With over 20 years of experience, including work with Fulton County’s Office of Children and Youth and various nonprofits, she is dedicated to supporting programs that promote family stability and youth development.
Konrad Zukowski
Marketing & Technology Development Committee Chair
Konrad Zukowski is the visionary inventor behind the Kaotica Eyeball, a groundbreaking mobile studio booth designed to bring professional-quality sound isolation to any environment. Driven by a commitment to innovation, Konrad’s work has redefined portable audio recording by creating tools that capture clear, isolated vocals without traditional studio limitations.
Rafael Capone
Board Member
Rafael Capone, owner of The Soul Asylum Studios Group, has been serving industry professionals and artists for over 30 years. A decorated combat veteran, he founded Soul Asylum Studios in 1993, later expanding to Atlanta, where he became a sought-after recording engineer and studio designer, releasing his own line of studio reference monitors, the #SA25m, along with other innovative designs.
Carolyn Loud
Fundrasing Commity Chair
Carolyn Smillie Lüönd, with 30+ years in corporate philanthropy and nonprofit management, led impactful programs at The Home Depot and YouthBuild, later co-founding the Zurich Chapter of Room to Read and supporting humanitarian efforts worldwide. Carolyn believes in the power of love to bring about a more kind, compassionate, connected, joyful, and just world and welcomes all to join her on the journey.
Ben Yonas
Board Member
Ben Yonas is a music producer, engineer, and artist manager with over 15 years of experience, working with artists like Mos Def and Grammy winners Mickey Hart and Lady Rizo. He owns Yonas Media, teaches music business at The University of Memphis, and serves on the board of the Memphis Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum.
Ebony Howard Sims
Board Member
Ebony D. Howard-Sims, MBA, is a philanthropy leader with 20 years of experience expanding access to music, arts education, and opportunities for underserved youth. She currently leads The ELMA Music Foundation’s grant portfolio and also supports young people through Guitars Over Guns, Arts Ed Newark, and her nonprofit, A Queen Movement. Ebony holds degrees from Rutgers Business School and Saint Peter’s University, along with an Effective Philanthropy Certificate from Stanford PACS.
Belinda Thomas
Board Member
Belinda Thomas is a senior HR professional with more than 20 years of experience in employee relations, organizational leadership, talent strategy, investigations, and change management. She currently serves as an HR Generalist Specialist at McKesson and previously held several leadership roles at The Home Depot, where she led major workforce initiatives, supported organizational transformation, and helped launch a distribution center eight weeks ahead of schedule.
Join Us
As MEG continues to innovate and expand, we invite you to be part of this transformative journey. Through your support, we can continue to make a meaningful difference in the lives of Georgia’s youth, preparing them for a future as bright as their potential.
