Influential Woman · Music | Education | Nonprofit Leadership | Social Entrepreneurship
Mary Fanaro
Founder & Executive Director, OmniPeace Foundation
Los Angeles, CA 90077
Her Story
About Mary
Mary Fanaro is a social entrepreneur, educator, keynote speaker and founder of OmniPeace Foundation, a nonprofit organization she established in 2007 with the vision of using fashion, education and the arts as catalysts for humanitarian and social change. What began as one of the first humanitarian fashion brands evolved into a global social-impact organization supporting education and humanitarian initiatives across Africa. Through OmniPeace, Fanaro helped build primary schools through Dr. Jeffrey Sachs' Millennium Villages Project and developed partnerships with organizations including UNICEF, V-Day Foundation and UNHCR. Her work has reached communities in Senegal, Mali, Malawi, Rwanda - demonstrating her commitment to creating practical pathways to opportunity for underserved populations. Fanaro's work later evolved toward music education after an experience in Rwanda inspired the creation of Rwanda Rocks Music School, including a music school serving children in a refugee camp.
Recognizing the power of music to foster confidence, creativity, well-being and connection, she expanded this vision through Global Music Box, a turn-key pop-up music-school model designed to transform existing spaces into fully equipped music classrooms. The initiative brings instruments, curriculum, technology and teacher resources into communities that have historically lacked access to arts education.
Global Music Box has expanded into schools and other community settings in the United States, including children's hospitals, foster-care communities, juvenile detention centers and underserved neighborhoods. Throughout her career, Fanaro has remained focused on the intersection of education, creativity, humanitarian service and community empowerment.
Her leadership is characterized by trust, loyalty, kindness, tenacity, devotion and commitment, as well as a belief in the power of partnerships to create lasting change. She views challenges as opportunities for learning and transformation and encourages the next generation—particularly young women—to remain persistent in pursuing their goals.
Through OmniPeace, Rwanda Rocks and Global Music Box, Fanaro continues working to make music and educational opportunities more accessible while using the arts as a vehicle for healing, empowerment, connection and positive social change.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Mary
01What do you attribute your success to?
My success is rooted in perseverance, commitment and the willingness to keep moving forward when circumstances become difficult. I have learned that challenges can become opportunities for growth, and I continue to pursue my goals even when the path is uncertain. I also believe that trust, loyalty, generosity of spirit and meaningful relationships have been essential to building the partnerships that make our work possible.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
A friend recommended the book The Gift is in the Struggle, which profoundly influenced how I approach challenges. I learned that when things become difficult, those are often the moments when I learn the most and emerge on the other side as a different and stronger person. I now view struggle not simply as an obstacle, but as an important part of growth and transformation.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Don't stop. Anything is possible if you simply refuse to stop pursuing what you believe in. It is easy to give up because there can be a thousand reasons to do so and a thousand difficult days along the way. My advice is to remain committed to your goals, keep moving forward through the setbacks, and continue believing in what you are trying to accomplish.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges is raising the necessary funding while transitioning an organization and competing for support with well-established organizations. At the same time, expanding our work in the United States presents an important opportunity. Our transition toward bringing music education directly into U.S. schools and underserved communities through Global Music Box creates new possibilities for partnerships, accessibility and broader community impact.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Trust, loyalty, generosity of spirit, kindness, tenacity, devotion and commitment are central to both my professional and personal life. I believe strongly in the importance of giving people your word and honoring it. I also value the simplicity and authenticity of a handshake and taking people at their word. These principles guide how I build relationships, lead organizations and approach the work I do in service of others.
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