Get Empowered! began with a shared vision and a challenge - Co-founders Emi Gittleman, Sabiá Pinheiro, and Garry Spanner dared themselves to envision an innovative, nationwide arts-based education organization building upon the unique program model that Emi and Sabia were developing in New York City schools, community centers and companies.
Spurred by the trio’s foundational belief that the arts can unlock confidence, creativity, and connection, they launched Get Empowered! in 2016
Since 2016, we have remained committed to the idea that creativity is a universal right. By blending performance, education, and advocacy, Get Empowered! continues to break down barriers and build up leaders. Whether in a classroom or a boardroom, we are here to ensure that the power of the arts is harnessed to inspire the next generation of changemakers.
As we look to the future, our commitment to innovation remains at the core of everything we do. We are constantly expanding our reach and refining our programs to meet the evolving needs of the communities we serve. By fostering a global network of artists, educators, and visionaries, Get Empowered! is not just teaching the arts, we are equipping people with the creative tools to redesign their world.
We invite you to join us as we continue to turn inspiration into action, one community at a time
OurFounders
Emi Gittleman
Co-Founder & Executive Director
Emi Gittelman is a visionary educator, producer, and creative leader who has spent her career using the power of the arts to bring people together and transform lives. As Co-Founder and Executive Director of Get Empowered!, Emi has helped build a national network of programs that inspire, educate, and empower people of all ages—reaching communities in over 27 U.S. cities and beyond.
A native New Yorker, Emi has lived, studied, and worked in Spain, Japan, and the Caribbean. She holds a Master’s in Education and Global Learning from Bank Street College, and began her career creating innovative, arts-integrated programs for some of NYC’s most respected institutions—including the Brooklyn Botanic Garden and Belvedere Castle in Central Park.
Emi is also the founder of Global Arts to Go and a co-founder of the Putumayo World Music Kids label, where she helped create award-winning music and activity kits, and produced multicultural concerts and events worldwide. Her professional journey spans roles as a teacher, school leader, curriculum designer, event producer, and cultural consultant—always rooted in her passion for community and deep belief in the healing, unifying power of the arts.
A fierce advocate for youth and families, Emi is lovingly known as an arts mentor, teacher and educational role model to hundreds of children across the country.
Sabia Pinheiro
Co-Founder & Co-Exec. Director
Sabiá Pinheiro is a teaching artist, cultural strategist, and movement leader whose life work blends Afro-Brazilian traditions, deep community connection, and transformative education. Born in Salvador, Bahia, Brazil, he received his capoeira apelido at the age of nine and has dedicated his life to sharing the physical, musical, and spiritual dimensions of this art form.
In 2016, Sabiá co-founded Get Empowered! with Emi Gittelman and Garry Spanner. As Artistic Director and Principal Artist, he leads a national team of 200 teaching artists that uplift youth, families, educators, and communities through healing, culturally grounded experiences.
A lifelong learner and passionate advocate for empowerment through the arts, Sabiá continues to mentor young artists and community leaders across both the U.S. and Brazil.
As a multi-talented dancer, musician and Capoeira master who toured internationally with Dance Brazil, Sabiá has brought his artistry and wisdom to stages and classrooms across the globe. Since relocating to the U.S. in 2003, he has served as an educator, arts administrator, program coordinator, wellness facilitator, and producer—always centering joy, discipline, and belonging in his work.
Garry Spanner
Co-Founder & CEO
Garry Spanner is the Chief Financial Officer of Get Empowered!. Since 1994 he has been the President, CEO and majority owner of TDA Investment Group, - a real estate management firm, where he manages the oversight of asset management and investment policies. TDA uses social and environmental responsibilities and encourages their partners to be good environmental stewards to minimize the impact on our planet’s natural resources.
Garry was born in Adelaide, Australia and now resides in Los Altos, California with his wife Teresa Marie. They have two sons, Blake Endre and their oldest son, Evan Philip who attends college. On rare occassions when Garry isn't working, he enjoys skiing, golfing, and traveling with Teresa. He is an avid SF Giants fan and a huge supporter of the Junior Giants Community Fund. He was also on the board of the Redwood City Education Foundation.
Garry has always been philanthropic but he knew he wanted to make more of a difference with his money. About 15 years ago he shared with Emi Gittleman (who founded GlobalArts to Go) the learning challenges his two sons were having and how nothing was really working. Emi presented him with her holistic solution of helping anyone with social or emotional struggles using music, dance, movement and mediation. When he witnessed the results in a pilot study with children, Garry knew this was something he wanted to get behind. In 2015, Get Empowered! came to be.
OurTeam
Our collective features over 150 dedicated artists and world-class collaborators, including renowned figures from the international arts scene. We unite expertise and passion to deliver excellence in every project.
We focus on cultural authenticity and professional growth, ensuring that every performance and training session meets the highest standards of artistic integrity and community impact worldwide.
Through our diverse network, we bridge the gap between traditional heritage and modern entertainment, creating unique experiences that resonate with audiences of all ages and backgrounds.
Our commitment to excellence drives us to continuously innovate, bringing fresh perspectives and high-energy talent to schools, corporate events, and professional stages across the country.
Join us as we celebrate the power of movement and creativity. Our team is ready to inspire your community and elevate your next event with unmatched professionalism and artistic flair
Are you a visionary, performing artist, healing artist, musician, dancer, training facilitator, community engagement specialist, or a teaching artist with a passion for arts-education and entertainment? If so, we’d like to hear from you and explore possibilities for you to join our growing team! Fill out our contact form below. We’ll be in touch
