ZUMIX’s 6th annual Gala, The Muze: Vintage Vinyl, will take place Oct. 24, 2024, at City Winery Boston. Each year, the ZUMIX community gathers to spend an evening celebrating our work, showcasing brilliant performances by our talented students, and honoring members of our community with the Luminary Awards.
This year’s Luminary Award recipients are both longtime East Boston residents, who contribute to their community in ways musical and otherwise. Even better: they’re members of the same local band! Read on to learn more about our 2024 honorees, Steven Snyder and Juan Gutierrez.
Steven Snyder is Senior Vice President, Chief Human Resources Officer and Chief Development Officer at NeighborHealth, based in East Boston. He served on the ZUMIX board for several years (including a stint as board president) and continues to be a valuable friend and partner of ZUMIX.
Steven began his career at NeighborHealth in 1987 and worked in human resources for more than a decade, developing expertise in recruitment, employee relations, benefits, and other areas. In 2001, he began a lengthy stay at the Franciscan Hospital for Children, where he provided senior leadership of human resources, marketing, development, and other non-clinical services. In 2011, Steven returned to NeighborHealth, where he currently oversees Human Resources and Development. Steven is a graduate of the University of Lowell, where he received a B.S. in human resources management.
Steven is also the leader of Eastie’s own Don’t Be Denied Band, whose lineup includes several ZUMIX alumni and former staff members. The band focuses on social justice and community and raises money for local charities. Steven is a proud East Boston resident.
Juan Gutierrez is a graduate of Boston Arts Academy, Boston University, and Suffolk University. He is a ZUMIX alum and former staff member who helped plan events, design programs, and amplify youth voices in the organization. Juan is an accomplished bassist and multi-instrumentalist and a founding member of Wild Painting, a highly successful ZUMIX ensemble. Currently, he works at the Mario Umana K-8 Academy in East Boston, and plays bass in Don’t Be Denied.
Join the ZUMIX community on Oct. 24 as we honor these two amazing musicians! Learn more about the evening and get your tickets here!