LEADERSHIP
Clau Balladelli
Claudia Balladelli is Co-Founder and Executive Director of Axe WorldFest, a nonprofit in Ottawa supporting artists facing systemic barriers including Black Indigenous newcomer and Two Spirit LGBTQIA plus artists and artists with disabilities She leads EWIMI a conference for women and gender diverse music professionals In 2023 she co-founded Saravah celebrating Brazilian culture and supporting the community in Ottawa Originally from Londrina Brazil she has over twenty years in Canada and participates in global events such as WOMEX and Mundial Montreal.
Marie Boillon
Marie Boillon is a Board Member and Operations Director at Axé WorldFest and Artistic Coordinator at MIFO. Born in France to a Martinican family, she draws on her Caribbean heritage and international experiences living in London, Angola, and Madagascar to foster cultural exchange and community building through the arts. Fluent in French, Creole, English, and Portuguese, she is passionate about amplifying diverse voices and creating inclusive spaces. Marie has presented and hosted showcases at Folk Music Ontario, served as a juror for Contact Ontarois 2027, and participated as a panelist at the Réseau Ontario Delegates Forum. She is dedicated to strengthening connections across cultures through arts and community engagement.
