Lawrence Ames

President

Having grown up in a family that values both arts and education, Lawrence Ames shares the vision of the Playing For Change Foundation.  Raised by his father, who is a visual artist, and his mother, who holds a Masters Degree in Special Education for the learning disabled, Lawrence credits his upbringing with helping him become a broad and eclectic thinker.

After being raised in Southern California and graduating from Loyola Marymount University with a B.A. in Finance, Lawrence left sunny California to pursue a career with esteemed Wall Street firms in New York, Tokyo, Chicago and Denver. His vast knowledge of finance and financial instruments is a wonderful compliment to our organization.

The great talent and dedication to the programs within the Playing For Change family inspired Lawrence. Their core belief that music can unite all people is at the root of what he believes, and he looks to inspire others in the same way.