A Visionary Leader for Creativity and Change: Lena Cirillo announced as CEO
Image: Lena Cirillo
100 Story Building, Australia’s leading creative literacy hub for young people, proudly announces the appointment of Lena Cirillo as its new Chief Executive Officer. With an exceptional legacy of championing arts, education, and cultural leadership, Lena is the perfect fit to lead the organisation into a transformative new chapter.
Lena Cirillo, a powerhouse in Australia’s arts and nonprofit sectors, brings over 20 years of strategic leadership to 100 Story Building. A passionate educator, accomplished artist, and tireless advocate for creative empowerment, Lena has left an indelible mark as CEO on organisations such as Art Education Victoria, Arts Project Australia and Polyglot Theatre.
A qualified teacher, artist, and vocal advocate for creativity, Lena has a deep passion for empowering children and young people through creative and educational opportunities. Her work spans diverse cultural, socio-economic, and linguistic contexts, reflecting her commitment to amplifying diverse voices, fostering connection, and nurturing lifelong creativity and self-expression.
Lena’s illustrious career is a testament to her belief in the transformative power of creativity and storytelling. From spearheading community-led arts initiatives at Westside Circus to fostering cultural celebration as Director of the Lygon Street Festa, Lena has demonstrated her ability to inspire, connect, and create meaningful change.
Lena’s advocacy spans organisational leadership, policy development, and strategic guidance. She is currently a member of the School of Art Industry Advisory Committee at RMIT University, where she contributes to shaping the future of arts education and industry collaboration. Previously, Lena held key positions on several non-profit boards, including Vice-President of Midsumma Festival, Chair of Melbourne Workers Theatre, and as a member of the Cultural Arts Advisory Board for the City of Melbourne.
Chairperson of 100 Story Building Board Sandeep Varma says, “Lena’s heartfelt leadership, tenacity, expertise in strategic development and her dedication to nurturing creativity align perfectly with 100 Story Building’s mission and we are thrilled to welcome her to the team.”
Deeply committed to the transformative power of storytelling and art education, Lena says “I’m so excited to be joining 100 Story Building as CEO, and grateful for the amazing work that has already been done by an incredible team. The expression of creativity is essential for developing the critical thinking, resilience, and autonomy of a future generation of creative thinkers and change-makers. I’m proud to be leading an organisation that places these skills at the heart of its mission to further its reach and impact.”
100 Story Building extends its sincere gratitude to Abhilash Mudaliar for his passion and dedication as Interim CEO since July 2024.
Lena will commence as the CEO of 100 Story Building on Tuesday 14 January 2025.
With Lena’s appointment, 100 Story Building is poised for bold innovation, deepened community engagement, and expanded reach in empowering young minds.
