Moving in the Spirit Announces Lita Ugarte Pardi as Executive Director
Moving in the Spirit is proud to announce the appointment of Lita Ugarte Pardi as its new Executive Director, effective March 9, 2026.
Moving in the Spirit uses the discipline of dance to help children and teens develop the social, emotional, and leadership skills they need to thrive. Now in its 40th year of service, the organization has grown from a class of just 25 students to a full-fledged organization operating a $10 million arts and youth development center. Pardi steps into the Executive Director role at a pivotal time, bringing more than 25 years of nonprofit and philanthropic leadership as Moving in the Spirit launches a new strategic planning process to guide its next era of impact.
A seasoned leader in organizational development, community-centered grantmaking, and strategic growth, Pardi most recently served as Senior Knowledge & Learning Director at PEAK Grantmaking, where she oversaw significant programmatic expansion and built the systems to sustain it. Prior to that, she spent 17 years at the Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta, ultimately serving as Vice President of Community Impact and leading its capacity-building portfolio for more than a decade.
Pardi first encountered Moving in the Spirit while working at the Foundation and has long admired its holistic approach to youth development. She believes deeply in organizations that meet young people where they are and nurture their whole selves.
“Moving in the Spirit has always stood out to me as a place where young people are seen, celebrated, and supported to grow as artists and as human beings,” shares Pardi. “For years, I’ve watched this organization honor youth voice, and create conditions where belonging and confidence can flourish. It is an incredible privilege to step into this role and join the young people, families, staff, board, and teaching artists who make this work possible. I am excited to build on the powerful foundation that exists here and to help shepherd Moving in the Spirit into its next chapter of impact and possibility.”
“We are thrilled to welcome Lita as our next Executive Director,” says Henry Kelly, board president. “Her depth of experience in strengthening nonprofits, guiding organizations through transition, and championing community-centered leadership aligns powerfully with Moving in the Spirit’s strategic vision for the future. Our board was especially moved by her understanding of the role the arts play in youth development and by her commitment to building structures that allow organizations and communities to thrive together. Lita is the right leader at the right time, and we are confident she will help propel Moving in the Spirit into a new era of growth, stability, and bold creativity.”
As Moving in the Spirit looks ahead, Pardi’s leadership marks an exciting step forward. Together with its dedicated teaching artists, staff, families, and partners, Moving in the Spirit will continue empowering Atlanta’s young people to build confidence, discover their voice, and lead with courage on and off the stage.