Sing for Italy is owned and operated by Celebrating Heritage In the Arts (C.H.I.A.) Inc., a Canadian company dedicated to curating immersive experiences that celebrate diverse heritages and bring communities together to revel in the beauty of their traditions. Whether a vibrant music festival, glamorous fashion showcase, or thought-provoking film screening, C.H.I.A. delivers unforgettable moments that honour the past while embracing the future. Join us in creating a tapestry of cultural expression that inspires, entertains, and unites .
Executive Leadership
Tina Cole
Founder, President & Principal
Tina is a force in the cultural & music industries. As founder of C.H.I.A. & Co-founder and past President, & Chair of the Board of Mississauga ITALFEST, she has dedicated countless hours to developing & presenting premier, award-winning Italian cultural festivals and events. These projects hold a special place in her heart stemming from her deep-rooted passion to celebrate, share, and preserve her heritage.
Her impressive list of accomplishments speaks volumes about her dedication and influence. From being a voting member of the Canadian Juno Awards to receiving the prestigious "Ground Breaker Award" at Festa Della Donna in 2019, Tina's contributions have been widely recognized. Her appointment to the Board of Directors of the Ontario Media Development Corporation (OMDC) in 2020 and re-appointment for a second term in 2023 further solidified her position as a leader in the industry. In 2022, she was invited to join the Recording Academy, Los Angeles chapter, (The Grammy's) as an Industry Professional member. In Sept. 2023, she was named “Music Industry Person of the Year" and she was also appointed to the Advisory Board of the Hollywood Independent Music Awards.
As an independent Music Business Executive, Tina has forged partnerships with chart-topping music industry professionals in North America & beyond. She brings over 35 years of experience as a business leader & visionary with a goal to foster commercial success and sustainability within the creative community. Her recent appointment in March 2024 to the Exclusive North America Collective of Music Executives "EMG Collectives" further underscores her commitment to shaping the future of the industry. As founder of F.A.M. Productions Inc, Mama Swag Management, and co-founder of Net10Entertainment, Tina's brings invaluable passion and experience to Sing for Italy.
Ravi's journey as a rock star, cultural diplomat for the US Department of State, and education and cultural futurist brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to C.H.I.A. and its initiatives.
He is the first American-born descendant of India’s Nehru-Gandhi political dynasty. However, Ravi pursued his passion for music and in 1997 became the guitarist of triple-Grammy-nominee, Hanson, performing at the White House and Madison Square Garden, on Saturday Night Live and the Today Show, and many more.
In 2014, Ravi delivered high profile keynote speeches in China and Russia about the future of music and was subsequently invited by the US Department of State to serve as a cultural diplomat. As a representative of the United States, he created cultural exchange programs over the next several years in Russia, Iraq, Lebanon, and Indonesia that united young adults from traditionally opposed cultures and religions through songwriting.
Ravi is a highly respected keynote speaker on education and cultural issues. He is also the author of three books; Co-Founder of the Holos Institute for Principled Leadership and Benemor School for Global Leadership—a graduate-level Masters degree program (USA); advocate for Shanti Bhavan—a residential school exclusively for children born into India's lowest socioeconomic class (India); and Founder of Ravi Unites Schools—an international network of over 100 schools whose students participate in peer-to-peer cultural interactions online
Ravi Hutheesing
Co-Founder, Vice President & Principal
Sam Ottaviano
Treasurer & Principal
Sam's journey from aspiring sports agent to entertainment industry mogul is a testament to the twists and turns life can take. Despite veering off the original path, he found success in representing talent across various fields. EMG CANADA's evolution from a modelling agency to a respected player in TV, film, and music speaks volumes about Sam's adaptability and vision.
By establishing EMG Canada and rebranding to S.A.M. Talent & Music Agency, Sam demonstrated his commitment to diversification and artist development. Today, his boutique agency stands as a pillar in the entertainment world, representing a wide array of talent, from actors to musicians, dancers, and specialty acts. The agency thus far has had great success in working on countless commercials and film projects.
Sam's agency isn't just about business; it's also about giving back. Their support for charities like Sick Kids Hospital underscores their commitment to making a positive impact beyond the entertainment realm. As a member of ACTRA under the Entertainment Industry Coalition, S.A.M. Agency is not just about nurturing talent but also about advocating for industry standards and welfare.
Alexandra Loria
Secretary & Principal
Alexandra, began her journey in the music industry in 2001 in Madrid Spain. With invaluable experience as a Promoter, Press Agent, and Road Manager for a few labels based in Spain and Italy, she has honed her skills in promotion, artist management, and international relations.
She is co-founder of Bandits Concerti, LL Music Consulting and founder of Ale Consult and Promote. She serves as the creative powerhouse behind her companies, and guides artists in effective social media strategies, content creation and self-promotion. Alexandra is actively involved in promoting both Italian and international artists across diverse media outlets, event management and concert bookings.
Steve Lyon
Executive Director & Principal
Steve Lyon is a highly respected Record Producer, Recording Engineer and Mix Engineer from London England. His key genre’s range across Alternative Rock and Electronic Rock Music.
He holds to his name multiple platinum albums, two Grammy Awards, and has collaborated with numerous artists including Depeche Mode, Recoil, Nitzer Ebb, The Cure, The Creatures, Amplifier, Mrnorth, and in Italy, Laura Pausini, 99 Posse, Subsonica, Mirkoeilcane, Eros Ramazzotti, and many more.
In 2010, Steve started his own recording studio in London called Panic Button Studios, and is now based between his studio in London and Rome Italy.