Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Jocelyn Zhu. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alright, Jocelyn thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Let’s kick things off with talking about how you serve the underserved, because in our view this is one of the most important things the small business community does for society – by serving those who the giant corporations ignore, small business helps create a more inclusive and just world for all of us.

I can still feel the adrenaline from that day on the soccer field as an 11 year old in my hometown of Jackson, Mississippi. I was playing as right defender, known for my speed and determination. The moment the ball came my way, I seized the opportunity, sprinting down the sideline with everything I had. My teammates, in perfect sync, ran their routes flawlessly. Just as the opposing defense closed in, I executed a precise pass to my best friend, Emma. She took the shot and scored, sealing our victory.

That day on the soccer field was more than just a game; it was a lesson in teamwork, resilience, and the joy of shared success. These values stayed with me, even as my path took an unexpected turn.

Fast forward five years later, an ACL surgery, and many missed practices, I found my calling somewhere completely different—the concert hall. After a serious soccer injury, my violin studies became my sole focus. Thankfully, I was lucky to study with a phenomenal mentor and teacher in my hometown. I progressed quickly…so much so that I was accepted into Belhaven University’s undergraduate program at the age of fourteen. This expedited education shaped my growth as a person, and just four years later, I moved to NYC to pursue my master’s degree at the Juilliard School.

Upon graduating with my master’s degree at 22 years old, I felt accomplished but still somehow empty. I wanted to make more of an impact somewhere and somehow, but didn’t know where to begin. So, the summer that I graduated, my friend and I traveled to Europe and the Middle East with the dream of sharing music with people whose homes were far away, or simply nonexistent.

That is where Concerts for Compassion was born. After 23 countries of concerts and workshops for migrant communities, my perspective on the global community was broadened. I was very lucky to learn so much from people of all ages, backgrounds, races, and genders.

These experiences forged CFC’s mission statement: we are dedicated to facilitating cultural integration by bringing music and educational programs to displaced peoples and their local communities. In addition to performing at refugee camps worldwide, CFC now leads educational and integration workshops for refugee youths, and organizes benefit concerts for organizations directly supporting refugee communities. We have found through our work that these moments deeply matter because they provide a space where music does indeed have the incredible power to bring communities together that might not normally interact and collaborate. Music has the unique ability to bridge divides and foster understanding, and by creating these opportunities, we help to build more inclusive and compassionate communities.

Since that summer, Concerts for Compassion has gone on to give hundreds of concerts across four continents, raised thousands of dollars to support refugees, and garnered a roster of over thirty musicians passionate about our mission. We are so excited to see what next steps may entail, and are fully committed to bringing the world closer together, one note at a time.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I combined this question with the previous one of serving the underserved!

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

I had never played a piece that taxed me both mentally and physically to such a degree as Tchaikovsky‘s Violin Concerto. The piece comprises three movements, yet I felt exhausted after just one. I knew something had to change in both my preparation and perception of the piece and myself.

I could have chosen a piece that was within my comfort zone, but I loved this work too much to give up that easily. So, I devised a plan. I needed to strengthen my practice habits: mentally, physically, and collaboratively.

Every day, I practiced 10% more than the day before. This gradual increase in intensity prepared me for the longer duration of the piece and the challenging performance ahead. Instead of merely playing the solo part ceaselessly, I delved into the entire orchestral score, becoming intimately familiar with every instrumental part that supports and complements my line. I realized that I was not the center of attention in this concerto but rather a tool to express the music in collaboration with my colleagues. This shift in perspective allowed me to transcend my own experience and fully portray the full magnitude of the work.

This experience taught me valuable lessons in resilience and adaptability, which have been crucial in my journey as the founder of Concerts for Compassion. Running a nonprofit often feels like performing a complex concerto. It requires continuous learning, adaptation, and collaboration. Just as I had to build my stamina and refine my technique for the Tchaikovsky concerto, I’ve had to develop new skills, strategies, and partnerships to ensure the success of our organization.

In both music and nonprofit work, understanding the bigger picture and how each part fits together is essential. At Concerts for Compassion, we focus on bringing music and educational programs to displaced communities. This mission is much like the orchestral score I studied; every program, every partnership, every volunteer contributes to the overall harmony and success of our initiatives. By recognizing that my role is part of a larger whole, I can better lead the organization, serve the community, and fulfill our mission.

After months of reworking my technique and building my stamina, the final performance arrived. Rather than feeling overly nervous or apprehensive, I felt confident in the work I had put in and was overjoyed to express my deepest emotions. Similarly, each successful project at Concerts for Compassion brings a sense of fulfillment and joy, knowing that our collective efforts are making a meaningful impact.

Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?

Absolutely. I have always enjoyed reading, and I find that it can really broaden, challenge, and shift my worldview in many ways.

One book that has significantly shaped my thought processes is, “Think Again,” by Adam Grant. This book has helped me embrace flexibility, open-mindedness, and adaptability in my leadership role at Concerts for Compassion. In a position where my job is to think creatively and lead effectively, it can be easy to become entrenched in the mindset of, “this is what we’ve always done.” Since reading this book, I’ve found myself seeking more feedback, being open to creativity and exploration, and becoming less fearful of failure.

“The Island of Missing Trees,” by Elif Shafak and graphic novel, “Messy Roots,” by Laura Gao have provided poignant insights into the refugee and immigrant experience. These books have renewed my motivation to continue our work at CFC, creating a more globally minded community.

Contact Info:

• Website: jocelynzhu.com or concertsforcompassion.org
• Instagram: @jocelynzhuviolin or @concertsforcompassion
• Linkedin: Jocelyn Zhu

Image Credits

Headshot: Matthew Maimone
Diano Diro (last two photos)