I grew up in the small town of Nekoosa, Wisconsin, of barely 2,100 people where community meant showing up for one another and creativity often had to be made from what was available, especially growing up in a small family business. That early environment shaped who I am today. I was introduced to the arts at a young age when I was accepted to Renaissance School for the Arts for high school where I learned to appreciate multiple art forms from performance to photography. It was also where I began to see the arts for more than face value and what it can offer to people intrinsically.
That brought me to my dream school, Ithaca College in Ithaca, New York, where I majored in Theatre Studies and English with a minor in Education. My focus in theatre studies was directing and stage management, but what I truly discovered was how I excelled in organization and leadership. My brain is always running, and I thrive in management-style work. I will happily create a spreadsheet for almost anything. What began as a practical skill became a core strength by helping creative teams work better together.
My niche in the arts is creating equitable spaces. I believe that no matter your role you deserve to feel heard and empowered. Art is strongest when people feel safe enough to bring their full selves into the room and see themselves represented. That belief has guided how I approach every project since.
After graduating, I returned to Wisconsin without a clear roadmap. I consider myself a lifelong learner, and I loved my undergraduate experience. I knew teaching in some form might be part of my future, and I also recognized that leadership roles in arts organizations often require advanced training. Pursuing a master’s degree felt like both a practical and deeply personal next step.
That realization led me to the Bolz Center. I came in with a strong arts background, but very little understanding of how to frame myself as a business professional which is something freelance artists are often required to do without much guidance. The Bolz Center’s integration of arts and business felt like the perfect opportunity. The one-year structure also made the goal feel achievable. More than that, the program has challenged me to push through discomfort and discover how resilient I really am.
I hope this experience opens doors in Madison and beyond. It has already sharpened my ability to navigate difficult situations and advocate for spaces that center equity and care. My story is not just about where I have been, but about where I am going with a path in leadership that is organized, intentional, and rooted in the belief that the arts should be places where everyone belongs.
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