Because I knew her - I was changed for good!

Looking towards retirement after 46 years as an arts administrator, it's easy to see that my journey has come full circle. Access to the arts, especially in schools, shaped who I am and the work I’ve devoted my life to.

I grew up as an Italian American kid on what some might call “the other side of opportunity” in New York State’s Hudson Valley. My dad worked in a cement mill, my mom at Montgomery Ward — “Monkey Wards,” as we called it.  Arts? That wasn’t really a part of our world… until I hit my tween years.

When I was in middles school, a very special music teacher “adopted” a small group of us and started opening doors we didn’t even know were there. Because of her — and maybe a little creative school funding — we got to go to the Philharmonic, a Broadway show, a folk concert, and even the movies. Back then, people – including kids – would dress up for events like this. A blazer was the norm, but I didn't have one. Rather than leave me out, she would pick me up first, bringing along her father’s blazer for me so I wouldn’t feel out of place in front of my friends.

She became, and still is, my greatest inspiration. This small act of kindness and generosity was huge to me and literally changed the course of my life.  I was, and always will be, more grateful than I can say.

That experience became the throughline of my career: making sure every young person, no matter their circumstances, has the chance to experience the transformative power of the arts. From bringing Spanish dance to farm kids in Grass Valley, to working with foster youth in Las Vegas, to the past nine years helping hundreds of Bay Area students see, understand, connect with, and create their own art — it has been humbling and deeply rewarding.

Believe it or not, this very special teacher and friend now lives in the Bay Area. I recently had the joy of seeing her again and thanking her in person. Full circle, indeed.

To everyone who has worked with me, inspired me, and joined me on this wild and wonderful ride — thank you. You’ve made every step meaningful, every challenge worthwhile, and every success sweeter. As the song from Wicked goes, “Because I knew you, I have been changed for good.”