Christell's Corner - Ubuntu in Leadership

Ubuntu in Leadership: I Am Because We Are

I am because we are

I am because we are

I am because we are

Because we are

Because we are

 It’s about you, me, we

It’s about energy

It’s about you, me, we

And the whole YANC community

I am the spark that is ignited by my ancestors Ubuntu’s philosophy, because we are the illumination of light that eradicates the darkness of education with the promise of arts integration

I am one seed that grows with a foundation of hope for a better tomorrow because we are the sunlight, water and air that will help many seeds grow into a fruitful harvest 

I am a force, because we are collectively a movement of kinetic energy fortifying with arts programming

I am a generator, because we are the creative power flowing connecting with youth in community with through our mission

I am energetic, because we are a vibrant community with an abundance of gifts and talents that are all interconnected

 

This piece was originally written for our 2024 Summer STEAM program, but it also speaks to my leadership practice—one deeply rooted in the Ubuntu philosophy. Ubuntu, a collection of values and practices from South Africa, embodies our shared humanity and interdependence. It reminds us that each of us exists through others, and that we hold a collective responsibility to care for one another and the world around us.

I’m grateful to Young Audiences of Northern California (YANC) for providing a pathway to executive leadership and for supporting my professional growth. The arts became a source of healing and wellness in my youth—they wrapped its arms around me, giving me creative courage to sing notes of power that drowned out self-doubt, to dance steps of determination that helped me persevere, to write poems of liberation that lifted my spirit, and to portray characters that gave me reprieve from my reality and rejuvenated my strength to endure. My personal narrative is the embodiment of YANC’s mission and essential message-to empower K-12 students to stay engaged, motivated, and confident as they grow into successful adults. Like John, this is a full-circle moment—to give back as an arts leader to the communities where I first experienced the transformative power of the arts.

I’m honored to lead YANC into its next chapter and grateful for the aloha-inspired leadership of John, centered in collaboration, empathy, and respect. John says he is the “spotlight operator” and was truly committed to helping the gifts of every team member shine. With the continued support of our board, staff, and community, my vision is to uplift the individual gifts we each bring, contributing to our collective gift, which is making an impact on the youth we serve

 Join me as we carry our mission forward—together, in the spirit of Ubuntu:
 I am, because we are.