DIAL Impact Stories
A showcase of stories from the 2019 and 2020 cohort of Diversity in Arts Leadership (DIAL) program! Read about the unforgettable impact the DIAL program has had on interns, mentors, and arts host supervisors from New Jersey (NJ), Des Moines (DSM), New York City (NYC),and virtually, as well as the motivations behind why each person chose to become involved in creating a more equitable arts management field.
2019 Mentor:
Mini Ayachit
Mini Ayachit, 2019 Mentor - New Jersey
Founder and CEO, Vibrnz LLC
"I was inspired to be a mentor for the DIAL internship because I would love to share my experiences with young adults as they step into their professional careers and help them in any way I can. I gave up my corporate career to launch my own organization dedicated to promote creative arts using innovative technology. It has been a roller coaster ride for me and my experience as an entrepreneur has taught me a lot. In my opinion, the DIAL mentor ship is unique as it integrates the experience in the arts with business and thus provides a diverse exposure to the students. I met my intern, who happens to be an aspiring photographer and digital marketer. Through my organization, as I work towards creating more opportunities for individuals like her, it was great to exchange ideas as we met. She shared her challenges and aspirations and in the process I not only mentored or advised her, I myself learnt a lot about my potential customers. The mentor mentee relationship proved to be mutually beneficial."
2019 Supervisor:
Marshall Jones
Marshall Jones, 2019 Supervisor - New Jersey
Artistic Director, Crossroads Theater Company
"In addition to operating a regional theater I am also a professor at Rutgers so I know it is vital to provide proper guidance to the next generation of leaders...Also, since we are a professional company that specializes in celebrating African-American culture, [working with the DIAL program] seemed like an ideal fit.
One of the most exciting experiences as a mentor was being able to give my intern, Melody, a complicated task of tracking the roles of a large scale musical. I gave her the chart and didn't do much explaining, due to my time limitations, but she figured things out and made it color-coded. This saved me hours of work and put us in a strong negotiating position as we begin our contract talks with Actors' Equity."
2020 Supervisor:
Xenia Tiajoloff
Xenia Tiajoloff, 2020 Supervisor - Virtual
Manager of Membership Engagement, National Academy of Design
2019 Intern:
Jessica Oudhnarine
Jessica Oudhnarine, 2019 Intern - New Jersey
American Repertory Ballet - New Jersey University '20
“I think the beautiful thing about New Jersey is that the arts is different depending on where you are. In Jersey City, it’s a lot of street art and street photography. When you move further down, there’s more dance schools and music schools. The great thing about New Jersey is how diverse it is, so depending on where you are, you’ll find different kinds of art...I’ve always wanted the create campaigns or advertisements, anything within the marketing spectrum, where people like me can see themselves in ads and media, because I know when I was growing up I didn’t really have a lot of that…[that] personal goal is the biggest motivator for me wanting to be in the arts industry because I really want to inspire other people and I want to make sure that they can see themselves being represented in any kind of media.”
2019 Intern:
Habiba Hopson
Habiba Hopson, 2019 Intern - New York City
MoMA PS1 - Occidental College '20
“I think growing up, it’s not like I didn’t have access to a museum but when I did go to a museum I didn’t feel like it was accessible to me. So, I think with that background and my own interest in art history, I felt very compelled to do work this summer that spoke to those things. As soon as I applied and submitted it, it felt right and if felt like something I needed to do. It’s giving me the power as someone who’s face is not seen in museums to be in the decision-making process.
I think this is a great program in the way that it exposes members of the community to leadership roles…I don’t feel like I’m 'just an intern' – I’m a team member with decision-making skills.”
2019 Intern:
Hannah Miao
Hannah Miao, 2019 Intern - New York City
Opening Act - Duke University '21
“I was really drawn to the cohort aspect of the internship as well as the program's focus on cultural equity. It's really special to have a space with both peers and mentor figures who can help guide you through the complexities of working in arts administration where most people in the field don't look like you...Not only has the program provided validation that we as young people from traditionally underrepresented backgrounds in arts leadership and administration deserve to be in this field, it has shown me that we can, and do, thrive in this field. I feel supported by my arts organization, intern cohort, DIAL supervisors, and mentor, as well as the widespread DIAL network of those who came before me.
While we are all interning in the non-profit sphere, it's been helpful and illuminating to have business mentors who may not necessarily be working in the public sector, but still are connected to the arts. It has helped make me aware of the multitude of ways in which I could have an impact in the future, regardless of what career path I follow.
I love having both my host arts organization community and my DIAL community. It's like having two experiences in one! The professional development workshops and outside events we have attended through DIAL have really helped inform the way I carry myself and do work at my arts organization.”
2019 Supervisor:
Gabrielle Gilliam
Gabrielle Gilliam, 2019 Supervisor - New York City
Director of Development, Opening Act
“Our Director of Communications and Operations has a strong academic and professional background in arts and arts ed administration. She has always been a staunch advocate for meaningful internships in the field and compelled me to apply [to DIAL as a supervisor] on behalf of our Development team. Fundraising is a critical part of arts admin and so we are hopeful this is an avenue of potential interest for those interested in arts management.
...This kind of tangible experience and unique exposure will not only make interns more attractive to prospective employers, the interns themselves will be informed and empowered in a way that only hands-on work and up-close-and-personal engagement can provide...I hope that our intern's experience will be one that she will want to share with others and encourage fund development as a consideration for those interested in arts administration. I also hope that as a general learning experience, our intern will come to understand how fundraising is part of the fabric of successful administration and operations."
2020 Fellow:
Elena Sánchez
Elena Sánchez, 2020 Fellow - Virtual
- Appalachian State University ' 21
My experience with AFTA and DIAL fellows has helped keep me accountable to my career goals and foster a community of care and aspiration during a global pandemic. I am so thankful to have met people that have taught me so much about working in the arts while living as a minority in America. I feel recharged and more ready to start a career in the arts.
2019 Intern:
Kadiatou Balde
Kadiatou Balde, 2019 Intern - New York City
Dance/NYC - SUNY Potsdam '19
“Compared to my past experiences, the DIAL program is unique in that it has allowed me to correct my learning of DEI/JEI and to fill the gaps that were missing from previous trainings through our events and at my host organization. In addition, DIAL has provided me with an amazing mentor who continues to guide me through both my personal and professional development; I truly treasure my time with her and have learned so much from her care and wisdom unlike other jobs/internships where I didn't receive much interpersonal coaching...The DIAL internship has created a pipeline of well rounded young individuals who are all inspired to make arts leadership/admin and other sectors more equitable. This is seen through our conversations and the ways in which we all interact and sometimes even teach the people at our host organizations. I believe that this is one of the ways that we are institutionalizing social justice.
The DIAL program has truly impacted my future. I now understand some of the ins and outs of nonprofits and the ways that I can contribute to them. It reminded me of one of my first dreams, which was to become a fashion designer. After this program, I am interested in exploring that field as a side project in addition to working for a non-profit. As for long-term impact, I hope to invest a lot in the arts as soon as I am able to.”
2019 Intern:
Julia Burks
Julia Burks, 2019 Intern - New Jersey
Artworks - Becker College '20
"Being part of the DIAL program will allow me to see a different side of how the arts impacts communities, expand and develop my skills, work and communicate with many different types of people and groups, and more. Having these types of learning experiences will allow me to go out into the working world and be able to express myself in the best way possible while also being as successful in the arts as well. This opportunity allows me to expand my knowledge in the arts and work with the local community to educate others on the impact and importance of the arts."
2019 Mentor:
Deirdre DeJear
Deirdre DeJear, 2019 Mentor - Des Moines
Owner, Caleo Enterprises
"The DIAL program is unique as there is a tremendous focus on the arts, which is important as it relates to expressing creativity and resolving mental health challenges that exist in our communities. Creating pathways for individuals from diverse backgrounds to get involved in the arts in a mainstream capacity adds value to their cultural experience and also adds value to the entities cultural experience."
2020 Intern:
Nailah Williams
Nailah Williams, 2020 Intern - Virtual
School of American Ballet - Brown University '20
The DIAL program has provided me with much-needed professional insight as a recent grad. I now have a better sense of my professional goals, and of the arts career I want to pursue. I am walking away from the DIAL program with invaluable resources and connections.
2019 Supervisor:
Karoline Myers
Karoline Myers, 2019 Supervisor - Des Moines
Education Manager, Des Moines Performing Arts
"I was inspired to supervise for the DIAL program, not only as a chance to "pay it forward" but also to have the opportunity to collaborate with and learn from a young person who would bring a new perspective to our work.We have a long way to go as an industry and a society to achieve equity, but we would be even further behind without the important conversations and doors that opportunities like DIAL provide to both students and organizations to engage in this work together.
My wish is that our DIAL intern closes her time with us with a sense of accomplishment and agency that she will take with her into her next endeavors. Through her project, I hope she has further developed her sense of inquisitiveness; commitment to inclusion and access; her nuts-and-bolts administrative skills; and, above all, her ability to persevere and navigate within and against systems - from the organizational to the societal level - on her quest to bring more arts to more people.
One of my favorite experiences was attending several site visits with both new and existing community partners, as part of our research that informed Norma's project. Entering into the space and conversations as a learner alongside Norma, sharing in the joy and inspiration as we toured their facilities and met their staff, was a great bonding experience."
2019 Supervisor:
Kristin Orlando
Kristin Orlando, 2019 Supervisor - New Jersey
Director of Artistic Operations, New Jersey Symphony Orchestra
"I believe that we need more diversity in the arts and especially in arts leadership in order to create more relevant and impactful work. Our organization is committed to fostering diversity on and off stage. This program seemed like a natural fit. The DIAL program is a unique experience for the interns because of their relationship with their mentors and cohort and I think that program design is really interesting and appealing. It takes some of the pressure off of the hosts to provide all of the professional development and social/cultural outings for the summer, which for a small organization is a big deal.
My goal has been to give Ebony, our intern, a well rounded and broad experience of how a performing arts organization functions. She's interested in running her own organization one day, so we've been working on giving her time with development, marketing, and education staff to see how they contribute to the whole. We've also given her tasks to do with the nitty-gritty of putting on concerts and planning a season. In addition to making these opportunities available, my team and I have talked to her about possible paths forward in the industry and actively solicited her feedback with programs and initiatives that we're planning."
2019 Supervisor:
Joel Guzmán
Joel Guzmán, 2019 Supervisor - New York City
Director of Artist Engagement, Sing for Hope
"For the past 14 years, I worked in the circus in different artistic and administrative functions. The beauty of that process was being able to share ways of communication and creation as well as solutions to common problems with artists from different parts of the world. The program got my attention because it is inclusive. Being able to work within the organizational culture and have different perspectives, as well as opening the door so that someone can understand and fully discover the organization. This exchange of ideas and resources from both parties makes the DIAL program have extraordinary value.
The opportunity to meet [my mentee] and learn from him every day has been an amazing experience. The exchange of ideas from those of us who have been involved in the arts for several years with those who are still in college gives us an opportunity to share our perspectives. Perhaps those perspectives are different, but where management is moving the arts we need to hear all perspectives."
2019 Intern:
Carlos Nuñez
Carlos Nuñez, 2019 Intern - New York City
Bronx Museum - Savannah College of Art and Design '20
“Because of the amount of lives you can touch by being in arts administration, you are giving a voice to artists to express their ideas and at the same time you are opening the world to people who can feel inspired by the artwork.”
2020 Mentor:
Kimberly Williams
Kimberly Williams, 2020 Mentor - Virtual
Corporate Affairs Manager- Regional and Community Affairs, Con Edison
My experience with the program was absolutely great. I was forced to confront my own ideas about the arts, engaged in cross generational conversations I don't always get to have, and was pushed to put in as much work as my mentee was in terms of the actual work day and defining my path.
2019 Supervisor:
Jose Ortiz
Jose Ortiz, 2019 Supervisor - New York City
Chief Operations Officer, MoMA PS1
"DIAL is a great program the delivers high quality interns from diverse backgrounds. I have been in museum administration for many years and I love the opportunity to have someone consider the arts as a profession through a paid internship program. The interns have a first-hand experience into what goes on with the daily operation of a museum. Through ongoing formal and informal meetings, the intern receives guidance and feedback. They also have access to a senior museum administrator. It is a wonderful opportunity to share my experience and help an intern problem solve, plan and execute projects.
One of the most rewarding experiences from being a supervisor is the satisfaction I see from interns when they have completed tasks and projects--presented these to other museum staff and leadership, and receive feedback and appreciation for a job well done."
2019 Intern:
Lynn Huynh
Lynn Huynh, 2019 Intern - New York City
NEW INC - University of Texas at Austin '21
“I view arts advocacy and arts administration as an avenue of not only creativity and entrepreneurship, but also a way to empower historically marginalized identities and communities…DIAL is a really great incubator of talent. I think it’s not just about the day-to-day experience of working within an arts organization but it's also about the relationships you build with your mentors, your supervisors, your colleagues that you’re working with, and of course, your fellow interns.
Being in this transition process and thinking ‘I’m about to enter the workforce,’ or ‘I’m about to graduate,’ or ‘I’m about to land my first internship,’ whatever state we’re all in, people have been so warm and engaging and its really helped me believe in myself.
Working with NEW INC has really broadened my perspective on what creativity can look like. At NEW INC, I get to work with almost a hundred different members, some of them individual artists, some of them in teams, all of whom are working in social impact projects, working in art, design, and technology. Seeing that has really changed my perspective and has inspired me to pursue my own projects.
I’ve never been in an internship that has been so deeply involved in who I am and so deeply invested in my growth.”
2020 Intern:
Kayla Colon
Kayla Colon, 2020 Intern - Virtual
ArtPride New Jersey - Vanderbilt University '23
First, I was surprised by how supportive, welcoming, and accommodating AFTA was when we first realized an in-person internship could not happen. I loved the genuine support I received from the AFTA coordinators, as well as how available they were to all of us interns. I enjoyed every single one of the interns' energy and their final presentations. I could tell how intelligent, motivated, and passionate every person was about the work they were doing these past few months... The work that I completed felt valuable for ArtPride's mission (host organization), and I had a lot of freedom to research and write independently... Lastly, this experience overall was the first job I had in the arts field. My eyes have been opened to even more possibilities for an art career, and has made me be very intentional about my next steps in and out of school. I am looking forward to whatever arts careers I end up choosing, and know that I have an entire team at AFTA to support me and help me network in the ways I may need. I know their commitment to inclusion and diversity within the arts has helped me explore my voice, and made me feel seen within a community of artists.
2020 Mentor:
Ashley Renee Watkins
Ashley Renee Watkins, 2020 Mentor - Virtual
Independent Consultant/Facilitator,
These kinds of experiences are made for times like these. This work is important in creating timely foundations for young administrators of color but also serves as a reminder to host institutions that there is a diverse workforce preparing to come through their doors. These interns are focused and ready but need organizations to their part in making certain that the opportunities are there beyond this level.
2019 Mentor:
Nola Cartmill
Nola Cartmill, 2019 Mentor - New Jersey
Attorney, Belin McCormick
"In my experience, giving students the opportunity to intern at various organizations not only opens the student's eyes to the possibilities, but also provides the organization where they are placed the opportunity to connect with diverse populations and experience the benefits of diversity in their organization.
I've always had a great interest in the arts and I was excited about the opportunity to mentor a student of a diverse background like myself and help them discover all the ways they can incorporate such an interest in their lives. The most rewarding experience is seeing the excitement in my intern's eyes when she talks about the opportunities she's being given through the DIAL program."
2019 Mentor:
Anthony Cinelli
Anthony Cinelli, 2019 Mentor - New York City
Corporate Affairs Manager, Consolidated Edison Company of New York, Inc.
“With a diverse background as a professional performing artist, an interesting journey from stage actor and concert hall singer to independent contractor behind-the-scenes of the non-profit sector, with a solid five years as executive/personal assistant, leading to program administration for a rigorous Government Relations Public Affairs Department and then a lengthy career in the Event Marketing Division of the NYSE prior to joining Corporate Affairs at Con Ed, my path has been unconventional and multi-faceted. As most young people are advised to plan for at least six careers in their professional work life, I believe my work-life experience places me in a unique position to mentor young professionals who may be considering the options available to them with regard to their own signature brand and distinct skill set.
The kind of students who are accepted into the DIAL internship program are the best and the brightest, who have applied for the program. They represent some of the most extraordinarily gifted and exposed young artists and visionaries, who are committed to making a difference in the professional world of the visual/performing arts and arts administration. When the best institutions of the City of New York have the opportunity to host these young powerhouses of creativity and vision, they also have the opportunity to learn from their fresh and energetic points of view and offer them opportunities to improve their own mission and goals for the brief time these interns are with them; and, also, possibly, offer them full-time employment at the culmination of the program.”
2020 Supervisor:
Emma Osore
Emma Osore, 2020 Supervisor - Virtual
Director of Community, NEW INC
We had a wonderful summer of mutual learning and growth. Our intern took on some projects that our organization was doing for the first time and that were unfamiliar to them as well. In what could have been a heavy experience of data crunching all summer - our intern applied joy and curiosity which made the work seem more like a treasure trove of insights and a body of information to be treated with care. We also felt very cared for by the staff team who gracefully pivoted an entire ecosystem of people into a digital format and went the extra mile to ensure that the program continued with ease.
2020 Fellow:
Cristal Seda Santiago
Cristal Seda Santiago, 2020 Fellow - Virtual
- University of Puerto Rico-Mayaguez '20
Diversity for the Arts fellowship program was a courageous space where we could express our opinions and perspective with our peers. I came to this program with an interest in the Arts management but came out of it with a great appreciation and love for it. It was fascinating to see the how the administrative part of the Arts can influence so much in the artistic world. Also meeting so many leaders of different backgrounds was such an enriching experience, in addition working with a cohort with diverge creative backgrounds was really inspiring to be in.
2019 Intern:
Ebony Hubbard
Ebony Hubbard, 2019 Intern - New Jersey
New Jersey Symphony Orchestra - Rowan University '20
"I'd like to help create better opportunities for the next generation in my community, so that there is more inclusive environment for those wanting to pursue the arts in their own career. I believe this program will open the door for me to be able to one day help those as this program will help me.
I'm building relationships with so many great people I never would have had the chance to do without this program. Networking was always a challenge for me but the experience I'm getting from it is really great since everyone I'm meeting has an influence in the arts, which I could use to support my own career goals. I love attending the Professional Development meetings and cultural outings. The meetings are so insightful while the cultural outings allow me to experience the beauty of New Jersey and how the arts is focused on education and diversity.
I've been placed at an amazing organization that not only encourages me to use my creativity but also lead projects I have a huge interest in. I know what I learn from here will impact anything I do in the future so I've done my best to immerse myself as much as possible. The leadership skills I've acquired will take me far and I can't wait to share my knowledge while serving my community."
2019 Intern:
Melody Marshall
Melody Marshall, 2019 Intern - New Jersey
Crossroads Theatre Company - Rider University '20
"Being a New Jersey resident and a student here, I’ve worked with several organizations [before] and I think that this internship program is uniquely beneficial. Not just because of the cohort who I can rely on and talk to, but also having so much support from Americans for the Arts and New Jersey State Council of the Arts and my host organization, the Crossroads Theater Company. I really love knowing that I can rely on all three of these organizations to support me and answer all my questions and that they care.
My goals for the future are to be a director, primarily, as well as hopefully an artistic director at an organization. I think that by taking this time that I have now at an organization that is outside of my comfort zone, I’m going to remember this experience in the future and be able to continue the conversations I’ve had before.
I think that for students who are part of one culture who want to understand another, this is definitely a good opportunity for that. I am a white female and so to be part of a primarily African American organization has been really eye opening and a huge learning experience, even in the first two weeks, because there are a lot of plays I didn’t know existed. I’ve now had that opportunity to research (playwrights, actors, directors), get to know them, and understand that there is an entire separate theater culture that I didn’t know about and should have. This experience will play a huge part in my future in making the world more equitable.”
2020 Fellow:
Noa Weiss
Noa Weiss, 2020 Fellow - Virtual
Dance/NYC - Barnard College '21
DIAL taught me that arts administration is it's own art form. It takes skill, patience, and a deep understanding of other people's needs. After going through this program, I feel more connected to the arts infrastructure of NYC than I felt as a dancer alone.
2020 Mentor:
Tiffany Lin
Tiffany Lin, 2020 Mentor - Virtual
Program Manager, Partner Schools and Network, Exploring the Arts
The DIAL experience was definitely a highlight during the COVID-19 pandemic. With everything shut down and turned virtually overnight, the program shifted seamlessly and provided a robust and authentic experience for interns, hosts, and mentors. We were able to build connections and provide our experiences during a time when human interaction was imperative but limited.
2019 Mentor:
Nelson Yip
Nelson Yip, 2019 Mentor - New York City
Deputy Corporate Ombudsman, Consolidated Edison Company of New York, Inc.
"I have always loved New York City’s vibrant arts and cultural programming. DIAL is an incredible program where I am able to draw on my background in business and technology and connect with mentees who inspire all of us with their passion for the arts. DIAL is about access, development, real-world job training, and new experiences. I am always impressed by the caliber of the students, the arts organizations where they work and the other mentors.
I have been a mentor in this program since 2009. DIAL helps mentees meet great people, learn about networking and the power of relationships, and see NYC as a place where they can belong, contribute, and grow. My hope for the DIAL program is that the interns build a phenomenal network, gain firsthand experiences that will inform their future careers and get that magical feeling New Yorkers share: the sense of possibility that their dreams can come true."
2020 Supervisor:
Elise Drew Leon
Elise Drew Leon, 2020 Supervisor - Virtual
Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, School of American Ballet
The DIAL Internship was truly transformative. SAB gained valuable insight into its own practices, policies, and behaviors by engaging a DIAL Intern who was equipped and ready for an immersive experience. As much as our intern learned from us, we learned that much more from her. It was definitely an experience not to be missed!
2020 Intern:
Isaiah Shaw
Isaiah Shaw, 2020 Intern - Virtual
Sing for Hope - Oberlin College and Conservatory of Music '22
This program gave me a vehicle to execute my purpose and values as an arts leader. I will be forever grateful for this wonderful opportunity and exposure. The DIAL program showed me how to use my performance career in conjunction with an arts leadership career.
2019 Supervisor:
Christopher Núñez
Christopher Núñez, 2019 Supervisor - New York City
Manager of Justice, Equity, and Inclusion Initiatives, Dance/NYC
"The biggest impact Dance/NYC has had on DIAL interns is that we have taken the opportunity to build as many quality relationships in this internship as possible in the NYC Dance community, including artists, cultural workers, administrators, executive directors, producers, artistic directors, among others. The more colleagues know you and what you are capable of, the more support you will have once it's time to turn your efforts into a full-time job.
One of the most important takeaways from being a supervisor in the DIAL program is realizing the importance of dialog. How exciting and vitally important it is to create the space and time for meaningful conversation between generations and across disciplines. It is through conversation that we relate to others and build potential to connect, learn and grow."
2019 Intern:
Sunee Kate Quirante
Sunee Kate Quirante, 2019 Intern - Des Moines
Des Moines Art Center - Rice University '20
“I was initially a bit wary about spending my summer in Des Moines as I wasn’t exactly sure what the arts landscape would be like in a smaller town. However, in my few short weeks here I have found the Des Moines art scene to be very rich with opportunity. Interning at the Des Moines Art Center, a modern and contemporary art museum, I have been able to experience a wide range of opportunities that add to the city’s cultural and artistic record. Furthermore, because of the size of this town, the arts and culture community seems to be very tight knit, and many people who weren’t affiliated with the program were very eager to help the DIAL interns on their own accord. I’ve been granted the opportunity to see a Broadway show, attend workshops on non-profit management, and become a member of the Botanical Garden! These experiences outside my typical internship duties have greatly increased my appreciation for and knowledge of Des Moines’ thriving arts community.
My interests lay at the intersection of art, activism, and anthropology, so I’ve tried to combine the three whenever I can. Ultimately, I believe that art is not just about aesthetic pleasure because there is no such thing as apolitical art. A lot of my experience has been research-related focusing on the socio-political lives of art and artists. Here, I can surround myself with leaders in the arts who show a commitment to social justice in their work and believe in the power of art to create personal and political change. I couldn’t be happier with this match (with Des Moines Arts Center)!”
2020 Fellow:
Charis Shin
Charis Shin, 2020 Fellow - Virtual
- Rutgers University '23
The DIAL Fellowship program was a breath of fresh air during the incredibly unprecedented life circumstances of 2020. It was amazing to have a space where I felt comfortable with every facet of my identity. The support that I felt from AFTA, MetroArts, NJSCA, and through my cohort and guest speakers/panelists was genuine and non-performative. Everyone I interacted with in the program shared a passion for the arts across any and all disciplines, and a true goal of making the industry more equitable.
2019 Supervisor:
Olivia Pohl
Olivia Pohl, 2019 Supervisor - New York City
Executive Coordinator, The Bronx Museum of the Arts
“I have been working in the executive office at The Bronx Museum of the Arts for the past 2 years. I do mostly administrative work, but having a DIAL intern gives me the chance to do something more creative. I am currently doing a lot of the marketing for the Museum and my intern Carlos has been instrumental with helping out, especially with the social media aspect....I definitely believe the DIAL internship has an impact on equity. I think it teaches supervisors on how to be more equitable and inclusive in their work environments. It empowers the interns to speak up when they see challenges with equity and inclusion in the workplace. It encourages open conversation and understanding. Every little bit counts.”
2019 Supervisor:
Kelsa Trom
Kelsa Trom, 2019 Supervisor - New York City
Head of Programs, NEW INC
"My intern and I have been in lock step. She has fully immersed herself in strategic initiatives and taken ownership of projects that were otherwise ownerless. I have given her autonomy, freedom to experiment and creative direction where applicable - all while showing her through day to day tasks how the operations of an arts nonprofit complement the longer term projects. One of the most rewarding experiences of being a supervisor is watching my intern run with ideas and introduce concepts, designs and materials that we will continue to lean on for many months."
2019 Intern:
Andrea Lewis
Andrea Lewis, 2019 Intern - New York City
Free Arts NYC - Lewis & Clark College '21
“I’ve always been interested in art, but throughout my upbringing I’ve always focused on science and sports. It wasn’t until college that I took an art history class. I took it because I needed an elective and that pretty much changed the whole direction of where I wanted to go [with my studies and career].
I’m specifically interested in museum work and what can be created in that space...Makes the museum a political, economic, and socially creative sanctuary.
This summer, I wanted to leave California, I wanted to leave Oregon where I go to school. I just happened to look through this textbook and I scrolled through tiny letters, and there I found DIAL. And I applied! I really wanted to push myself to go to New York, to be out of my comfort zone and just excite myself in a new way...I thought that the mission of DIAL, the fact that it not only enriches us with an internship but also with a mentorship and a cohort, it just felt like a really safe space for me to grow but also to push myself and meet people that are equally as driven as I am.”
2020 Mentor:
Kimberleigh Costanzo
Kimberleigh Costanzo, 2020 Mentor - Virtual
Grants Manager, Howard Gilman Foundation
Participating as a DIAL mentor was, in many ways, the defining experience of my otherwise very odd summer! Having a weekly call with (my mentee), every week on Monday, meant that I was starting my week off grounded, reminded of what it's like to enter this field for the first time, unsure of a lot but also brimming with radical ideas about how to change it. Every week I got to be in conversation with the future of the dance field-- it was inspiring and it was humbling! It also meant a great deal to me personally to begin to own the knowledge and experience that I have in this field. There's a real balance between owning your knowledge and experience and losing humility/shifting into a more top-down mentorship structure, which I knew I wanted to avoid. But working with (my mentee) helped me realize that accepting the knowledge and experience I have isn't about my own pride-- it's about an offering. Saying I am a mentor isn't about what I HAVE, but what I can SHARE. And that lesson will stay with me, personally and professionally, for a long time.
2019 Mentor:
Daniel Hoffman-Zinnel
Daniel Hoffman-Zinnel, 2019 Mentor - Des Moines
Executive Director, One Iowa
"I am passionate about diversity, equity, and inclusion. I also believe in creating a pipeline to leadership for underrepresented/marginalized community members and think this program helps with that. I think the interns are bringing a diverse set of eyes to the organizations in our community. This lens the DIAL interns bring is new to many of the organizations, so I think it has started the necessary conversations for intentional growth to occur... I think the most rewarding part has been my ability to provide stability to the intern [I am mentoring]. They are navigating spaces that aren't always ready or inclusive of non-binary individuals. I can tell they feel safe with me and can lean on me when necessary."
2020 Fellow:
Theresa-Xuan Bui
Theresa-Xuan Bui, 2020 Fellow - Virtual
- Maryland Institute College of Art '22
DIAL renewed, transformed, and affirmed my affinity for the arts. I had stepped in expecting to equip myself with the skills necessary to navigate the art institutions, and instead, I gained the freedom of perspective. Hearing from a multitude of experienced voices, I learned how one should fully bring their best selves their work until they find a blossoming relationship. Values, beliefs, communication styles, and all! One does not need to be in complete servitude to their career/organization or exhaust their life to 'navigating the system.' We need to ask for better and DIAL shared a glimpse of that future.
2020 Fellow:
Neaco Fox
Neaco Fox, 2020 Fellow - Virtual
- Arizona State University '20
Going into this fellowship amidst a global pandemic, I really didn't know what to expect. As we navigated the 10 weeks, I was amazed by all the things we learned and accomplished. It was an enriching experience and I felt supported by the staff and other fellows. DIAL gave me an outlet from the craziness of a global pandemic, the ability to make meaningful connections with new people, and learn skills that I will take into my future endeavors. Participating in DIAL was definitely the highlight of my Summer!
2019 Intern:
Norma Stobbe
Norma Stobbe, 2019 Intern - Des Moines
Des Moines Performing Arts - Brandeis University '20
"I felt for a long time that I did not belong in the arts because although mild, my body doesn't always move in the most conventional way on stage...I have mild cerebral palsy and am really interested in incorporating disability and art. For a long time, I felt awkward and like I had to hide that to fit in with the norm. This is something I actively challenge now.
I run a theater organization at my school, so it's helpful to understand how much work actually goes into the behind the scenes planning of theaters. I'm motivated because I want to make the arts more equitable, but I do not feel this is possible unless it starts in arts businesses."
2020 Intern:
Rebekah Boggs
Rebekah Boggs, 2020 Intern - Virtual
NEW INC - University of Virginia '20
The DIAL program has made a significant impact on my professional development and given me clarity in my artistic career path. I feel much more equipped to enter the job force and articulate my personal and professional goals. That being said, it has made an even larger impact on my mental health during a global pandemic and has brought to light a community of POC artists, business professionals, technologists, designers, playmakers, organizers... (you name it!) for which my exposure to is truly valuable.
2019 Intern:
Maria Elena Garcia
Maria Elena Garcia, 2019 Intern - Des Moines
CultureALL - Southewestern University '21
"This internship is teaching me valuable communication skills within the workplace and with people of different backgrounds. I want to be a business leader in the arts and to know how to communicate with anyone will be an important skill to have in my future career.
My favorite part is having such an amazing relationship with the other interns in the cohort. We have developed a support system with each other. I think it is important to have a close community within the cohort, especially since we are all new to Des Moines, Iowa...even though we have a lot of fun together, I am learning about different perspectives and ideas from them about art, diversity, and inclusivity. I know they will be friends for life. It's not only important to have a support system in the workplace, but also with the cohort because they are the people I see at the end of the day.
The DIAL experience is unique to me because it is giving me many opportunities to see how arts management works in a non-profit through my organization and also to see what other arts management jobs do by connecting with others in the community, as well as doing our site visits. This experience has been good because I am able to be independent in my work while also having that support system if I am stuck or have questions and curiosities."
2019 Intern:
Alyanna Ridimann
Alyanna Ridimann, 2019 Intern - Des Moines
World Food Prize - University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill '19
“I appreciate that this is a place I never would have considered interning before in my life…and in the context of the DIAL experience, I think that [discomfort has] really built a community group/support system that I appreciate. I was interested in this program because my interests in social justice and artistic practice seemed to align diagonally with the practicality of arts administration.I'm an artist interested in socially engaged/conscious, intentional, accessible, and generative practices…I just graduated with a B.A. in Women's and Gender Studies. My internship just before this program pertained to community organizing in the arts scene surrounding my university/hometown. I think that DIAL was a kind of natural ‘next step’ into understanding exactly how I want to be involved in the arts, both as an artist and as a professional.
I think one of the most electrifying things about being a part of the DIAL program has been existing in a place hundreds of miles away from my home. I appreciate the independence, self-advocacy, and encouragement to speak my truth that this program has demanded of me…”
2019 Supervisor:
Jessica Cepeda
Jessica Cepeda, 2019 Supervisor - New York City
Manager of Membership and Special Events, The Moth
"I've worked eight years in the nonprofit sector and the previous three years in the arts. I think that the work that DIAL is doing is so important to bringing more diversity into the arts world, where it's greatly needed. The Moth has participated in this program for several years now, and we've always been so blown away by the quality and scope of the work that our DIAL interns are able to accomplish and we are thrilled to be able to host a new intern for another summer.
The connections DIAL interns make will make a huge difference in getting them started in the arts world, which as we know is an immensely competitive field and employment all too often depends on knowing the right people. DIAL interns leave this program having had a crash course in arts administration and with a better sense of what the arts world looks like. Hopefully that will make them much more likely to stay in the field, and if they choose to, it will make it much easier for them to do so."
2019 Supervisor:
Matt Sieren
Matt Sieren, 2019 Supervisor - Des Moines
Digital/IT Manager, Iowa Public Radio
“I had a very impactful intern experience with a performing arts center in college, which has shaped who I am today. I've always had interest in theatre and performing arts. In college, I spent a lot of my time supporting the college theatre program as well as working in the performing arts center attached to the university. I ultimately worked all jobs from back of house to front of house, capping the experience with a year-long arts administration internship. I'm in a position where I felt ready to provide a similar high-impact experience for another individual, and this opportunity fit with the organization's current strategic objectives well. I can see real growth in our intern, Jennifer...from business understanding, confidence, to how she will approach her next steps in college and beyond…I'm very proud of all she's accomplished and absorbed in such a short amount of time.”
2019 Supervisor:
Julie Hench
Julie Hench, 2019 Supervisor - New Jersey
Executive Director, American Repertory Ballet and Princeton Ballet School
"The DIAL internship is providing talented young professionals an unparalleled network and support system, while host organizations are given the opportunity to nurture their development and cultivate potential new long-term team members. I was inspired by the program's thoughtful approach to facilitating partnerships...this program also seems like it is a win-win for everyone involved, as it provides opportunity for both interns and host organizations to grow while diving into mission-driven projects and research.
The opening ceremony was a really wonderful opportunity to interact with all the participants. Not only did we meet our intern and her business mentor for the first time, but we were able to connect with other host organizations and their interns, learning about different projects planned and how all of us will continue to intersect throughout the summer, and hopefully beyond!"
2019 Intern:
Leila Kashani Sabet
Leila Kashani Sabet, 2019 Intern - Des Moines
Hoyt Sherman Place - Brown University '21
“The fellow interns have been one of the strongest parts of my experience thus far. The group is so incredibly diverse in all senses: race, gender, class, sexuality, educational background, geographic origin and ability. The amalgamation of all those identifiers coming together to this program creates a powerful dynamic between all of us. I have learned as much from them as they have from me. We have learned to support each other and challenge each other to become our best selves inside our workplaces. Adapting to the midwest is not an easy challenge and my fellow interns and I have all fully supported each other with the transition.
I tried to address diversity and equity issues within my organization. I was incredibly frustrated and initially discouraged to continue the program. However, after reflection and support from the interns and the program coordinator, I started to learn more about navigating the workplace as a woman of color. I am starting to learn how to invoke change in subtle ways and encourage my other colleagues to question their own social status and privilege.
It has always felt like my business mentor was my biggest cheerleader. She has been so supportive since the very beginning, even though we have only known each other for a few weeks... I am so lucky to have a mentor that is so supportive and ready to help me tackle any issue I face in the workplace. She has also taught me a lot about navigating the professional workplace as a woman of color: how to follow your morals and push for diversity and equity while also garnering respect from your white colleagues.”
2020 Supervisor:
Juan Ramirez
Juan Ramirez, 2020 Supervisor - Virtual
Human Resources and Administration Manager, MoMA PS1
DIAL provides a learning experience for both hosts and fellows. The program provides such a great structure - with the AFTA staff supporting hosts, mentors, and fellows alike - ensuring success. I would recommend the program for anyone who wants to have an enriching experience that not only expands your professional horizons, but allows for growth as a person as well.