Building Bridges
by Deborah Boersma,
AEC Project ManagerWhy would the AEC make an investment in a staff member to participate in a leadership training program? What possibilities are embedded in building bridges beyond nonprofit arts to benefit the arts education community?
Understanding that many of AEC’s initiatives hinge on the breadth and depth of the relationships we have, this past October I embarked on my own professional development journey. I took the advice of a friend and, with the support of my boss, applied to the Leadership Development Initiative (LDI) out of Leadership Pittsburgh Inc, a leadership training program that works to network emerging leaders from for-profit, nonprofit, and government sectors to strengthen the human capital of the wider Pittsburgh community.
Not unlike others I know, I never would have even mentioned applying to the program if it had not been for the encouragement 
October 2009 LDI Weekend Retreat of my friend. I’m not sure what was holding me back – maybe the uncertainties about if it was right for me, if I could “sell” the idea to the rest of the staff, whether I had anything to offer the broader community from my arts background and experience. After receiving enthusiastic support at work, and from friends and family, I decided to apply. In early August I received my acceptance letter and I was committed.
The year began with a weekend retreat out at a YMCA camp. I was launched into two days of team building activities and sessions on personality type and references to a mysterious community impact project with people I had known for less than 24 hours. As nervous as I was at the prospect, the weekend was an energizing experience. I was filled with ideas about goal setting, self management, and other concepts I was constantly questioning – how can I apply this at work? How can I share this with people I know?
That was in October. Now, with only three class sessions remaining, I am a part of an awesome team of 52 individuals working together on our community impact project. As one of the representatives on the Steering Committee for our logistics team, I am constantly being stretched as we prepare for Pop Up Pittsburgh! Up on the HIlltop on May 15, 2010. As I’ve been coordinating with marketing, programming, and community engagement teams to make this concept a reality, in the end, I know it will be worth it. Not because of what this experience is doing for me, but what this experience is doing for the community – highlighting the assets of the Hilltop and recognizing it as a great place to live and do business.
While there is still work to be done, I realize that beyond our event I have been building bridges during this process. These bridges are connecting me to new individuals, resources, and information that will serve as a new filter for programming at the AEC, while simultaneously strengthening bonds with current colleagues. Bar far, this is the most valuable aspect of the experience. If anything, I encourage you to find ways to stimulate your own professional growth in what may at first seem unlikely ways. It’s refreshing to come back to work with a new perspective, new ideas, and new relationships that will ultimately benefit students.
