Name: La Mar Brown Job title: Operations Manager Organization: Chicago Dancemakers Forum Time in current role: 1 year, following a promotion College/School: Columbia College Chicago, Master of Arts Management (MAM) | University of North Texas, Bachelor of Arts (BA) Area of study/expertise: Arts Management | Dance and Vocal Performance, Marketing, & Management What do you like most about working in the nonprofit sector? I like being a part of increasing the awareness, connectivity, and value of art to people, especially dance. Additional information you would like to highlight: I work part-time for the Ruth Page Center for the Arts, as Project Coordinator. I am also an active dancer and performer. What drew you to the Leadership Institute? Honestly, a major factor was the opportunity to be paired with a direct mentor. I also really like the approach to skills training and the dynamic of working with a cohort. What do you hope to accomplish in your time in the YNPN LI Cohort? I hope to overcome self-doubts in my leadership abilities and develop skills to support sustained practice. I also hope to make connections with my cohort, especially outside of my specific sector. What do you like most about YNPN? I like the commitment to and active demonstration of helping young leaders build professional connectivity and find opportunity for growth. I was glad to learn of varied kinds of networking activities. What are your hopes for our industry? I hope to see more organizations demonstrate their commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in informed ways. I hope that employees will feel valued in their work, valued in their ability, and experience positive results from that value. What do you like to do in your spare time? I like to cook and eat. I tend to share pictures of dishes I make with close friends and family. I also like to read. I am pretty into high fantasy. If you haven’t read the Broken Earth trilogy by N.K. Jemisin, I highly recommend it. Tell us an interesting fact about yours: I am a military child (Army). I have lived in Germany. I started a wine group with a few friends in undergraduate school, and we are still active to this day. We sometimes talk about starting a vineyard.