I Didn't Choose Mission-Driven Work. It Chose Me.

I was asked once why I decided to work in nonprofit arts and mission-driven organizations.

The truth is, when I started working in this field, I did not know I was signing up for mission-driven work. I just wanted to be near artists, creativity, and innovation. I also knew that I wanted to use my skills to help artists share their art with others.

I didn't start my career thinking I wanted to work in the nonprofit sector. It just happened that some of the best music, dance, and theatre being created and presented in Los Angeles was happening at nonprofit arts organizations.

I thought, I'll work in entertainment in some way... or I'll work for NASA.

True story. One of my dream jobs was to do PR for NASA. I applied for an internship and, well... I think it was probably for the best that I didn't get it.

One of my earliest career triumphs was writing a National Science Foundation grant application for visual artist Lita Albuquerque. It was a small project, but it was one of my first major writing assignments explaining a complex artistic work. The greatest gift was that she received the grant. While I was incredibly proud of myself, I was even happier knowing that I had helped this amazing artist secure funding to share her work with the world.

In most cases, that's all I get out of my work.

Gratitude.

I write the words in the press releases that encourage journalists to feature artists and executive directors. I lead graphic design and branding initiatives, develop advertising campaigns, and shape the stories that sell tickets, inspire donors, and help push art, education, social change, and cultural good out into the world.

Gratitude.

Not the money. Nonprofit work isn't known for high salaries, but I like to think my soul is stacking up karma points. I hope I am helping create a better world for my nieces and nephews. I hope the ads I place, the emails I write, and the stories I tell are all part of something bigger, more beautiful, and more important.

For the greater good.

Is that cheesy?

Oh well...

I do love cheese.