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Katiana Arnold: Multicultural Leadership Program
DES MOINES PERFORMING ARTS BUILDS BRIDGES FOR STUDENTS TO EXCEL
By: Katiana Arnold
The Multicultural Leadership Program offered by Des Moines Performing Arts gave me an opportunity to experience what it is like to work in arts management. This space was also created for students to experience exclusive leadership opportunities. The entire program shadowed the Civic Center engagement of the Broadway Musical Ain’t Too Proud. We learned how each department played a part in making the show come to life.
Participants in front of “Ain’t Too Proud” tour truck
Each day there were activities allotted for us to increase our leadership skills. We learned our leadership styles first by taking an assessment. We then used our results to understand how we can lead and collaborate with others effectively.
“I was able to learn and appreciate my leadership style”
- Katiana
In another workshop, we received advice about improving our interview styles, resumes, and cover letters with human resources. We also had an Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion workshop where we learned what we value in life and how the Des Moines Performing Art’s mission aligns with those values. I found through these workshops it is possible to excel in a role with DMPA. Every day we also got to meet with an industry professional.
Participants photographed with Robert Warren, CEO of Hoyt Sherman
Participants photographed with Des Moines Performing Arts’s COO Laura Sweet and CEO Jeff Chelesvig.
Participants photographed with Shay Steel and Director of Development of the Des Moines Art Center Tiffany Spinner
Each day we met with industry professionals internally and externally to increase our professional network. I was very excited about this because I am always looking for opportunities to grow my network. At DMPA we met with all executive administrators, department directors, and managers. We learned about their positions and what they do in relation to presenting performances. Some days we took field trips and met with leaders at other organizations in Des Moines such as Kemin, Food Bank of Iowa, Hoyt Sherman, and the Des Moines Art Center.
Me in the Civic Center Stage
Through the Multicultural Student Leadership Program, I was presented with opportunities to grow. The two biggest things I took away from this program related to developing professional networking skills and understanding my career goals. I would recommend this program to any college student regardless of major or interest