VALERY FIGUEROA: MULTICULTURAL LEADERSHIP PROGRAM

Multicultural Leadership Program

Hey! I'm Valery Figueroa, originally from Caracas, Venezuela. Five and a half years ago, I moved to Des Moines, Iowa. Now, I'm studying Music Business at Truman State University. Des Moines Performing Arts gave me an amazing opportunity to learn and grow through this great program. I'm excited to share my highlights and daily experiences from the program with you.

Today marked my very first day at DMPA, and I have to admit, I was feeling a bit jittery at the start. Stepping into a new environment always comes with a mix of excitement and nerves. However, any nerves I had quickly melted away as I was greeted by the warm and welcoming atmosphere. It was reassuring to be surrounded by such friendly people, which instantly made me feel at home. Just as we were about to dive into the day's activities at the civic center, the unexpected blare of tornado alarms started. I couldn't help but hope that it wouldn't put a hold on our plans. Despite the unpredictable weather, the day turned out to be quite an adventure. We had the opportunity to meet numerous individuals, both from the DMPA team and the wider community. One standout figure was Nola, a true leader in our community. Listening to her stories was incredibly enlightening and offered valuable insights into the world around us. I found her wisdom to be incredibly impactful and took away many lessons from our conversation. Undoubtedly, the highlight of the day was the guided tour of the civic center. Janet, director of production and building services, led us through the building, sharing stories of the building along the way. It was truly fascinating to learn about the rich history and significance behind each corner of the center. Unfortunately, our day had to be cut short due to the persistent weather complications. Nevertheless, I can confidently say that my first day at DMPA was a success. Despite the unexpected weather, it was a fantastic learning experience filled with memorable encounters and valuable insights.

Day two started out great, I got to the civic center and met everyone in the conference room to have coffee and chat. Right after we met with Bill, the HR director. He gave us a glimpse into his daily responsibilities and the vital role he plays in the company. It was fascinating to see all the work that goes on behind the scenes. Next, we had the opportunity to sit down with the finance team and delve into the world of nonprofit finances. Learning about budgeting and financial strategies was not only interesting but also eye-opening. It made me appreciate the importance of financial management in the nonprofit sector. Our last meeting of the day was with Kennedy, the director of ticketing. She shared with us the ins and outs of her department and how they ensure everything runs smoothly, from ticket sales to event logistics. It was truly inspiring to hear about her experiences and the challenges she faces. Each conversation today helped me gain a better understanding of the industry and where my interests lie. Hearing the advice and insights from these professionals was invaluable and has sparked my curiosity even more. To top off the day, we attended the Assistant Manager orientation for the Iowa High School Musical Theatre Awards (IHSMTA). Seeing the detailed schedules and agendas laid out for the event was impressive. It made me realize the immense amount of work that goes into organizing such an event. Today has been filled with learning, inspiration, and a deeper appreciation for the industry.

Today was my third day at DMPA, and it was filled with excitement! We kicked off the morning with a beautiful walk to a nearby bakery, where we met Ardis, the DMPA Board Vice Chair. Sipping on delicious coffee and treats, Ardis shared invaluable advice with us. Her words left me feeling incredibly motivated and empowered. After our insightful meeting with Ardis, we headed over to Nationwide to meet Lisa Gobber, a Senior Vice President and DMPA Board Member. Exploring the vast Nationwide facility was fascinating, and chatting with Lisa and her colleagues provided deep insights into their company's mission and values. It was a fantastic opportunity to learn firsthand from industry professionals. Later in the day, we had the pleasure of meeting with Emily and Alex, the dynamic duo behind DMPA's development team. They offered us a glimpse into the intricate process of fundraising for a non-profit organization. It became evident just how crucial their efforts, along with the support of generous donors, are for sustaining DMPA's initiatives. Our day concluded with a meeting with Laura Sweet, Vice President and Chief of Operation at DMPA. Laura's passion for her role was palpable as she shared her experiences and encouraged us to seek out our own passions, echoing the concept of "Ikigai" that she so kindly explained. Her insights left a lasting impression on me, sparking a renewed sense of purpose and direction. To wrap up our day on a high note, Laura treated us to a tour of the Civic Center, unveiling hidden gems and showcasing fascinating aspects that we hadn't yet discovered. Reflecting on today's experiences, I am filled with gratitude for the enriching opportunities that DMPA continues to provide. Each encounter and interaction has contributed to my growth and understanding, fueling my enthusiasm and drive to make a meaningful impact.

Today was a significant day as we reached the midway point of our program. As I walked into the civic center this morning, I couldn't help but feel a mix of emotions. On one hand, there was a sense of sadness knowing that we're already halfway through this incredible experience. But on the other hand, I felt incredibly grateful for all the knowledge and growth I've experienced so far, and excited about what lies ahead. Our day started with a workshop on resumes and interviews, which turned out to be really valuable. It was great to get some practical tips and feedback on how to improve our professional skills. After that, we had the opportunity to visit the Business Publications Corporation. Meeting Suzanna de Baca, the president and CEO, was truly inspiring. Hearing about their company's mission and getting a glimpse into their day-to-day operations was eye-opening. Later in the day, Bri, Getsy and I attended CelebrAsian, which was an amazing experience. We had the chance to chat with one of the event's founders, San, and learn about the history and cultural significance of the festival. And of course, we couldn't resist trying out some of the delicious food and participating in the fun activities. As I reflect on the day's events, I feel incredibly fortunate to have had these opportunities. The connections I've made and the lessons I've learned have already had a profound impact on me, and I can't wait to see what the second half of our journey has in store.

Coming back to the civic center after the three-day weekend filled me with excitement. I couldn't wait to dive back into our program and see what new adventures awaited us. The day kicked off with a DISC Profile and Leadership Workshop led by Ann Wright. It was amazing to learn about our different leadership styles, strengths, and weaknesses. Understanding how to collaborate better with others who have different styles was invaluable. Our next stop was Kemin, where we had some fascinating conversations about their work. Touring their facility was a highlight, especially since it was unlike any we had seen before. Then came the highlight of the day - meeting Jeff Chelesvig, the President and CEO of DMPA. Hearing his story and insights into the entertainment industry, particularly Broadway, was beyond inspiring. Getting to ask questions and receive advice from someone with such vast experience was an incredible opportunity that I'll always cherish. Following our meeting with Jeff, we had the chance to speak with the Communications, Digiex, and Marketing departments at DMPA. Learning about their roles and what they love about their work was really cool. Hearing firsthand about their projects and the impact they have was both inspiring and informative. Overall, it was an amazing day filled with learning, inspiration, and opportunities for growth.

Today was a day full of discovery and inspiration, offering me a closer look at the world I hope to join one day. We kicked off with a chat with Brooke and Julie, who shared stories about planning events and supporting artists. Hearing about their work got me thinking about my own future in these fields. After our chat, Jeff, Laura, Getsy, and I treated ourselves to a tasty lunch at the Embassy Club. It was a nice break and gave us a chance to catch up. We had amazing food, views, and dessert. Next, we went on a tour of the Temple Theatre with Dani as our guide. We learned a lot about its history and admired its impressive architecture. To cap off the day, we watched a tech rehearsal at the civic center. It was amazing to see the performers getting ready for their show, and it reminded me of the passion and dedication it takes to succeed in the arts. Looking back on today, I feel grateful for the experiences and insights gained. They've strengthened my resolve to pursue my dreams in the world of events and the arts.

Today was a bit different from our usual routine, but it turned out to be one of the best days yet. I met up with Laura, Bri, Robert, and Getsy at A Dong, this really cool restaurant we all love. Over lunch, Robert shared his journey that eventually led him to work at Hoyt Sherman. Hearing about his experiences and all the history behind Hoyt Sherman and Des Moines got me super interested. I couldn't wait to dive into more research as soon as we left. After our delicious meal, we had the awesome opportunity to tour the Hoyt Sherman building. Let me tell you, it's absolutely stunning! Our tour guides knew everything about the place and showed us around the theater, art gallery, mansion, and more. I'm definitely planning on catching a show at that beautiful theater soon. Once we wrapped up the tour, we headed back to DMPA to work on our journaling project and a few other things. Then, I had some free time before the big show. I was so excited when it was finally time to head back to the Civic Center and watch the performance. And let me tell you, it blew me away! The energy and talent of all the high school students on stage were incredible. You could feel the joy radiating from them. Knowing all the hard work that went into it over the past two weeks made me appreciate it even more. All in all, today was truly the best. It's days like these that make me grateful for all the amazing experiences and opportunities we get during our time here.

Today was the final day of our program. I felt a mix of sadness and happiness, grateful for the incredible opportunity. We began our day at the library, where we met Sue Woody, the Executive Director at Des Moines Public Library. Meeting her was truly inspiring; she is so passionate about her work and is making a significant impact on the community. After our meeting, Christina, Jacob, Bri, Getsy, and I went to lunch at Panka, which I absolutely love. The food was fantastic. Once we finished eating, we returned to DMPA. Getsy and I wrapped up a few final tasks, and then it was time for our MLSP graduation. We received our certificates and had the chance to say our final goodbyes. Reflecting on the past two weeks, it’s incredible to realize how much we accomplished in such a short time. I am deeply grateful for this opportunity and for the amazing people I’ve met along the way. Thank you, Des Moines Performing Arts, for this unforgettable experience. I will cherish it forever.