205 Connecting the Community by Bringing the World to Washington D.C. with President and CEO of Washington Performing Arts, Jenny Bilfield | Greater Washington DC DMV Changemaker
In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with Jenny Bilfield. Jenny Bilfield is the President and CEO of Washington Performing Arts (WPA), one of the U.S.'s preeminent multi-disciplinary arts presenters. WPA was the first organization of its kind to receive the coveted National Medal of Arts conferred by President Obama at the White House. In the conversation, Jenny Bilfield shares the origin of her passion for the arts and how her career progressions eventually led her to take on her current role, leading Washington Performing Arts. Jenny Bilfield shared the challenges the organization had to face because of the pandemic and how WPA was able to pivot quickly, resulting in a more significant connection with artists and the community. Finally, Jenny Bilfield shared advice on growing as a leader.
Some Highlights:
-Jenny Bilfield on her childhood love for the arts
-A young composer looking to make a difference
-Jenny Bilfield on pushing back against assumptions of what women could do
-The impact of 9/11, the loss of a father, and the birth of a child
-Washington Performing Arts founding in 1966 bringing inclusive experiences in the arts to both concert hall audiences as well as school children
-Why it's essential to lead with a single narrative
-Jenny Bilfield on leading through involving people
-Becoming better as a result of setbacks and challenges
-Jenny Bilfield on the importance of finding the right mentors
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