A Decrease font size. A Reset font size. A Increase font size. This month we spoke with California Humanities board member Neha Balram , Program Analyst in the Cultural Affairs Division at the City of Oakland, about her dual roles with our organization, the concept of belonging as part of urban development, and bringing up baby with a variety of cultural experiences. You bring a unique perspective to the California Humanities board, having been an employee for almost five years. How has your experience of being inside the organization informed your efforts as a board member and public humanities ambassador?
I started working at California Humanities in in an entry-level position. So, when I was nominated to join the board and stay connected, I was absolutely thrilled. It has also been a valuable building block in my professional development.
While on staff, I learned a lot, changed titles a couple times, and expanded my responsibilities. I worked on our federal and state advocacy efforts, started a rotating exhibit series, and provided administrative support to the board, among other things. I loved, lived, and breathed the public humanities.
I can tell you all about the fabulous work our nonprofit cultural leaders across the state are doing and the positive impact they have on communities both big and small, seen and unseen, familiar and unfamiliar.
I understand the hurdles small nonprofits overcome to get the job done, how racial and cultural diversity are celebrated through the public humanities, and the power of bringing people together to experience our unique similarities and differences.
