Photo Credit: © ECoSistema
The Program Director & Manager Forum is an action-oriented, working group focused on sharing best programmatic tactics, strategies, and practices within the field. These sessions are aimed at Program Directors, Program Managers, Site Directors, but may be useful and applicable to other program decision makers and Teaching Artists.
As Program Directors & Managers, your position within an organization is unique in that you interface with many stakeholders within the program, whether that be students, families, teaching artists, and executive staff. Some of you may also deal with community partners, donors, and boards.
These sessions are intended to create a network of Program Directors and share out best practices collectively. Sessions will be a hybrid of some panel discussions and group discussions.
Paloma Ramos
Firebird Fellowship Manager, Academy for Impact through Music
Facilitated by Paloma Ramos
Paloma Ramos is an accomplished Arts Administrator who specializes in the design and management of music education programs with a social justice framework. For over a decade she worked at Harmony Project, a Los Angeles-based nonprofit providing free instruments and music lessons to youth in under-resourced communities. As Chief Program Officer, she led its growth from 800 to over 3500 students in partnership with several school districts and community organizations. She is currently the Firebird Fellowship Manager at Academy for Impact through Music, an International fellowship program for Teaching Artists working in educational programs for social impact.
Paloma has been playing the violin since she was 3 years old, starting with the Suzuki method. She studied Cultural Anthropology and Latin American Studies as an undergraduate at Northwestern University.
Upcoming Forums
Program Director & Manager Forum: Supporting Teaching Artists
Join us for an insightful session on effectively supporting teaching artists. Despite our best efforts, teaching artists often don't receive the recognition they deserve. Many experience burnout and leave their positions in search of better benefits and support systems. While comprehensive healthcare may not be feasible for many programs, there are other ways to create a fulfilling and sustainable environment for teaching artists. Engage with fellow administrators, share ideas, and explore innovative solutions to empower teaching artists. Learn how focusing on the teaching artist experience can lead to lasting benefits for your students and community. Understand the importance of robust support systems for teaching artists' growth and sustainability, ensuring they thrive both personally and professionally. This session will provide you with the insights and strategies needed to create a supportive and enriching workplace for teaching artists. Don’t miss this opportunity to make a significant impact and elevate the success of your teaching artists!
Program Director & Manager Forum: Meaningful Practices for Community + Parent Engagement
Join us for a valuable session on enhancing community and parent involvement in your programs. Strengthening these relationships is key to creating a supportive and enriching environment for students. This session will explore effective strategies for engaging parents and community members, fostering a collaborative spirit that benefits everyone involved. Engage with fellow administrators, share successful approaches, and discover innovative methods to build strong connections with families and the community. Learn how active involvement from parents and community members can lead to improved student outcomes and a more vibrant, supportive program. This session will provide you with the insights and tools needed to cultivate meaningful partnerships that enhance the educational experience for all. Don’t miss this opportunity to deepen your community ties and drive the success of your program through active parent and community engagement!
