My job involves strategic planning, staffing and staff supervision, working with shareholders and the board, overseeing day to day operations, building curriculum (and occasionally instructing it), dealing with media/PR opportunities, overseeing marketing and sales strategies, overseeing financial operations/planning for growth.

EDUCATION | I have a BA in Sociology and Spanish from the University of Oregon, 32 units (most) of an MA in Communications/Broadcast Journalism from the University of Miami, and a Bilingual Teaching Credential from San Diego State University. I also recently did an Authentic Leadership Certification from Naropa University in Boulder,Colorado. As scattered as my education seems, it has all helped me in my career today. Somehow, I was able to piece it all together in a way that works for me

HOW TO GET STARTED | Talk to others who are doing something similar. Don't be afraid to connect - collaboration wins over competition any day. Learn everything you can, but also DO - without the action you won't get there. Trust it will work - fear will not help you build what you want. Seek out resources - there are many organizations and individuals out there to help social entrepreneurs.

MUST HAVE TRAITS | Perseverance, a desire to build something big, an ability to shut out possible negativity around you, an ability to build relationships and draw in people to help you, a mind that tends to look at the bigger picture, but then can also go back and focus on minute details, a mix of left and right brained abilities.

how I got started | I spent 15 years in social services and education, but learned my business sense/skills on my own. I started by having the motivation and perseverance to know that I could build something big.

why this job?| I believe in the power of the arts, and am driven forward by what I know my organization can create for people - the tools we'll be able to give to people and what we'll ultimately be able to build in society. I see the change in society that can be brought about by individuals, and it makes me want to access every individual possible to spark as much change as we can. Plus, I have so much FUN doing what I do - it constantly feels like play!

why I love this job!| Because I get to play all the time! And because as I grow, the job constantly grows with me. There's always room to build something greater, and I get to decide how to move forward.

my typical day| This very much depends upon the day. It could be anything from planning a board meeting, to teaching a workshop. Since we're still working on building our flagship center I still deal a lot with investors and "selling" myself. But because I'm so passionate about my company, even that I enjoy.

what they are | Breaking barriers in the business world. I was born to break barriers, but it's not always easy. Dealing with doubts from others and criticism isn't fun, but it's something every social entrepreneur has to deal with. The beauty is, though, that as social entrepreneurs, we also gain far more support than the average entrepreneur as well. The doubt and criticism is also counteracted by more offers of support than most can imagine.

all about growth | I see multiple ways in which it can grow -- really, the possibilities are never ending. Getting to build your own company allows you to dream as big as possible (and then you just have to find realistic ways to match those dreams). I ultimately see my company with a few different operating branches of business.

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