Home Away From Home

The performing arts have always been part of my story. Some of my earliest experiences with the arts came about when I was a student in Miami-Dade County Public Schools, where I experienced firsthand how the arts can open one's world, help them find their voice and introduce them to possibilities they may not have imagined for themselves.

Years later, that belief led me to the Adrienne Arsht Center. What began as an internship eight years ago became a career, and the Arsht became my home away from home.

With my work, I get to witness students' first time walking into a theater, local artists being given a platform to share their work, families enjoying an afternoon of free programming together and young people discovering that there may be a future for them in the arts. I also get to see what happens behind the scenes: the people, partnerships and generosity it takes to bring those moments to life. 

Philanthropic support allows the Arsht to use the arts as a vehicle to address some of our community’s most pressing challenges—from supporting student learning and well-being to inspiring conversations about the environment and creating pathways to meaningful careers. It’s one of the many reasons I believe so deeply in the work I get to do every day. A gift to the Arsht helps us use the arts to educate, connect and strengthen our community, ensuring that meaningful arts experiences are available to everyone.

This Give Miami Day, I’m raising money in honor of the many people who make the Arsht feel like home: our artists and teaching artists, students, audiences, volunteers, colleagues (both past and present) and supporters who have helped shape the person and professional I am today.

Your support helps bring the performing arts to people with disabilities, champion local artists, reach students and communities across Miami and create opportunities for the next generation of creative leaders and changemakers.

I know what it means to have the arts shape others' paths because they helped shape mine, and I hope you’ll join me in ensuring the Arsht remains a place where Miami can experience the arts, discover something new and feel at home for generations to come.