I’m thrilled to announce my new role as the Director of Exhibitions and Public Programs at Temple Contemporary within the Tyler School of Art and Architecture at Temple University. Starting this late November 2024, I’ll have the privilege of leading exhibitions and programs that bring art, community, and possibility to the forefront.
A Vision Rooted in Home, Cultural Heritage and Joy
Two years ago, during my 10-year reunion at Stanford, I had the honor of moderating a panel with some of our most accomplished alumni. Playfully, I asked them to think about the next decade: What era did they feel they were entering into, and if they could pick a song, what Beyoncé track would represent it?
For me, the song was “Energy.” I shared that, while my first 10 years out of college had been dedicated to doing things that felt necessary, the next decade would be about manifesting joy and pursuing what feels deeply fulfilling and energizing. I wanted to move from duty to delight, from “must-do” to “want-to-do.”
It took two years, but I am profoundly grateful to God for bringing me this opportunity at Temple Contemporary within an institution in my adopted hometown. This curatorial and scholarly role feels like a divinely inspired chance to bring those dreams into focus and infuse my work with joy and purpose.
Building Spaces that Sparkle with Stories of Creativity: North Philadelphia Style
At Temple Contemporary, I envision a space where we unearth the “diamonds in our backyard” and amplify North Philly’s heritage and creativity as its own kind of cultural destination. My interdisciplinary background—spanning geography, urban planning, architectural history, and cultural studies—has always fueled my belief in the value of unrecognized stories and spaces. In this role, I’ll be focusing on exhibitions and public programs that are deeply rooted in heritage, imagination, and community.
I’m also honored to join the faculty at Tyler as a lecturer in the Planning and Development Program and Art History’s Arts Management track. This will allow me to build on my expertise in placemaking and work with the next generation of genius artists, designers, and urban planners who are shaping the future of art and culture.
