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In continuation of our SCFD Staff in the Spotlight series, this month's feature is Deputy Director, Jessica Kato! Jessica has been on staff since 2011 and holds a master's degree in Nonprofit Management. Here are a few things you may not know about her, in her words:
The best part of Jessica's job:
"Internally, I love the team I get to work with every day at SCFD. I’m truly fortunate to work with a hardworking, passionate group of people who believe arts, culture and science are an intrinsic part of a healthy community. Externally, it is hard to describe the feeling of sitting in a school matinee performance with elementary school students that are experiencing dance, theatre or music for possibly the first time and feeling the sense of wonder and joy that permeates the room. Knowing that SCFD helps make those moments possible fills me with a great sense of pride and a great sense of responsibility."
A recent, memorable experience with arts, culture, or science:
"I recently saw a production of the musical 'Ride the Cyclone' at Vintage Theatre in Aurora. The cast was stellar, with beautiful voices and it was so refreshing to experience a show so rarely staged. I had only listened to the cast recording before, so seeing this humorous, edgy, and sometimes surreal piece of theatre was a true delight! On a more personal note, my oldest daughter had her first role in her fourth grade play this spring and I was a proud mama bear watching her shine from the audience."
Jessica's current favorite book:
"I love the book trilogy Discovery of Witches. It blends fantasy and mystery with history and relevant social issues. Bonus, it’s also a British tv series currently available on Netflix!"
If SCFD had an office talent show, Jessica would wow everyone with:
"My encyclopedic knowledge of the TV show FRIENDS. I’ve easily watched the entire series a dozen times. Could I BE anymore obsessed?"
A fun fact:
"When I first moved to Denver, I was an actress and singer in the region. I had the privilege to grace the stages of some of the theatres in the metro area, including Town Hall Art Center, Arvada Center, Evergreen Players, and Firehouse Theater. Some of my favorite experiences were roles in productions of Little Shop of Horrors, Music from a Sparkling Planet, Jesus Christ Super Star, Assassins, A Streetcar Named Desire, and The Secret Garden. I still have a deep affinity for musical theatre, and I have been known to shamelessly respond to a question in the office with a musical theatre lyric.
Jessica's connection to Culture For All:
"I’m a mother of two beautiful young girls who get to take music lessons, learn about dinosaurs, and have access to world class productions and exhibits, all of which enrich their lives and teach them compassion. That access is partially thanks to the residents of the metro area who have supported public funding for that access through the SCFD time and time again. Access to arts and culture should be possible for everyone as they help lift the human spirit and teach the human condition. I’m very proud to live in a community that agrees."
Want to learn even more about Jessica? Read her bio here.
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