As I step away from my responsibilities with Audiences Unlimited, I find myself reflecting on a journey that has been nothing short of extraordinary. Officially, my last day as Executive Director was December 31, 2024, and while I have continued as an advisor throughout a transitional phase, I am ready and excited for what’s next—for both the organization and myself.

A Journey Rooted in Passion

Becoming the first paid, full-time executive director of Audiences Unlimited truly felt like the culmination of everything I love—the arts, people, and community. I had, of course, known AUI’s founder, Lilian Embick, for years before taking on this role. But stepping into her shoes gave me an even greater appreciation for her vision. She was nothing short of a powerhouse of passion and dedication, and that made her trust in me and the board to carry her vision forward even more remarkable.

We wasted no time diving into the future of Audiences Unlimited, kicking things off with a retreat to dream big and think boldly about our mission and impact. At that time, our focus was on serving long-term care facilities, but we quickly realized our potential to do even more. Through that retreat, we developed a mission statement that resonated deeply with me—one that highlighted the transformative power of the arts to bring people together.

Armed with new focus—to create cultural experiences that enrich the lives of people with limited access to the arts—we expanded our partnerships, collaborating with organizations such as Life Adult Day Academy, the Fort Wayne Dance Collective, and the Fort Wayne Youtheatre. I am so thankful for the unwavering support of our board, artists, and community. Without their support, we could never have extended our reach in this way.

Embracing Change and Innovation

One of the pivotal moments in my journey was realizing that our work was not just about programming—it was about breaking pre-conceived notions of who participates in the arts and how they engage. We pushed for greater inclusivity before it became a trend because we knew that access to the arts is vital to quality of life.

We saw firsthand how art enhances memory, social interaction, and well-being. Whether through our Inclusion Mural, which brought awareness to our community, or partnerships that fostered new connections, we remained committed to making the arts accessible to all.

Then came COVID—a challenge that forced us to rethink everything. While the pandemic disrupted in-person programming, it also pushed us to get creative. We explored new ways to bring the arts into people’s lives, demonstrating that even when we couldn’t physically gather, the arts could still unite us. By reimagining performance spaces, we found ways to keep people connected and engaged.

Gratitude and Looking Forward

As I transition out of this role, my heart is full of gratitude. I am thankful for the artists, board members, staff, funders, and community partners who have made this journey so meaningful. Each interaction, no matter how small, played a role in shaping Audiences Unlimited into what it is today. I give enormous credit to the board for their leadership and unwavering belief in our mission. Their willingness to embrace new ideas and approaches ensured that we remained relevant, impactful, and forward-thinking.

Lilian’s love for this organization laid a strong foundation, and we’ve built upon it in ways she might never have imagined. The future of Audiences Unlimited is bright, and I am excited to see how it continues to evolve and expand its impact.

What’s Next?

While my time with Audiences Unlimited has come to a close, my passion for the arts and community remains strong. I’ll be working on new projects, including performing chamber music in a Sigma Alpha Iota recital to raise money for youth music scholarships. And I’m currently consulting with the Indiana Arts Commission to develop a new resource guide on how to engage with local artists to provide cultural experiences for communities throughout the state. Of course, I’ll be spending some well-earned time at the beach—with a new knee and a sun hat!

Thank you to everyone who has been part of this incredible journey. Your support, dedication, and belief in the power of the arts have made all the difference. Here’s to the next chapter—for both Audiences Unlimited and myself!