Stephanie Small*
Executive Director, Free Arts of Arizona
Her Story
Having participated in National Arts Strategies
(NAS) programs since 2002, Stephanie Small says
that NAS "has completely changed the way we do
everything."
As executive director of Free Arts of Arizona, a
relatively "young" non-profit, Ms. Small says they
have always had a strategic focus, but were only looking
at the short term. After working one-on-one with an
NAS consultant and attending numerous seminars along
with her team, Ms. Small says their long-term strategic
view is changing the way they plan for future growth.
"NAS has been a catalyst that has brought the organization
a much more strategic focus on organizational growth
and sustainability."
For example, she describes an "aha" moment the team
had while attending the NAS Strategy
seminar and discussing competitive advantage. After
coming to the conclusion that the Free Arts' staff
was their main differentiator, the NAS instructor
suggested reviewing their budget to ensure it was
in line with this realization. As a result, they've
been able to maintain a strong staff and to continue
to invest in their people, which contributes to the
success of their mission.
Ms. Small's success in putting the NAS principles
to work also can be attributed to attending seminars
with a team of staff and board. "I have made it a
priority that as many staff should attend as possible,"
said Ms. Small. "For the cost, to get such high level
teaching not available anywhere else, it's worth it."
In addition, Ms. Small has participated in the two-week
EPNL-Arts program that inspired her to pursue an MBA.
"That program made me feel, for the first time in
my career, like a corporate CEO," said Ms. Small.
"Spending quality time with other arts leaders from
around the world with a focus on nonprofit management
and being taught by the highest quality instructors
was amazing. They did not dumb it down for us."
"When I go to an NAS program, I know it will be unbelievably
challenging and thought-provoking," said Ms. Small.
"They've spoiled me so much that now, every other
workshop I go to now, pales in comparison."
Background
Free Arts of Arizona is a nonprofit organization
whose mission is to spark the creative spirit
of abused, homeless and at-risk children and their
families to inspire and transform their lives
through the power of artistic expression.
Since 1993, Free Arts of Arizona has touched the
lives of more than 40,000 young people, helping them
build self-esteem, improve social skills, renew trust
and learn to express emotions in a positive way through
the healing effects of the creative arts. Art Heals,
Every Child Matters and Mentoring Works are its three
core values and are carefully incorporated into each
of the four continuous programs.
