Influential Woman · Nonprofit Arts and Cultural Preservation
Anna (Brackney) Cruz
Founder and Artistic Director, Vancouver Ballet Folklorico
Vancouver, WA
Her Story
About Anna
As the artistic director and founder of Vancouver Ballet Folklorico, I manage all aspects of our nonprofit organization while also working a regular 40-hour job. My typical day involves purchasing and editing music, working on programs for performances, supporting the purchasing of dance costumes, and serving as director for the overall production with 7 dance instructors and 40 dancers. I also do grant writing, which takes a lot of time but has been essential since we became a 501c3 nonprofit 3 years ago. This status opened endless possibilities for funding from Washington state, local organizations, and other sources. My greatest professional achievement so far has been having local organizations embrace what I'm doing for the community and for children and youth in preserving and promoting the Latin culture through dance and cultural installations. I'm super happy that now the City of Vancouver has seen what we do, and they partner with us for events and art installations. It's a lot of work, but it's very rewarding. I practice with my dancers at the Arts Center, a nonprofit that provides home for different arts including dance, theater, music, and sculpture. They've opened their doors for us to practice there twice a week at an affordable rate.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Anna
01What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Never give up. Trust, connect with the arts organizations that are currently in my community, and just continue to reach out. I'm super happy that now the City of Vancouver has seen what we do, and now they partner for events and art installations. It's a lot of work, but it's very rewarding.
02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Become a nonprofit with a 501c3 status as soon as possible. Find people that can help you with that process. It took me 10 years to learn about nonprofits, and the sooner you learn about it and become a nonprofit, you have access to funding and opportunities. That's especially important if you're going nonprofit, but if you're more like a dance academy private with lots of money being charged to families, then you don't have to worry about it. But my mission is to support priority communities that don't have resources or face financial challenges. Many of those families have difficulties with legal documentation, so they cannot go back to their countries of origin. Preserving the traditions is vital for them and their children, and I make it in a way that is just a little donation for them to join, and we provide dance costumes and opportunities free. We do photoshoot sessions and many opportunities, so the kids grow and are healthy members of our community.
03What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
I think mine is clear communication with my board, with my family, with the parents and the dancers, like what is expected, so communicating and following through with plans. Integrity, of course, because you cannot have a nonprofit that is successful if you don't have integrity, like honesty and integrity. Humility - you cannot just go around presumptuously, you need to be humble and thankful with organizations that are being supportive of our mission.
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