Archana Nagraj
As Executive Director at Destiny Arts Center in Oakland, California, I am ultimately responsible for the organization, which means everything from working closely with the board, fundraising, ensuring our programs are all mission-aligned, strategic planning, working with our finance team, creating our next year's organizational budget, and prospecting. I often feel like my job is to create the foundation so that all of our incredible staff and teaching artists are really able to thrive. I'm always focused on assets rather than deficits - we do not talk about or believe in this deficit-minded perspective that some nonprofits can fall into. I see these young people of all different ages co-teaching in classes, sitting at the front desk and welcoming folks in, and that is power, that is leadership. I think young people should run this organization one day. It's important to me that my staff feels supported and are able to work here for a long time, that if somebody wants to have a child or buy a house or anything, that they have the resources to do that, whether that's monetary resources or connections. I never want anyone to have to apologize for working at a nonprofit. I want my staff to feel powerful, because when they feel powerful, then the young people feel powerful.
• NA
• Masters (doesn't want to share the year)
• NA
What do you attribute your success to?
Her parents as they are a very close family and how she was raised, Incredible community around her and the support from family and community
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Be authentic, lean into your own power, honor your own voice
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Find what you are truly passionate about, talk to people, make connections, go see what people are doing, see the space and where the energy is. Focus on all the power that is there and go see it and experience that, focus on assets that is power, that is leadership
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
How people see non profits (there can be a devaluing of the arts), searching for funding
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Authenticity (values meeting people where they are at and have deep conversation and connection). Passion ( whoever it is, dive into it, true caring for what you do), warmth and Love ( caring deeply) openness of community