Christine A. Walsvick

I attribute my success to a combination of hard work, self‑discipline, and a genuine love of learning. Life itself is a learning experience, and I try to approach each season with curiosity and humility. Reading good books has shaped my thinking, expanded my perspective, and kept me grounded when the work gets demanding. I also push myself to keep improving and honor the opportunities I’ve been given. Inspiration matters, too; surrounding yourself with good ideas, people, and stories can change the entire trajectory of your career. For young women entering this field, I want them to know that success is about showing up, staying disciplined, and continuing to grow.

The best career advice I’ve ever received is that small steps will take you farther than grand gestures. In nonprofit work—and in life—progress is rarely dramatic. It’s the steady, consistent movement that builds real momentum. Encouragement from mentors has always mattered, too, because sometimes a single kind word is enough to keep you going. And of course, the classics still hold true: network whenever you can, stay truthful, and surround yourself with quality people. For young women starting out, practice courage and taking the next small step, and trust that it counts.

My advice to young women entering the museum and nonprofit field is to lean into the connections, interests, and passions you already have—and use them to advance your mission. This industry is full of possibility, especially for women, because so much of the work depends on collaboration, curiosity, and the ability to build relationships across communities. There is real room for young people to carve out their place. Start where you are and say yes to learning. This field needs your voice, your perspective, and your willingness to step into the work with both courage and heart.

One of the biggest challenges in the museum and nonprofit world today is sustaining growth with limited resources. Small organizations like ours often operate with tiny teams who juggle preservation, programming, fundraising, and property maintenance all at once. Yet within that challenge lies a powerful opportunity: collaboration. Museums are uniquely positioned to partner with schools, libraries, tribal communities, local businesses, and other nonprofits to share expertise, expand impact, and bring new voices into the work. For young women entering this field, I want them to know that you don’t need a large staff or a perfect budget to make meaningful change. What you need is persistence, creativity, and the courage to build partnerships that strengthen your community. The constraints are real, but so is the possibility.

The values that guide my work and my personal life include perseverance, creativity, integrity, and responsibility. I believe deeply in living a values‑congruent life—one where your choices reflect what matters most to you. In my leadership, that means doing the right thing even when no one is watching, giving credit where it’s due, and fostering cohesion within teams so people feel safe to contribute their best ideas.