Influential Woman · Art and Culture

Esther Mallouh

Art Consultant|Curator, University of California, College of the Law

Oakland, CA

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Certifications · Degrees · Memberships

Degree Degree in Business Degree Pittsburgh Degree Pennsylvania Degree 1978 Degree Degree in Psychology

Her Story

About Esther

I have been working in the art field since 1990. Ever since I was a child, I've always wanted to do something with the arts, and it just happened. I started my career as a curator in Istanbul, Turkey, and my first exhibition ever was for an American artist at the Topkapi Palace, which used to be the residence of the sultans. I started with a big bang, and then it continued. As an art curator, I come up with my own concepts and ideas, and then I make them happen, whether it is for exhibitions that I put together or for exhibitions that I put together for my clients. The challenges I face are very different depending on the project I'm working on. Sometimes they have to do with processes, or sometimes they have to do with people, or sometimes they have to do with time. It really depends on the project.

Her Interview

Ten minutes with Esther

01What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?

I guess, just to be patient and put myself in the shoes of other people. That's all.

02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?

I will say never take no for an answer. When you want to do something new, something that you really love, and you feel that this is the way you want to work and do things in the future, sometimes people get scared. They're not very confident in themselves, they can give up very quickly and very easily. I always say, look, nothing comes easy, and you just have to persist.

03What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?

First of all, I respect people for who they are. I'm honest, straightforward. If I say I'm gonna do something, I do it.

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