Rachel Timlin

I attribute my success to the incredible people who have been part of my journey. I have been fortunate to work with an amazing team throughout the years, and their dedication, creativity, and commitment to the community have been a driving force behind everything we have accomplished. I am especially grateful for the opportunity to work alongside people like Jessica Guzman, whose passion, creativity, and dedication have made such a positive impact on the Cultural Arts Division. She represents the kind of talent and commitment that will continue to move this Division forward, and I truly believe she will help carry the baton and build on the strong foundation that has been created.

I am also grateful for the mentorship of Nancy Coumoundouros, who founded the Cultural Arts Division and gave me the opportunity to learn, grow, and eventually continue the work she started.

I know that success takes persistence. Many of the programs and initiatives I’m proudest of came from years of hard work, problem-solving, and not giving up when challenges arose. I believe in the importance of staying committed to the vision, adapting along the way, and continuing to find ways to make the arts accessible and meaningful for the community.

I’ve received a lot of great advice throughout my career, but there is one simple phrase that continues to come back to me again and again: “Do the thing, say the thing.” I first heard this from Odell Mays through the Michigan Council for the Arts Rising Leaders program, and it has stayed with me ever since.

To me, it means having the courage to step forward and take action when something needs to be done, and having the confidence to speak up when something needs to be said. It’s a reminder not to overthink or hold back, but to be willing to take initiative, advocate for what matters, and lead with purpose.

My advice to a woman entering this field would be simple: trust yourself, don’t be afraid to step forward, and “do the thing, say the thing.” Throughout my career, I’ve learned that some of the biggest opportunities come when you are willing to take initiative, even when you don’t have every answer, and to speak up for ideas you believe in.

Build relationships, seek out mentors, and surround yourself with people who challenge and support you. I’ve been fortunate to have incredible mentors and teams throughout my career, and I’ve learned that leadership is never something you do alone.

Most importantly, stay persistent. There will be challenges, setbacks, and moments when the path forward isn’t clear, but if you believe in the work and the impact it can have on your community, keep going. Trust the experience you’ve gained, continue learning, and remember that your voice and perspective have value.

One of the biggest challenges facing the arts field right now is the growing gap between community demand and available resources. We are seeing increased participation, growing enrollment, and waitlists for programs, which clearly demonstrates that people value and want access to arts experiences. At the same time, many organizations and municipal arts programs are navigating funding challenges and difficult budget decisions.

While this presents a significant challenge, it also creates an important opportunity to continue telling the story of why the arts matter. The arts are not just entertainment; they are a way to build community, support youth development, create connections, and enhance the quality of life for residents. Our challenge is to continue demonstrating the impact of the arts and ensuring that decision-makers and communities understand the essential role they play in creating vibrant, healthy communities.

Authenticity and doing meaningful things with the time we have; the work I do feels like a mission and life calling rather than just a job.