Meet Glenda Masters
I am currently the cultural arts administrator for a suburban municipality in the Kansas City area. I landed that dream job by accumulating over 17 years of experience in working for arts and cultural organizations and developing leadership expertise in fundraising, program evaluation, community engagement, audience development, and strategic planning.
It all started with the decision to major in Music Industry from James Madison University in Virginia (Go Dukes!). I have worked for small community arts organizations, professional organizations and government arts agencies. My background in both nonprofit and government arts programming in communities across the country means that I bring a unique perspective and understanding for how we can advance the field of arts administration and creative entrepreneurship.
As a classically trained violinist, I am fueled everyday by the vision that a strong arts sector, led by informed and confident leaders, can create a beautiful and compassionate world for everyone. I believe that when we elevate ourselves, we help elevate others. I also believe that the arts are the means to the end for communities wanting to create strong neighborhoods, thriving schools, healthy communities and wellbeing and economic development. I’m committed to helping arts administrators and creative entrepreneurs develop the tools and strategies that will help them reach their goals.
What began as a love of studying the violin and music at a young age and the thrill of learning to play in an orchestra has evolved into a rewarding career of creativity balanced with an unexpected love for analytics, technical writing and systems thinking. I’ve always been able to leverage my power of creativity, paired with a bit of analytics, to help organizations achieve success in accomplishing their missions.
Some fun things about me.
I was an entrepreneur at 16 when I spent one summer teaching elementary and middle school kids violin during summer break.
I graduated from The Governor’s School for the Arts in Norfolk, Virginia. It’s an amazing fine and performing arts high school for students in southeastern Virginia who are gifted in the arts.
At 24 I made the BIG decision to move from Virginia to Denver, Colorado on my own because I wanted to experience someplace new. It’s one of the best examples of where I chose courage over fear. This was my “right of passage” into adulthood because I literally drove myself across the country over four days with only $2,000 to my name. I didn’t even have enough money to rent a U-haul. The only things that I could take with me was what I could pack into my 1996 Ford Escort. Most of that space was taken up by my 70lb black lab, Daisy!
I spent 12 years in Denver where I met some amazing people. I’ve never climbed a 14er (a 14,000+ft mountain) but I’ve driven up quite a few!
But at heart, I’m a beach girl. Give me sun, sand and the sound of ocean waves any day.
My husband, son and I currently live in the Kansas City area. (On the Missouri side. I’ve learned it’s really important to clarify that part.)
