Babe #26: Daniella Cabezas, Development & Membership Coordinator @ YoungAtArt
When I received Daniella’s BWH nomination from our mutual friend, Blue, I knew I was in for a treat. Aside from the fact that Blue is a trustworthy source with a heart for good people, and aside from the fact that Daniella hustles at a 501c nonprofit that helps bring art to children in need, I was pretty much hooked after the first line of Blue's nomination. I’ll let it speak for itself: “Daniella is full of sass and has an impeccable fashion sense. She loves art, tacos and donuts, and works her tail off.”
So excited to have you here, Daniella!
The Basics:
Hometown: Born in Queens, NY, but I grew up in South Florida.
Current city: Coral Springs, FL
Alma mater: The University of Tampa
Degree: B.A. with a Concentration in Art Therapy
Hustle: Development & Membership Coordinator at @ Young At Art Museum
The Interests:
Babe you admire and why:
Kim Kardashian - *insert eye rolls.* She's a prime example of our society's double standard against women. Men can be viewed as successful businessmen when they use women’s sexuality to their benefit, but when a woman takes ownership of their own sexuality, it diminishes her accomplishments. The shallow topics that so many of us know her by are irrelevant when compared with her hustle. She's an ethnic woman who challenged America's standard of beauty and took ownership of a taboo situation, all while using her business sense to build a successful brand.
How do you spend your free time?
Surrounded by friends and family. I'm always either on the phone catching up with long-distance friends, Facetiming with my 18 month old niece, having car karaoke jam sessions and random adventures with my SoFl girls, or eating tacos... lots of tacos.
Must-have item in your purse?
Hot sauce. Jk, I’m not Beyonce.
Three things we can always find in your fridge:
I eat out way too much for there ever to be three things in my fridge.
Do you have any community involvement?
I am involved in many community initiatives through working at a 501(c)3 non-profit. Everything I do for the museum is in an effort to provide inspiring, interactive experiences where art is central to shaping minds and enriching our community. These initiatives provide art to underprivileged children, families and seniors whose opportunities to engage with art are limited by geography, ethnicity, economics or disability.
The Hustle:
Tell us about your hustle:
I am the Development and Membership Coordinator at a 501 (c) 3 non-profit art museum, Young At Art. I take pride in planning and executing four major annual fundraising events along with member programing, cultivating partners and donors, and working towards contributing to complete three large budgets that are essential to the museum. I'm currently fully focused on the first fundraising event of our season: the 11th Annual Recycled Fashion Show. I get to collaborate with creative team members, an enthusiastic event committee, and passionate event chairs in an effort to make this year’s event the biggest to date.
What is the most important lesson your job has taught you so far?
To be grateful for every experience. It’s very easy to view things in a negative light, or to refuse to do something because “it's not your job.” I’ve learned that it is my job to do whatever is best for the institution. Every circumstance is an opportunity for growth.
What is it like being a woman in your industry?
The CEO/Executive Director along with senior staff and all but two managers at the museum are females. I enjoy the work dynamic this has created and do believe that it would take a very strong man to be surrounded by the very strong women I work with. Even in a mostly female environment, I think gender stereotypes, along with ageism, are a real thing. Sometimes I can't help but wonder - if I were a man, would my focused and quiet behavior, direct approach or resting face still come off as being so blunt or b*tchy? Or would it simply be perceived as confident?
Favorite part about your job?
My office environment. Having a work family helps make each day more enjoyable. We all have very different personalities, but respect each other for the strengths we bring to the table. Being able to feel comfortable with each other and have informal brainstorm sessions when you need to talk ideas out is a huge plus for me and enhances the work I produce.
Hardest part about your job?
Working at a non-profit we all wear a lot of hats. At times it can be stressful knowing that there are so many things that need attention and completion and feeling like there aren’t enough hours in the day or staff members to help with the work load.
Who is your biggest inspiration?
My parents were both immigrants and together, created a life for our family that was unprecedented for them. My father did not graduate high school until he was twenty-one years old. It was with my mother’s encouragement that he did so and speaks to his determination that he continued his education and became a successful Cardiothoracic Physician Assistant. He is the epitome of hard work - a quality I have always admired.
What motivates you every day?
Remembering the “why?" - As an Art Therapy major, I learned how art can change and enrich someone’s life. It wasn’t only in academic journals or case studies, but I saw it firsthand in my internships. Where I work isn’t just a job. I also enjoyed the museum as child and participated in art showcases as a teen - it’s where I sold my first painting. Those experiences were so influential in shaping my life, and paired with the knowledge I acquired in college, I strongly believe that every child should have those same opportunities. It gives me a sense of purpose to know that my job and the success of the events I plan provide that opportunity to my community; to fill the voids of educational, emotional and behavioral support.
Career advice for other women?
Regardless of gender and no matter the task, take pride in your work and strive to do your best. It not only speaks of your character, but could open doors when you least expect it.
Advice for your future daughters?
Surround yourself with people who uplift you. Know your value and do not let others put a label on you, shame you, or make you feel small. Having true friends in your corner to remind you of the badass you really are makes a world of difference.
Contact Daniella!
[e]: dcabezas@youngatartmuseum.org
[ig]: daniellamarie9
