About two-thirds, or 389 species, of birds native to North America are at risk of extinction due to the effects of the climate crisis. Rising global temperatures are predicted to force adaption or migration to new territories, two consequences of human-caused change that imperil avian survival. Some of the most threatened species include the dunlin, short–eared owl, and Baltimore oriole, all of which are featured in this year’s Audubon Photography Awards.

Selected from 2,200 entries, the winners of the 2023 contest spotlight a mix of avian antics. A rock pigeon sweetly grooms a mate, a reddish egret snaps up a tiny fish, and a chinstrap penguin dive into frigid Antarctic waters. While not all species photographed are in immediate danger, the images together showcase birds’ vast diversity and its potential loss amid climate disaster.

The Audubon Photography Awards are now in the fourteenth year, and you can find all of the top entries from 2023, along with previous winners, on its site.

Sandra M. Rothenberg, Baltimore Oriole, Warren, Pennsylvania. Audubon Photography Awards 2023 Female Bird Prize Winner

Nathan Arnold, Reddish Egret, San Carlos Bay-Bunche Beach Preserve, Fort Myers, Florida. Audubon Photography Awards 2023 Amateur Honorable Mention

Linda Scher, Verdin and cane cholla, Sweetwater Wetlands, Tucson, Arizona. Audubon Photography Awards 2023 Plants For Birds Winner

Vicki Santello, tree swallows and bald cypress, Atchafalaya Swamp, Louisiana. Audubon Photography Awards 2023 Plants For Birds Honorable Mention

Karen Blackwood, Chinstrap Penguin, near Esperanza Station in Cierva Cove, Antarctica. Audubon Photography Awards 2023 Amateur Winner

Kieran Barlow, Dunlin, Barnegat Light, New Jersey. Audubon Photography Awards 2023 Youth Winner

Left: Shane Kalyn, Atlantic Puffin, Westman Islands, Iceland. Audubon Photography Awards 2023 Professional Winner. Right: Sunil Gopalan, Brown Pelican, Galapagos National Park, Ecuador. Audubon Photography Awards 2023 Fisher Prize Winner

Liron Gertsman, Northern Hawk Owl, Thompson-Nicola, British Columbia, Canada. Audubon Photography Awards 2023 Professional Honorable Mention

Do stories and artists like this matter to you? Become a Colossal Member today and support independent arts publishing for as little as $5 per month. The article The 2023 Audubon Photography Awards Zeros In on Threats to Avian Life Amid the Climate Emergency appeared first on Colossal.

Picture this. You’ve just hit the “publish” button on your company’s latest blog post. A masterpiece, full of trend analyses, punchy insights and actionable takeaways. Once upon a time, you might have sat back, fingers crossed, hoping your precious piece would somehow tumble into the great wide world of cyberspace. But let’s face it — the “publish and pray” era of content marketing is long gone.

Nowadays, waiting for your content to go viral magically is like waiting for a bus in the middle of a desert. But what if there was a way to increase your content’s reach right out of the gate? Enter stage right: the power of an employee advocacy program.

We’re talking about your team, your most loyal supporters, donning the hat of brand ambassadors and spreading the good word about your company on their personal channels. It’s like a shot of adrenaline straight to the heart of your content’s reach and engagement.

Maybe you’re wondering, “Should I be mixing professional content into my colleagues’ personal social media worlds? Is it fair or even feasible?” Well, let’s dive deep to uncover why an employee advocacy program might be the secret sauce your content marketing strategy needs to truly sizzle.

Decoding employee advocacy

Employee advocacy isn’t just a fancy marketing term. It’s the key to turning your team, your work family, into your brand’s cheerleaders, willingly and enthusiastically waving your company’s banner.

Like customer brand advocates, you can empower your employees to be a conduit for brand messaging, taking company-related content and stories into their personal networks and effectively turning them into genuine brand ambassadors.

Let’s take a step back and consider who your employees really are. They are more than just cubicles in an office or names in an email thread. They are the lifeblood of your company, the bearers of its authentic voice and often its most credible evangelists. 

In the crowded social media landscape, where everyone is vying for attention, your employees’ voices have the power to cut through the noise. Their endorsement of your brand, being deeply personal and sincere, can add a spark to your reputation, boost your visibility and widen your reach like never before.

Dig deeper: 6 tips for optimizing LinkedIn content for B2B marketing

Unlocking the potential of employee advocacy in content marketing

Look at your employees’ personal networks as an untapped reservoir of opportunities. Each Facebook friend, LinkedIn connection or Instagram follower your employees have is a potential audience member for your content. When these connections are pooled together, your content’s reach could multiply exponentially. 

What makes these networks even more powerful is the nature of personal relationships that underpin them. These are not faceless masses but real people who engage more readily because they trust the source of the content. 

In an age where skepticism is the default setting for many internet users, the personal endorsement of employees can lend much-needed authenticity and credibility to your brand. People trust their peers and their friends. When your content is shared by someone they trust, they are more likely to engage with it and more likely to place their trust in your brand.

It’s word-of-mouth marketing, supercharged for the digital age. In a nutshell, that’s the power and potential of employee advocacy in content marketing.

Navigating the hurdles of implementing an employee advocacy program

Some of the most effective marketing strategies are often avoided because they are accompanied by challenges that take time and effort to address. Some of these hurdles include:

Harmonizing personal and professional boundaries

Walking the tightrope between personal and professional spaces is one of the major challenges when introducing an employee advocacy program. Ensuring employees don’t feel pressured to blend their personal social media profiles with professional obligations is a delicate task. It is vital to create an environment of transparency, mutual respect and clarity about the program’s expectations and boundaries.

Educating and inspiring your workforce

Your employees are the linchpin of the advocacy program. For it to work, they need to understand not just the mechanics of it but the spirit behind it.

This involves regular training sessions to familiarize them with the process, along with clear communication about why their involvement matters. Motivation can be infused through the clever use of rewards, recognition, or gamification techniques to create a sense of competition and excitement.

Preserving brand consistency across individual voices

An employee advocacy program unleashes a chorus of individual voices for your brand, but the core brand message must remain clear and consistent amid this symphony.

This can be achieved by providing employees with guidelines, content templates and pre-approved content that ensures the essence of your brand remains undiluted.

Integrating an employee advocacy program into your content marketing strategy: A step-by-step approach

Let’s crack the code on how to weave an employee advocacy program seamlessly into your existing content marketing strategy, one step at a time. 

Step 1: Find the right brand ambassadors within your team

While the entire workforce can be a part of the advocacy program, it’s prudent to focus on those who show a higher degree of engagement, possess a robust social network and align well with your brand values. These individuals are likely to be your brand’s most effective advocates and influencers.

Step 2: Empower your advocates with the right tools and guidance

Once your potential advocates are identified, the next step is to arm them with the resources they need to be effective. This includes clear guidelines on what, when and how to share and the tools that can simplify the sharing process. Many businesses leverage employee advocacy platforms for this purpose, which can help streamline and monitor the process.

Step 3: Assess performance and refine your approach

Finally, as with any marketing strategy, it’s crucial to keep a close eye on the performance of your advocacy program. Monitor metrics like engagement, reach, lead generation, conversions, etc., to understand what’s working and what isn’t. Be ready to adjust your tactics based on these insights, continually refining your approach for maximum effectiveness.

Examples of successful employee advocacy programs

We’ve discussed the concept of employee advocacy, but how does it look in the real world? Here are a few examples of companies that have taken the employee advocacy route and are absolutely nailing it.

Shopify

Shopify is a standout example when it comes to stellar employee advocacy. They’ve mastered the art of tapping into the content-creating potential of their employees, right from the entry-level up to the executive suites.

They’re doing it all — from featuring employees on the company page and showcasing their expertise through employee-penned blogs to re-sharing thought-provoking content from their high-level execs.

And the cherry on top? This approach serves as a win-win. It helps employees boost their personal brands and gain recognition, all while reaping the benefits of being an advocate.

Plus, it’s a content goldmine for Shopify, keeping their content calendar buzzing with fresh, engaging material. 

SparkToro

When it comes to leveraging the power of employee advocacy, SparkToro hits it out of the park. The secret to their success? Their dynamic duo, Rand Fishkin and Amanda Natividad.

Fishkin, a well-known figure in the marketing world, is particularly effective at stirring up engaging conversations around SparkToro on his personal social channels. His charisma and authority in the field pull in high engagement and the trust he’s cultivated among his followers often translates into interest for SparkToro.

And then there’s Natividad, Head of Growth, who regularly shares SparkToro news and insights across her networks. Her posts offer a valuable mix of expert knowledge and personal touch, creating content that is relatable, engaging and always uniquely SparkToro.

The magic in SparkToro’s approach is the authenticity it brings. Fishkin and Natividad’s advocacy efforts feel natural as they intertwine their personal brand with SparkToro’s story.

As they boost their own professional visibility, they’re also continuously stoking the SparkToro flame, proving once again how employee advocacy can be a win-win situation.

Assessing the fit: Is employee advocacy right for your business?

Now that you know why creating an employee advocacy program is effective, setting it up should be simple, right? Let’s be honest; it isn’t a walk in the park.

It comes with its own share of hurdles, from respecting personal-professional boundaries and investing in comprehensive training to maintaining consistency in brand messaging. It’s a balancing act; not every organization may be ready for it.

To gauge if your business is cut out for an employee advocacy program, it’s crucial to ask some hard-hitting questions:

• Is your company culture a fertile ground for advocacy? Is there a sense of engagement and enthusiasm among employees that can be channeled into advocacy?
• Do your employees have robust personal networks that can be leveraged? Remember, the strength of your advocacy program is directly proportional to the reach of your employees’ networks.
• Are you in a position to provide the necessary resources and support for implementing the program effectively?

As marketers, our jobs often involve making strategic decisions that could pivot the business in new directions. Deciding on an employee advocacy program is one such decision that shouldn’t be taken lightly. It’s about more than just sharing company news on personal social feeds — it’s about building a brand together. 

Take your time, weigh the pros and cons and make the decision that’s right for your brand. And remember, every step you take towards better brand engagement is a step in the right direction.

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About the author

Stephanie Trovato is an experienced marketer and content expert in the B2B space with a background in international trade and marketing analytics. A multi-channel storyteller and strategist with over a decade of copywriting and content marketing experience, Stephanie’s expertise spans the marketing, technology, SaaS, eCommerce, and workplace management industries. Her work has been featured on many industry-leading sites, including Oracle, Evernote, HubSpot, Investopedia, and Forbes, as well as dozens of business websites. She earned her BS in International Trade & Marketing at FIT in NYC and lives in NY.

Semiconductors are essential components in all electronics, powering everything from the chips in our smartphones to medical devices. The United States is a leader in the global semiconductor manufacturing and design market, which is expected to become a trillion-dollar industry by 2030. 

The University of Minnesota’s Technological Leadership Institute (TLI) recently launched the Minnesota Semiconductor Manufacturing Consortium, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at teaching new skills to Minnesota’s technical workforce for careers in semiconductor manufacturing. 

With the generous support of stakeholders including Honeywell, Collins Aerospace, Polar Semiconductor, and the Minnesota Nano Center, as well as a significant contribution from the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED), this consortium will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the semiconductor industry in the region.

“The launch of the Minnesota Semiconductor Manufacturing Consortium represents a huge step forward  in our ongoing efforts to drive technological innovation and economic growth in Minnesota,” said Travis Thul, operations director at the Technological Leadership Institute. “We are grateful for the support of our corporate partners and DEED, and we look forward to empowering individuals with the skills they need to thrive in the semiconductor industry.”

Under the leadership of TLI, the Minnesota Semiconductor Manufacturing Consortium will develop and implement asynchronous training programs covering essential areas such as microfabrication process flow, lithography, etching and other cutting-edge techniques. These comprehensive training modules will equip individuals with the skills and knowledge required for high-paying positions within the semiconductor sector. 

Leveraging state-of-the-art facilities and resources, consortium partners will also provide students with invaluable hands-on experience through laboratory components hosted by the Minnesota Nano Center.

“The demand for semiconductor job opportunities in Minnesota is of paramount importance, as they contribute to significant advancements on a global scale,” Vanessa Jimenez-Shapiro, director of marketing, defense and space for Honeywell Aerospace. “Honeywell’s Radiation Hardened Microelectronics has already achieved remarkable milestones, journeying to Mars with the rover and surpassing Jupiter. However, the most extraordinary and demanding missions still lie ahead, requiring the expertise of exceptionally skilled technicians to accomplish them.”

In addition to its immediate impact on workforce development, the consortium is poised to foster further collaborations with regional semiconductor firms and capitalize on opportunities presented by the Biden administration’s economic plan to revitalize the U.S. semiconductor industry. The CHIPS and Science Act provides access to billions of dollars for semiconductor technology hubs which will support thousands of high-skill job opportunities within the region.

About the Technological Leadership Institute
Founded in 1987 with major support from the Honeywell corporation, TLI was created as a bridge between academia and industry, training tech professionals for high-level leadership roles. The Institute offers three graduate programs as well as numerous short courses and certificates. For more information, visit the Institute’s website.

About the Minnesota Nano Center
The Minnesota Nano Center, is a state-of-the-art facility for interdisciplinary research in nanoscience and applied nanotechnology. Located on the campus of the University of Minnesota, the MNC’s mission is to support the fabrication, synthesis, and characterization of nanoscale devices and materials for both academic and industrial users. For more information, visit the MNC website.

Glistening glazes highlight voluptuous lips and cheeky grimaces in ceramics by Tatiana Cardona, who runs the shop Female Alchemy (previously). Based in Miami, the artist draws on a love for vibrant colors with an emphasis on pinks and reds, creating functional sculptures embellished with expressive facial features. Inspired by the feminist movement in the 1960s and 1970s when donning bright red lipstick was used as a form of protest, she focuses on creating lively objects that are as empowering as they are enjoyable.

Cardona regularly collaborates with well-known brands like Adidas and Fenty Beauty, and she tells Colossal that she is excited to begin exploring and experimenting with new themes. She occasionally releases batches of new work on her website, and you can follow updates on Instagram.

Do stories and artists like this matter to you? Become a Colossal Member today and support independent arts publishing for as little as $5 per month. The article Playful Hues and Plump Lips Adorn Tatiana Cardona’s Expressive Ceramic Vessels appeared first on Colossal.

The traditional way of investing has lost its appeal with the younger generation, who have turned their attention to more fashionable and thrill-seeking asset classes. However, experts have warned that while it can be fun to spread your savings into new ideas, the old ways might be best for long-term plans.

Younger investors have found a penchant for alternative investments: asset classes that have been deemed to be more exciting and, at times, more profitable such as art, non-fungible tokens and of course cryptocurrencies. This has been spurred on by better access to new ideas, but more worryingly, sharper marketing from those selling these often unregulated investments.

Recent research from the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) only emphasised this point, with young investors 18 per cent more likely to take investment tips from celebrities than they were dating advice. The FCA said it was also concerned at how younger investors were approaching markets. Only 2 per cent had a timeframe of more than five years when investing and 14 per cent had no timeframe at all. Less than a third had any specific long-term goal in mind.

It is not as if the concept of investing is not of interest to ‘Generation Z’, defined as those born in the mid-to-late 1990s. Four in five 16-25 year olds said they invest a portion of their income, according to a survey conducted by the Royal Mint last year. This compares with four in 10 Baby Boomers, those born between 1946 and 1964, according to separate research conducted by Hargreaves Lansdown. However while investing is more embedded, what they can afford to buy, and where they put their cash, is very different.

So why have young investors turned their backs on the stock market? Social media has played a huge part. According to the Royal Mint, 23 per cent of ‘Gen Z’ are followers of financial influencers, or ‘finfluencers’, on social media. This has meant many young investors have adopted a ‘get rich quick mentality’, which the stock market is not always good at doing.

Benno Guenther, financial risk management lecturer at the University of Cape Town, said young investors had been promised they would “get rich very quickly without having any knowledge or any money”. “I think people can be quite susceptible to it,” he added. The Royal Mint survey found that two in five Gen Z investors admitted to having a ‘get rich quick’ mentality where they expect to double, or even triple, their savings in a short space of time. 

The drawbacks of following advice on social media is that the risk of losing money is high. Almost two thirds (64 per cent) of young people have lost out by adopting this mentality, the Royal Mint found. So while youngsters are often promised high returns, they tend to lose more than they gain. 

The FCA issued a joint warning with the Advertising Standards Agency on finfluencers over the risks of promoting ‘get rich quick’ schemes. Tom Selby, head of retirement policy at AJ Bell, says: “One of the big challenges facing UK regulators is that, when it comes to social media, finfluencers are often unregulated individuals pushing unregulated products in a world which is incredibly hard to track and monitor. In the worst-case scenario, finfluencers could encourage followers to invest in scam schemes and end up losing everything.”

Crypto madness

In the past few years, cryptocurrency has grasped the minds of young people. Its autonomy and decentralised nature is an appealing factor, especially for those who find themselves disillusioned with the traditional ways of finance and government controlled currencies. However, they tend to be volatile and go through periods of fluctuation. 

Myron Jobson, senior personal finance analyst at Interactive Investor, says: “Our research  found that 45 per cent of young adults aged between 18 and 29 have made crypto their first investment of choice, with an alarming number funding this through a cocktail of credit cards, student loans and other loans.” 

This trend is likely to continue with 21 per cent of 18-24-year-olds intending to buy cryptocurrency in the near future, according to Finder, an investment website. The trouble here is that young investors could fail to make those fast profits that were promised to them by finfluencers as well as full into serious debt. Such major blows could put off young people from investing in the future. 

An investor’s perfect portrait

Investing in art has also become more and more attractive to young investors. Collecting a tangible asset is seen as a way of expressing values and beliefs and a way of supporting the creative community. According to a 2022 Study of Wealthy Americans, of art collectors who have purchased a piece in the past 12 months, 83 per cent were young collectors.

Masterworks, a provider of such services, has benefitted from technology making it easier to invest in niche asset classes such as art. It acquires a piece of artwork, establishes a separate company for it through registration with the Securities and Exchange Commission, and then offers shares to individual investors. The minimum investment required is determined based on someone’s total investment portfolio. 

“If you invest in art or an individual painting, you will go on a very interesting knowledge journey that has benefits both intellectually and culturally,” says Evan Bear, executive vice president at Masterworks. When Masterworks sells the painting, each investor shares the profit or loss

According to DollarSprout, the art market delivers returns of 7.6 per cent to investors. Symbolism is not the only benefit of investing in art. The likes of Masterworks have experts doing their research. But buying art means taking your chances on an illiquid asset which makes it difficult to value and sell.

The value of art is often determined by factors such as the artist’s reputation, demand from buyers and rarity of the piece. Such factors can be unpredictable and subject to changes in the market.

Bahamas Tourist Office Los Angeles to be Launched in Late 2023

NASSAU, Bahamas, June 20, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investments & Aviation (BMOTIA) continued its successful series of Global Sales and Marketing Missions with stops throughout California, 12 – 14 June where more than 300 guests were hosted. These events are meant to reengage tourism partners and boost visitor arrivals from the area.

The Honourable I. Chester Cooper, Bahamas Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Investments & Aviation led a delegation of senior tourism officials, including Director General Latia Duncombe, to participate in a number of events that included meetings with key stakeholders and media from across the tourism industry, as well as culturally inspired evenings at the Four Seasons Hotel Los Angeles Beverly Hills in Los Angeles on 12 June, the Viceroy Santa Monica in Santa Monica on 13 June and The Westin South Coast Plaza in Cosa Mesa on 14 June.

Specifically, 44 national and local media received a taste of The Bahamas at Viceroy Santa Monica which featured Bahamian personalities such as Chef Kevyn Pratt and Mixologist Marv Cunningham. Guests were practically transported to The Bahamas via mouth-watering Bahamian-inspired bites with cocktails, music and an electrifying Junkanoo performance. A live Q+A panel highlighted The Bahamas’ steadily growing tourism numbers, plans for future growth and innovation, the beauty and appeal of its 16 islands and the many reasons why The Bahamas is a sought-after destination.

The delegation also engaged in high-level meetings with leaders and industry partners  from across the California business, cinema, arts and culture, and sports markets, with agencies such as the Los Angeles Mayor’s Office, the Beverly Hills Chamber of Commerce, Beverly Hills Convention & Visitors Bureau, the City of Costa Mesa Mayors Office, the Costa Mesa Chamber of Commerce, Travel Costa Mesa as well as the Sir Sidney Poitier ASU Film School, Amazon Film, Netflix and the Los Angeles Lakers.

In addition, the Deputy Prime Minister made a special live in-studio appearance at KCAL-TV in Los Angeles to further promote JetBlue’s newly announced first-ever nonstop service from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to Nassau’s Lynden Pindling International Airport (LPIA). The inaugural flight launches on 4 Nov. and will make it easier than ever for West Coast travellers to consider visiting The Bahamas for their next vacation.

“We’ve always had a fondness for and a connection with California; and therefore, we wanted to further this relationship and grow tourism in this marketplace,” said DPM Cooper. “We want to use Los Angeles International Airport as a gateway to the Pacific Coast and a gateway to Asia, creating multi destination travel. This is an important prospect for Bahamas tourism.”

The DPM added, “While we are promoting tourism, we have also promoted the development of new industries, as well as, aviation and investments.  We had some very interesting meetings on the development of TV and movie products. Regarding these specific talks, we discussed collaborative ways to encourage new professionals in the sector, training, internship, and scholarship opportunities, all with the goal of advancing the overall film industry for The Bahamas.”

DG Duncombe echoed the significance of the missions and gave further insight on the future of Bahamas tourism in the Golden State.

“The islands of The Bahamas consider California to be a vital market, offering an ideal visitor profile, and we are thrilled by the immense possibilities it holds,” expressed Director General Duncombe.

“In addition, our excitement grows as we anticipate the upcoming launch of a Bahamas Tourist Office in Los Angeles. With a dedicated and enthusiastic team, we aim to actively promote our destination and continuously attract a growing number of visitors to the destination.”

The “Bringing The Bahamas to You” Global Missions will return in late summer and fall 2023 with stops in Atlanta, Georgia and the United Kingdom.

Travellers who book their 2023 Bahamas vacation can expect year-long celebrations, events and festivities as the destination commemorates a golden jubilee milestone of 50 years of independence. Highlights from the upcoming 50^th independence celebrations include the National Family Island Sailing Regatta; the 50^th on Bay Street Festival, an exciting street festival showcasing Bahamian art, cuisine, performances and more; Bahama Rock, a celebration of Bahamian music, and much more. 

For more information, visit www.thebahamas.com.

ABOUT THE BAHAMAS
Explore all the islands have to offer at www.bahamas.com or on Facebook, YouTube or Instagram to see why It’s Better in The Bahamas.

PRESS INQUIRIES
Anita Johnson-Patty
Bahamas Ministry of Tourism & Aviation
[email protected]

Weber Shandwick
Public Relations
[email protected] 

SOURCE The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investments & Aviation

Evoking the supple curves of the human body, an installation by artist Ling-Li Tseng (previously) explores the power of connection and community. Created in collaboration with Serendipity Studio for the 2023 Taipei Lantern Festival, “Gathering Pavilion” is comprised of eight figurative forms that lean together with shoulders touching to establish a space with a flower-shaped opening. Each module is made of laser-cut metal with a baked enamel finish, with lights embedded near the base to shine upward and reflect on the material’s surface.

When on view earlier this year in Four South Village, Xinyi District, Taipei City, viewers “would instinctively walk into the artwork, engaging in a visual dialogue with the humanoid geometry or using the eight modules as frames to catch a glimpse of Taipei 101, the iconic skyscraper,” Tseng told Colossal. “The involvement of viewers completes the artwork, embodying the original intention behind the creation of the ‘Gathering Pavilion.’”

Explore more of Tseng’s organic forms on her site and Instagram.

Do stories and artists like this matter to you? Become a Colossal Member today and support independent arts publishing for as little as $5 per month. The article Eight Humanoid Forms Congregate in a Glowing Gathering Space in Taipei appeared first on Colossal.

This edition shines a light on artists who’ve made their mark in Chicago, as part of our renewed focus on that city’s vibrant theatre culture (and our second focused on the Windy City, if you’re counting). If you would like to recommend a theatre artist (from anywhere) for a future Role Call, fill out our open Google Form here.

Alex Meyer (he/him)

Alex Meyer. (Photo by Sarah West Photography)
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Profession: Theatre administrator and stage manager
Hometown: Port Huron, Mich.
Current home: Chicago
Known for: Meyer serves as the Goodman Theatre’s board relations and individual giving coordinator, facilitating their board meetings, taking care of VIP ticketing, and coordinating donor processing and acknowledgement. He has also stage managed at numerous Chicago companies.
What’s next: As the Goodman gears up for The Who’s Tommy, Meyer is finalizing end-of-fiscal-year processes and preparing for the next fiscal year and 2023-24 board meetings.
What makes him special: Detroit-based playwright Kevin Elliott Chrisney praised Meyer for being an “insatiably kind and gracious artist who is always giving back to their community by volunteering for the Lincoln Square food pantry.”
Fostering relationships: Meyer finds inspiration in working toward making theatre accessible to everyone, including supporting the Goodman’s education and engagement programming, which brings performances to communities that may not typically have a connection to live theatre. “Fostering relationships with our community is a main passion point for me,” Meyer says, “whether it’s the thoughtful acknowledgement of a trustee gift or supporting programs that bring moving stories to Chicago’s parks.”

Arti Ishak (they/them)

Arti Ishak. (Photo courtesy Ian McLaren Photography)
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Profession: Actor, director, writer, educator, and community organizer
Hometown: Detroit
Current home: Chicago
Known for: A communally engaged multi-hyphenate, Ishak develops and co-manages the Chicago Inclusion Project’s foundational Active Anti-Racism training series, teaches with Black Box Acting, and serves as co-founder and central organizer of SWANASA Central, an artist collective dedicated to uplifting Southwest Asian, North African, and South Asian communities. Ishak’s acting credits include Buried Child and Witch at Writers Theatre and The Best Decision You Ever Made at Second City, as well as television appearances on NBC’s Dark Matter and HBO’s Southside. Recently Ishak wrapped up their stage directing debut with the Chicago premiere of Rehana Lew Mirza’s Hatefuck.
What’s next: After closing Hatefuck, Ishak is seeking more companies “interested in bringing complex and authentic Muslim representation to their stage.” In addition to developing new projects, Ishak will present the short film ba la at the Los Angeles Micheaux Film Fest this July and see their original play Closure premiere at San Francisco’s ReOrient Festival later this year.
What makes them special: Adelina Feldman-Schultz, casting associate and facilitator at the Chicago Inclusion Project, called Ishak “one of the most exciting and groundbreaking multidisciplinary artists working today, redefining our understanding of both Muslim and multiethnic identity and representation.” Feldman-Schultz added that Ishak approaches their work with rare care and integrity, prioritizes mentoring young BIPOC artists, and is “tireless in their dedication to developing and uplifting stories by and for MENASA artists, creating a new canon of theatre that reflects the true diversity, and beautifully complex stories of their communities.”
Uplifting multiplicity: Ishak’s work centers around expanding contemporary art that explores the intersection of multiple identities, empowering artists of color, and upending traditional hierarchies. “As an Indonesian, Lebanese, non-binary Muslim American, I’ve often felt the pressure to simplify my existence for the comfort of others, and the loneliness that comes from never getting to see my whole identity reflected in art and media,” Ishak says. “The inability to fit into one neat little box and the realization that I don’t need to is what inspired my interdisciplinary art practice as an actor, writer, director, educator, and community advocate.”

Gabriel Ruiz (he/him)

Gabriel Ruiz.
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Profession: Actor, writer, composer, sound designer
Hometown: Born in Camden, N.J., and raised in Cherry Hill, N.J.
Current home: Hamilton Heights, NYC
Known for: A prolific creative, Ruiz is currently appearing in the role of Alejandro, which he originated, in Broadway’s MJ: The Musical, and has worked extensively with Chicago companies. You may have recently experienced his work as writer and co-sound designer of The Fifth World podcast at Teatro Vista, where he is an ensemble member.
What’s next: Ruiz is currently focused on MJ: The Musical.
What makes him special: Teatro Vista co-artistic directors Wendy Mateo and Lorena Diaz value Ruiz’s commitment to self-evolution during his time working in Chicago theatre. “Ruiz has a thirst for life and a deep need to create,” they add. “Anything. Everything. He’s not just an actor, he’s an artist. We cannot think of one idea that he has pitched in the last two years that couldn’t be a genre bending live performance, a film, or a serial podcast.” 
Upending expectation: Ruiz cites Chicago as a well of inspiration, a place where people create “work for its own sake” and where “goals can shift away from professional climbing and seeking accolades, and toward personal growth and artistic expansion.” As this creative city and the world experience cultural shifts, Ruiz craves radical innovation. “I want to be a part of inviting new voices that blow the dust off of the medium and meet people in this dynamic moment,” Ruiz says. “I’m desperate for new work that upends expectation in form and content. I can forgive a play for angering me, saddening me, taking my sleep—I can rarely thank a play for being ‘nice.’ I like when our work can make a ruckus.”

Gwendolyn Whiteside (she/her)

Gwendolyn Whiteside. (Photo by Johnny Knight)
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Profession: Theatre administrator, actor, director
Hometown: Topeka, Kans.
Current home: Chicago
Known for: Serving as artistic director of American Blues Theater since 2010, Whiteside has overseen 40 productions and begun various community initiatives. As an actor, she has appeared on both stage and screen. Chicagoans may recognize her from her company’s production of Grounded or her performance as Mary Bailey the holiday classic It’s a Wonderful Life: Live in Chicago, which she has directed since 2015. 
What’s next: Whiteside is producing the 2023 Blue Ink Festival, featuring plays by award recipient Kristoffer Diaz and finalists Audrey Cefaly, Victor Lesniewski, and Gloria Majule. She is also excited to continue fundraising for American Blues Theater’s first permanent home, which opens later this year.
What makes her special: Actor, director, and producer Ashley Bishop applauds Whiteside for her humility and dedication to the theatre, calling her “an absolute force of nature.” She adds that Whiteside, “supports those in need, always sends notes of thanks or encouragement, and never asks for anything for herself.” She would, no doubt, be terribly embarrassed that anyone says these things about her.”
Centering the collective: Whiteside’s inspiration and motivation lies with the audience. “I do not mean applause at curtain call,” Whiteside says. “I’m talking about moving people with storytelling.” Living by the maxim “intelligence isn’t individual, it’s a collective,” she strives for better access both for audiences and theatremakers, especially those at Chicago’s smaller companies. 

Kayle Menz (she/they)

Kayla Menz. (Photo by Collin Quinn Rice)
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Profession: Director, intimacy director, performer, stage manager
Hometown: Louisville, Ky.
Current home: Chicago
Known for: A founding member of the Unheard Of Company, Menz has directing credits including Jennifer Bradley’s ILY and Zack Peercy’s Muffed. As an intimacy director and coordinator for stage and screen, Menz’s projects include Prop Thtr’s The Cleanup, Cat McGee’s The Hillary Duff Project, and the films Bros Before and Yellow Polka Dot.
What’s next: After a welcome summer of recharging, Menz is lining up her projects for the upcoming 2023-24 season in Chicago theatre.
What makes them special: Collaborator, resident playwright at Three Brothers Theatre, and artistic associate at The Factory Theatre Zack Peercy lauds Menz as “an unsung hero” of Chicago storefront theatre. “She has saved countless productions through her interdisciplinary skills and extensive contacts,” Peercy adds. “They are one of those essential paperclips in the delicate jerry-rigged structure of Chicago theatre.”
Spectra of the physical and emotional: Menz feels most inspired by music and movement, looking to bring elements of dance and lyricism to realistic worlds. “I am driven by challenges and the constraints around making a moment happen. Creativity flourishes within containers. I believe in guiding from joy and fun because I don’t want us to forget why we got into this art form in the first place. I believe in play and silliness and unearthing such high moments of wonder for characters that the devastation later is all the more heartbreaking.”

PennyMaria Jackson (she/her)

PennyMaria Jackson. (Photo by Joel Moorman)
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Profession: She considers herself an “arts angel”—i.e., an enthusiast, arts marketer/audience builder, and advocate
Hometown: Miami
Current home: Chicago
Known for: A general arts marketing and communications professional, Jackson has initiated many audience development programs for inclusivity. Currently serving as Steppenwolf Theatre Company’s director of marketing and communications, she hosted Steppenwolf’s first AAPI opening night festivities for Bald Sisters alongside community partners, promoted audience activations and ticket subsidies at the Apollo Theater with “Half Off for Harlem,” and worked extensively with NYC’s Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater to develop millennial audiences.
What’s next: Jackson and the newly formed marketing/communications team at Steppenwolf are excited to strategize audience development plans and activations for the upcoming season to expand who fills the theatre’s seats.
What makes her special: Steppenwolf executive director Brooke Flanagan praises Jackson’s wealth of knowledge around audience development, community engagement, and accessible pathways, “particularly as we face the threat of post-pandemic audience decline and the dire need to call audiences back to our theatres. She centers our patrons in her work.” Flanagan adds that she appreciates how Jackson imbues each day with “joy and community.”
Bridging cultural gaps: From an early age, Jackson has recognized the arts’ capacity to build community. Drawing inspiration from her mother and grandmother as well as from her early days working at Miami’s African Heritage Cultural Arts Center, she has always valued “the importance of celebrating my ancestors artistically while creating space to support the next generation.” Jackson dreams “to have arts audiences that are widely inclusive and reflect the totality of our nation and world. This should be achievable in any and every diverse city across the country. My personal mission is to bridge cultural gaps utilizing the power of art as a driving force, and I look forward to doing so for decades to come.”