Writing & Ideas
What I’m Learning in Public
This page brings together the ideas I am developing in public that continue to shape me as a leader. My published essays, frameworks, and public reflections showcase my work in the field. These writings have emerged from my experiences in philanthropy, arts and culture organizations, academic studies, internships, and leadership practices.
What is Large-Scale Change?
1
Bush Foundation
Leadership Programs
August 17, 2020
Written by Alexandra Siclait for the Leadership Programs at the Bush Foundation
If you have looked at the Bush Fellowship application questions, you may have seen the words large-scale change. But what do those words mean in terms of the Bush Fellowship?
The Bush Fellowship invests in your leadership development based on your leadership track record and vision for transformational change in your community. If you become a Fellow, we are investing in you because you think of making vast changes in your community and have partnered with people to identify problems. You are considering extensive shifts in systems, processes, or patterns of outcomes. Read more here.
What is a Strong Track Record?
2
Bush Foundation
Leadership Programs
August 27, 2019
Written by Alexandra Siclait for the Leadership Programs at the Bush Foundation
I will never forget it. Looking me square in the eyes, visionary artist and choreographer Liz Lerman said to me, "Resist the urge to give counsel because multiple truths exist. Questions are the product—investigative inquiry."
Her simple yet powerful words moved me. Liz is right. Questions do open the mind to think bigger and differently.
As a Bush Fellow, you must be grounded in why you show up to lead and get comfortable interrogating your values, identity, culture, and experiences, all of which profoundly and perpetually shape your vision. Read more here.
A Celebration of Geoffrey Holder’s
Life & Legacy
3
Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History & Culture
Public Affairs
October 10, 2014
Written by Alexandra Siclait for Lonnie G. Bunch at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture
“I create for that innocent little boy in the balcony who has come to the theatre for the first time,” Geoffrey Holder told Dance magazine in 2010. “He wants to see magic, so I want to give him magic. He sees things that his father couldn’t see.”
When I think of Geoffrey Holder, a Trini dancer, choreographer, actor, composer, designer, sculptor, and painter, I cannot help but think of how this native of Trinidad and Tobago created magic in the African American experience. But unfortunately, this past Sunday, we lost Geoffrey to complications from pneumonia. He was 84. Read more here.
Thinking Beyond the Boundaries
of Labels
4
Syracuse University
Public Relations Writing
Arts Leadership
October 8, 2012
Written by Alexandra Siclait for the Janklow Arts Leadership Program at Syracuse University
SYRACUSE, N.Y. — There is no denying it. He is evocative, engaging, and delightfully charming. But perhaps most captivating is his infectious smile, which is so disarming. Talk to him for five minutes or talk to him for an hour; regardless, Mark Nerenhausen will leave a considerable impression on the most cynical. Few leaders can truly match Mark's achievements. His accomplishments are not in scholarly publications like Congress Considered or the Journal of Conflict Resolution. However, the underpinning drives of his life's accomplishments are all around us: art and culture. Read more here.
Interested in Collaborating ?
I welcome opportunities to collaborate with organizations, publications, and cultural institutions through essays, commissioned writing, institutional reflections, editorial contributions, and strategic dialogue exploring leadership, culture, philanthropy, systems change, and institutional transformation.