Force Behind the Biennial of the Americas Movement and the Cities Summit of the Americas: Meet Inclusive Leader FloraJane DiRienzo

FloraJane DiRienzo is an experienced Non-Profit Arts leader with strong professional skills in community engagement, audience development, fundraising, and event planning. During her time at Biennial of the Americas , FloraJane has spearheaded many events showcasing the importance of culture and art, including a public memorial for those who died during the COVID-19 pandemic.

What is your personal story?

I graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Art History and Communications from? UC Santa Barbara . After college, I took on a year-long consultant role traveling to college campuses across the United States, in which the? 美国科罗拉多大学博尔德分校 , the? University of Denver , and? Colorado State University ?were all part of my region. I fell in love with Colorado during that time. It felt (and still does!) like the perfect balance of vibrant downtown and easy access to outdoor space. When I finished my role as a consultant, a dear friend was coming to Colorado for medical school, so I decided to tag along! Now over 18 years later, I can't imagine living anywhere else.

Before becoming Executive Director at the? Biennial of the Americas , I worked for the? Denver Center for the Performing Arts ?(DCPA), Whole Foods Market , and The Wildlife Experience. Currently, I serve on the Denver Commission on Cultural Affairs, the Advisory Council for? Colorado Creative Industries , the Vice-Chair for Levitt Pavilion Denver , and the Board of Directors for? Civic Center Conservancy .

My greatest joy is introducing my kids to arts and culture, travel, and international food; fostering curiosity and learning through experiences with them is a delight!

What makes you passionate about leading the Biennial of the Americas , and what are your goals with this wonderful organization?

I feel proud daily to work for an organization that champions working across borders and being a platform for ideas, art, and culture. The Biennial of the Americas was the brainchild of many talented civic and cultural leaders across Colorado who saw Denver's unique opportunity as a gathering place for the Americas. Our work centers around building city-to-city connections, amplifying diverse cultures, creating educational opportunities, and supporting rising artists and thought leaders.

At this moment, I am incredibly proud that Denver secured hosting the inaugural?Cities Summit of the Americas ?on April 24-30, 2023. The Cities Summit will unite over 2,500 government, civic, business, and youth leaders across the Americas to focus on equity, sustainability, youth empowerment, and female leadership and promote regional cooperation. I couldn't be more proud that Denver will host this important gathering and that the Biennial of the Americas will support this effort.

What advice do you have for young women who aspire to have the impact you are making in the world?

I have been blessed to work for the most generous and inspiring female leaders throughout my career. Without them, I would not be where I am today. And I can only hope that I have weaved the leadership lessons I have learned from them into my daily practice, but it is certainly a journey, and I fail more times than I would like to admit. However, female leaders have the opportunity to open spaces and build communities where they feel welcome and empowered in all stages of their life. This sense of belonging is one of the greatest gifts leaders can create in the spaces they serve!

How can the GlobalMindED community support your personal and professional goals?

A community's strength and richness affect how it celebrates and champions the diversity of all its members. Community leaders must connect with youth and share their experiences, mentorship, and friendship with others. And it is a two-way street - when leaders can listen and learn from youth experiences and stories, they build community together. Intergenerational connections like the ones at GlobalMindED build solid and lasting relationships and make our community more inclusive and vibrant. I'm grateful for the wealth of friendship, experience, and connection that GlobalMindEd brings to our community and beyond.