Take time to listen, learn and acknowledge. Never hesitate to ask a lot of questions. Reach out to other leaders for insight and perspective. Sometimes we get hyper-focused and don’t always see the light at the end of the tunnel. You can’t be successful on your own. It’s all about community. Trust your instincts and go with your heart.
As part of my series about “individuals and organizations making an important social impact”, I had the pleasure of interviewing Donna Valdés.
Donna Valdés brings over 35 years of experience in community service, nonprofits, advocacy for the arts, and leading the exponential growth of Xico’s mission for the past 19 years to promote and sustain Latino and Indigenous culture through art and to serve and advance Latino and Indigenous artists. As the Executive Director of Xico, she has been recognized as an influential leader in the Arizona Arts Community as a result of building the Xico brand as the most recognizable in the Latin Arts circles both inside and outside of Arizona.
Thank you so much for joining us in this interview series! Can you tell us a story about what brought you to this specific career path?
I have been an avid collector of Latino and Chicano art for years. Truthfully, I had been a supporter and collector of Xico and the artists involved. I was driving to a private art event with a friend who was a board member of Xico and I mentioned I was ready for a career change. She laughed and asked me if I would be interested in being the Interim Executive Director as the organization was in transition. My nonprofit and art background was a perfect fit. Six months had passed and the Board asked me to continue. Here we are almost 20 years later.
It has been said that our mistakes can be our greatest teachers. Can you share a story about the funniest mistake you made when you were first starting? Can you tell us what lesson you learned from that?
I truly can’t think of anything funny or that stands out that would be of interest.
Can you describe how you or your organization is making a significant social impact?
Xico exists to support our artists and community. Our initiatives provide opportunities for artists to showcase their art, increase their skills, and learn from their peers. Our activities encourage Latino and Indigenous artists to share their inspiration, stories, and heritage which facilitates a greater understanding of cultural value, identity, and significance within the community. We strive to provide a voice to our artists and community to ensure history, culture, impact, and traditions are kept alive for future generations by advancing culture, advancing artists, and advancing community.
Can you tell us a story about a particular individual who was impacted or helped by your cause?
Xico has been blessed to have an influential couple who have been longtime supporters and advocates for Xico, artists , and the arts. At one time she was an employee of the organization. Both have served as board members. She has since passed but he is still extremely engaged. His passion and community influence has been a conduit for creating awareness of the organization and engaging new constituents. Gratefully he has opened many doors and connections which has led to my success.
Are there three things the community/society/politicians can do to help you address the root of the problem you are trying to solve?
Xico was created in response as a platform for Indigenous and Latino artists. Due to the current cultural revolution, artists amplified our communities’ voices, which can no longer be ignored. Art has the power to reach its audience beyond borders, picket lines, and protests. I am proud to take part in this action and continue to promote and educate our community on cultural inequalities.
- Provide opportunities to engage audiences.
- Support the arts.
- Stop, listen, learn, and do!
How do you define “Leadership”? Can you explain what you mean or give an example?
Take time to listen, learn and acknowledge. Never hesitate to ask a lot of questions. Reach out to other leaders for insight and perspective. Sometimes we get hyper-focused and don’t always see the light at the end of the tunnel. You can’t be successful on your own. It’s all about community. Trust your instincts and go with your heart.
I have never met a stranger, I strive to engage all equally. Regardless if I disagree with someone , their opinion is theirs. I am very accepting of that as long as there is mutual respect.
What are your “5 things I wish someone told me when I first started” and why. Please share a story or example for each.
There is no such thing as failure if we learn from it.
Nothing is personal, it’s just business. Don’t let the chatter affect you.
Always celebrate your successes, if you don’t, no one else will.
It’s ok to say no. You can’t do it all.
20 years go by fast!
You are a person of enormous influence. If you could inspire a movement that would bring the most good to the most people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger. 🙂
There is an emotional connection that only the arts can provide.
Art brings life to communities, brings communities together, speaks to each individual in their own language. I am inspired by the creatives that I encounter on a daily basis.
I would love to share this opportunity to brighten one’s world, which may inspire and help someone be more receptive and accepting of another if even for a day.
Can you please give us your favorite quote or Life Lesson Quote? Can you share how that was relevant to you in your life?
Close some doors today. Not because of pride, incapacity or arrogance, but simply because they lead you nowhere. Poulo Coalia
Unfortunately there are some individuals that always take and suck the air out of the room . They focus only on themselves, always want to be heard but don’t take the time to hear you. This is also true for some business relations. I am all about collaborations and building partnerships for the advancement of culture and community. We only have so much time,capacity, and energy.
You can’t go back and change the beginning but you can start where you are and change the ending. C.S Lewis
Is there a person in the world, or in the US with whom you would like to have a private breakfast or lunch with, and why? He or she might just see this, especially if we tag them. 🙂
Michelle Obama- She is incredible. She stands true to her causes. Her passion is infectious. She is always composed.
How can our readers further follow your work online?
Xico.org, https://www.linkedin.com/in/donnamvaldes/
This was very meaningful, thank you so much. We wish you only continued success in your great work!
Social Impact Heroes: Why & How Donna Valdés Is Helping To Change Our World was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.