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Verdery Roosevelt
Senior Vice President, Cultural Investments, Upper Manhattan Empowerment Zone
Professional Background
Verdery Roosevelt currently serves as the Senior Vice President for Program & Nonprofit Investments at the Upper Manhattan Empowerment Zone (UMEZ), where she plays a crucial role in bolstering the cultural sector. In this leadership position, she oversees a significant grant portfolio estimated at $10 million, aligning financial resources with the needs of the community. A key feature of her work involves close collaboration with New York City agencies, particularly in the development of innovative cultural facilities along the prominent 125th Street, a vital artery of Harlem's cultural landscape.
Before her tenure at UMEZ, Verdery was the Executive Director of Ballet Hispanico, a trailblazing Latino dance institution founded by the visionary Tina Ramirez. Her dedication to the arts and community development spans over three decades, during which she transformed Ballet Hispanico from a vibrant community organization into a celebrated, internationally-recognized performing arts company. Her leadership was instrumental in enhancing the organization’s mission and expanding its outreach, resulting in a rich cultural experience for diverse audiences.
Moreover, Verdery's experience extends beyond the confines of a single organization. She has served as Chairman of the Board of Directors for Dance/USA, providing a platform for promoting professional development in the dance sector across the nation. Her perspective is sought after, resulting in her engagement as a guest speaker at various arts administration seminars and educational programs, further emphasizing her commitment to sharing knowledge and best practices in the field.
Education and Achievements
Verdery’s academic journey laid the groundwork for her professional accomplishments, starting with her undergraduate studies at Agnes Scott College, where she majored in English and Music. She later transferred to The University of Alabama, enhancing her academic background with further studies in these disciplines. As her passion for the arts grew, she pursued her Master’s degree in Business/Arts Administration at the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Business. This blend of education in business and the arts provided her with a unique perspective crucial for her roles in arts management and nonprofit development.
Over the years, Verdery has accumulated valuable experience through various early career positions, including Development Assistant at Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts and Publicity Coordinator at the University Theatre in Wisconsin-Madison. Additionally, she contributed her skills as an Editor for the "Arts Quarterly" at the Wisconsin Arts Board while also managing the Costume Shop at Krannert Center for the Performing Arts. Her diverse roles exemplified her adaptability and her commitment to fulfilling the objectives of arts organizations.
Notable Contributions and Leadership Roles
Throughout her lengthy career, Verdery has consistently exhibited strong leadership abilities, specializing in areas such as strategic planning, fundraising, and capital project management. Her work with Ballet Hispanico is a testament to her effectiveness in community engagement and artistic development. She not only helped to navigate the organization through various challenges but also expanded its reach, allowing the institution to flourish in the highly competitive performing arts landscape.
Beyond the arts sector, Verdery has demonstrated a keen ability to liaise with government agencies, advocating for cultural investment to enrich community life. Her expertise in financial management has enabled her to steward funds efficiently, ensuring that organizations can undertake transformative projects that resonate with diverse audiences.
Her growing list of contributions and accomplishments highlights her dedication to enhancing the arts landscape both locally and nationally. Whether managing large-scale funding initiatives or fostering community partnerships, Verdery's impact on the arts community is profound and lasting.
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Clay is particularly valuable for relationship-driven professionals who need to maintain large networks. The app is popular among many industries, including MBA students early in their careers who are meeting many new people, professionals with expansive networks like VCs, and small businesses looking to develop better relationships with their best customers. Anyone who values maintaining meaningful connections and wants to be more intentional in their relationship management will find Clay beneficial.
Clay offers competitive pricing in the personal CRM market. Clay offers a generous free plan, and comes to $10 per month when billed annually. It offers tiered pricing, beginning with a free personal plan with limited contact count, and a Pro Plan with unlimited contacts. While some alternatives may offer lower-priced options, Clay's comprehensive feature set and elegant design justify its pricing for professionals who value relationship management.
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