Diversifying the Museum Space

75-minute session

Location: Hilton Albany, Chambers

Day/Time: Tuesday, April 9 // 10:45 AM - Noon

About: Museums are supposed to be spaces for all people to learn, engage, and discuss ideas. Often the ALL, has been a challenge for many museums because they were never founded with equity and justice in mind and not designed to engage and attract diverse audiences. This results in Museums asking: How can we engage more Black and Latinx communities? How are we communicating our value to diverse audiences? This structured panel discussion led by BIPOC leaders from across the Museum sector will address the challenges the museum field faces in attracting diverse staff and engaging diverse audiences.

Presenters:

Nick Martinez, Assistant Director of Youth Initiatives, American Museum of Natural History

Nick is Assistant Director of Youth Initiatives (YI) at the AMNH. He is responsible for the strategic direction of youth programs and community engagement work. He is committed to equity and working to push and support museums to confront historical and current racism. He serves on the Board of the Museum Association of New York as Vice President of the Board and Chair of the Governance and Nominating Committee.

Daisy Rodriguez, Executive Director, Government & Community Affairs, Wildlife Conservation Society

Daisy Rodríguez is the Executive Director of Government & Community Affairs for the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) where she oversees all NYC and State-based government and community engagement. Ms. Rodríguez is responsible for helping seek public funding (capital and expense) support for WCS. She engages elected officials, community members, and the public on the importance of conservation of wildlife and wild places. She currently serves on the MANY Board as the Advocacy Committee Chair.

Sheila McDaniel, Independent Museum Professional, Former Administrator, National Gallery of Art, Former Deputy Director, Finance and Operations, The Studio Museum in Harlem

Sheila McDaniel has over 30 years of non-profit management experience, the last 24 years in executive positions overseeing change management processes, operations & administrative infrastructures, strategic planning, and financial management. In September 2020, Sheila joined the National Gallery of Art in a historic appointment as the first Black woman to assume the role of Administrator. As Administrator, Sheila served on the Executive team. She led teams critical to the museum’s operations: administrative support, architecture and capital improvement, facilities, horticulture, personnel, procurement, and security. She oversaw a division of 440 employees and an annual budget of $120 million for operations and facilities. Before joining the National Gallery of Art, Sheila served for 16 years as the Deputy Director, Finance and Operations at the Studio Museum in Harlem. Prior to joining The Studio Museum in Harlem, she was Associate Executive Director of Operations at the Hetrick-Martin Institute, Inc, an education and social service organization.

In addition to a bachelor’s degree in Economics, Sheila also holds a Master's of Public Administration from Baruch College. She has completed coursework toward a Doctor of Education in Adult Learning and Leadership at Teachers College-Columbia University.