We are honored to serve as Co-Chairs of the Art in Action Board and excited to be part of an organization that is embarking on a period of remarkable growth and energy. To begin, we welcome Mizgon Zahir Darby as Executive Director. Armed with an MBA, MS and many years of experience in Marketing, Program and Fund Development, and Digital Strategy for nonprofits, Mizgon will expertly lead Art in Action’s strategic initiatives for developing modern and inclusive curriculum, serving more students across the country, building new partnerships, and seeking new funding sources in order to further our mission to give all children an arts education.

Mizgon Zahir Darby

We ended the 2016-2017 school year with amazing statistics: 74,551 students in 2,778 classrooms in 288 schools and organizations in 25 states were given an arts education through the Art in Action curriculum. Of these schools, 42% were Title I, underserved schools. Additionally, fundraising efforts broke a new record, with $552,000 coming from individuals, corporations, and foundations. These results set the foundation for Mizgon to lead the organization to the next level this year.

We also welcome Lyndsay Erickson as a new board member. Lyndsay is the Director of Product Operations for Juniper Square in San Francisco and will be a member of the Finance Committee. We extend a sincere thank you to board member Ruth Housenbold who completed a three-year term. Ruth served on the Strategic Program Advisory Committee and recently spearheaded the search for an Executive Director. Though no longer a board member, we’re thrilled that Ruth will continue to support Art in Action as a docent in the classroom and a volunteer for various projects.

We hope everyone is able to take advantage of long summer days to enjoy activities, vacations, or weekend excursions with your family. And if you happen to visit an art museum, ask your child to describe a work of art that they find interesting. We’re sure you’ll learn something new.

Thanks to all for your continued support and dedication to Art in Action.

Meghan Anhalt and Nargues Eder

Board of Directors Co-Chairs