As WAM celebrates its fifth season, we take a look back at the people who helped get us here.
Interview by Rachel Louchen
Tammy Valicenti has served on WAM’s Board of Directors for over four years but has known Kristen since WAM’s inception. WAM really appealed to Tammy who has roots in women’s issues, feminism and activism due to her career as a social worker, so she jumped at the opportunity to join the Board. She cites uplifting, supporting and helping create opportunities for women as some of her reasons for becoming active at WAM, as well as Kristen’s enthusiasm. Over the years, Tammy’s involvement in WAM has grown, from helping to set up for performances to serving as co-chair for large events, but one of her favorite aspects of participating is as an audience member, and getting to enjoy all the performances she helped get to stage. Here, Tammy looks back at her years at WAM and also shares her excitement for the future.
What work do you primarily do for WAM?
As WAM has grown its needs have changed. In the beginning, I would do everything from bringing extra chairs for seating at a performance to helping to cater an after party for one of our yearly events. Currently, I am serving as co-chair of the committee for our upcoming annual benefit at the Mahaiwe on August 24. Much of what I do includes promoting our theater company, which is easy for me because I’m proud of all the great things we’ve accomplished with Kristen at the helm. We have surpassed all of our goals – from our contributions to nonprofits that support women and girls, to balancing the budget and generating audiences, and creating a supportive, enthusiastic and diverse community.
How do you feel about WAM turning five years old? What’s your hope for the next five?
I am proud, excited and hopeful. I am hopeful that we will continue to grow and maximize the impact of our mission. That includes increasing our contributions to beneficiaries and impacting girls in our community through our expanding educational programs. Our Board is a cohesive, creative and supportive group who enjoy working together. I look forward to our continued work over the next five years.
What’s your favorite WAM memory?
It’s difficult to choose just one. I have some really great memories with the Board. I enjoy that we share the same vision and have worked hard to create it. Those little moments where I’ve laughed until I’ve cried and when we’ve celebrated our successes. Of course, other favorite memories are the big moments too, like when we present a check to our beneficiary, which is when all of our hard and meaningful work comes into focus for me. Another memory is seeing the results of our work with youth and the impact of our educational program on young girls. Then there are also my memories as an audience member. I’ve been moved to tears, laughed until I cried and been inspired to question and look at life from perspectives I hadn’t considered before. Kristen’s work is exceptional, worthy of off-Broadway recognition and our recent fall production showcased that. WAM productions are truly my most favorite theater experiences.
What woman inspires you and why?
It’s difficult to narrow it down to just one. Kristen’s enthusiasm is infectious and she inspires me to work harder and do the best I can for her, for our vision and for WAM. My daughters inspire me, I realize they aren’t women yet, but they inspire me to create a better community, one that uplifts, supports and inspires them and provides equal opportunity. They inspire me because I know it’s not just about providing knowledge and information so they become successful members of our communities but they also need communities that support their visions and allow their individuality. It all goes hand-in-hand, when we work to uplift one sector, we’re all uplifted.
What advice would you give to women who are just starting to establish themselves in their careers on how to claim their places confidently?
I think what’s important is holding your mentors close while at the same time maintaining your own brand. In other words, using who and what inspires you while still benefiting from others’ knowledge and expertise, and bringing your own energy, enthusiasm and style to what you do. As long as you are doing something you love, then claiming your place in that almost comes naturally because it’s where you belong.