Kate Buskirk

Kate (she/her) is a Drexel University student working as Research Coordinator throughout her co-op period at the Cultural Alliance. She is currently studying economics at Drexel while minoring in data science, sociology, and history of capitalism. As Research Coordinator, Kate works with the Director of Research and Data on current projects like examining attendance rates for arts and cultural institutions, as well as helping with reports, analyzing data, and assisting with survey implementation. Outside of work and school, she loves to write poetry, make music, crochet, and attend concerts.

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Research Coordinator
215-399-3511
Kate
Buskirk

Derek Holland

Derek Holland works with the Creative Youth Development team to support planning and implementation of the Bloomberg Arts Internship, including recruitment, application review, interviews, curriculum development and placements. Derek helps manage the Bloomberg Arts Internship college mentors and coordinate activities on professional development days as Creative Youth Development Manager. Before joining the Cultural Alliance team, Derek was a Project Manager and Artist. Derek has a Master of Fine Arts degree from University of Illinois at Chicago and Master of Public Health degree from Washington University in St. Louis. Derek's pronouns are he/they and his hobbies include staying physically active, exploring new places and visiting art exhibits.

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Creative Youth Development Manager
215-399-3524
Derek
Holland

Paris Gramann

Paris Gramann (she/her/hers) works with the Communications Department to uphold and develop the digital presence of the Cultural Alliance as the External Relations Manager. Before joining the Cultural Alliance team, Paris worked as a self-published mental health children’s book writer, owned her own Project Management Contracting Business, taught Social Impact Entrepreneurship at a K-12, and worked as a Design Researcher with Drexel University. As of the summer of 2023, Paris has obtained her Project Management Licensed (PMP) from the Project Management Institute (PMI). Paris studied at Drexel University in the Custom Design Program through the Honors College. Her degree is in Innovative Problem Solving. She is looking to pursue a masters in Psychology in the near future. In her free time, Paris enjoys a slew of activities like sewing, songwriting, prototyping new product ideas, crafting, and watching tv/movies with her husband and cat on the couch.

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External Relations Manager
215-399-3528
Paris
Gramann

Bethany Chisholm

Bethany Chisholm is the Vice President of External Relations and works with the Cultural Alliance team and board to share its work, advocacy, and mission with the Greater Philadelphia region and beyond. 

She brings over a decade of fund development experience in Philadelphia nonprofits, most recently as the Director of Development at the Rosenbach Museum & Library. She also held roles at the Philadelphia Parks Alliance, Girls Inc. of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey, and the Historical Society of Pennsylvania. She serves as a board member of the Conservation Center of Art and Historic Artifacts, was the president of Neighbors Investing in Childs Elementary, and Development Chair and Vice President of Young Involved Philadelphia.

Bethany is from the Greater Boston area and attended the University of Massachusetts Boston. She now lives in the East Falls neighborhood with her husband Justin and their many pets.
 

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Vice President of External Relations
215-399-3516
Bethany
Chisholm

Rosa Doherty

As Director of Strategic Communications, Rosa Doherty (she/her) works to create effective messaging that conveys the extensive and dynamic work of the Cultural Alliance. Prior to her current role, Rosa worked in marketing and communications for three different Alliance member organizations -- the Rosenbach Museum & Library, the National Liberty Museum, and Darlington Arts Center. Rosa grew up in Boston and New Jersey, but as a proud graduate of Temple University, she thinks of Philadelphia as her adopted hometown. Outside of the Cultural Alliance, Rosa enjoys gardening and reading, and is often found roaming the side streets with her grandfather's 35mm film camera. You can find her work on Instagram at @southphillyfilm.

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Director of Strategic Communications
215-399-3525

Stephanie Lerner

Stephanie works as the Director of Grantmaking ensuring that the various grant opportunities with the Cultural Alliance operate smoothly. Stephanie brings over a decade of experience in philanthropy and the public sector, having served as a Program Officer, a Senior Learning & Evaluation Officer, and more recently as a consultant, where she worked with foundations, nonprofits and consulting firms to help them learn from their experiences, make strategic and informed decisions, and implement changes as a result. Stephanie has a Masters of Public Administration from the University of Pennsylvania. In her spare time, she refinishes vintage furniture and is restoring an old house in northwest Philadelphia.

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Director of Grantmaking
215-399-3531

Madeline Avarese

Madeline works closely with our members of the Cultural Alliance to provide direct outreach, support, and resources. She also works directly with members for marketing and promotional needs by utilizing the Cultural Alliance’s programs such as the Phillyfunguide, Funsavers, and other marketing tools, to engage with the Greater Philadelphia community by showcasing why their arts organizations makes an impact on the region. Madeline holds a Bachelor of Science in Entertainment and Arts Management from Drexel University concentrating in Film and Television. Outside of the Cultural Alliance, Madeline used to be a radio disc jockey and still DJs locally in the city. She also enjoys attending live and local events and festivals, embroidering, and traveling

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Membership Coordinator
215-399-3514

Sarah Christy

Sarah Christy works with the Cultural Alliance team to develop its financial management and administration strategies to achieve the organization’s strategic goals as Vice President of Finance & Operations. Before joining the Cultural Alliance, Sarah was Interim President & CEO of International House Philadelphia where she previously served as Chief Operating Officer and Director of Programs, managing Lightbox Film Center. Sarah holds a MS in Arts Administration & Museum Leadership from Drexel University and a BA in Economics & Business from Lafayette College. In addition to being Vice President of Finance & Operations, Sarah serves on the board of the Philadelphia Cultural Fund and enjoys the performing arts, Philadelphia 76ers, and her dog Fosse.

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Vice President of Finance & Operations
215-399-3519

Chad Beegle

Chad Beegle studied music education at the University of the Arts and educational administration at Drexel University and is now the Director of Creative Youth Development and Partner Engagement. Before joining the Cultural Alliance team, Chad was a music teacher/ administrator in numerous schools in the Philadelphia region and internationally. In addition to his role, Chad enjoys traveling, reading, writing, and spending time with family.

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Director, Creative Youth Development and Partner Engagement
215-399-3523

Kristen Vinh

As Director of Research and Data, Kristen Vinh (she/her) manages survey design and data analysis for research about our members and the cultural community. Kristen has worked closely on the Cultural Alliance’s series of Agenda reports on arts and culture’s impact on community issues through 2019, including Pre-K, aging, and wellness. She also oversaw the Cultural Alliance’s research reports detailing the detrimental effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Philadelphia region’s arts and culture sector. Before joining the Cultural Alliance team in 2015, Kristen was a reporter for Generocity. Kristen holds a BA in Journalism from Temple University and is pursuing an MS in Data Science from Rochester Institute of Technology. Outside of the Cultural Alliance, Kristen enjoys knitting, reading, and hanging out with her dog. You can find her knitting work on Instagram at @kristenvinh.

Read more about Kristen in her Meet an Alliancer blog.

 

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Director of Research and Data
215-399-3529
Kristen
Vinh