Effie Nunes
Cleveland Arts Prize
Education: MBA, Kent State University; bachelor’s degree, Cleveland State University
Favorite Quote: “Remember that to be happy is not to have a sky without storms ... it is to find strength in forgiveness, hope in battles, security in the stage of fear, love in disagreements.” — Pope John Francis
Most Important Leadership Quality: Compassion and empathy
My Very First Job and What I Learned From It: My first job was as a public relations intern at the Cleveland Ballet in the late 1980s. It was there that I first witnessed the financial challenges many nonprofit organizations face. Despite limited resources, the passion and commitment of the staff were unwavering. I learned how resilience, creativity and a shared belief in the mission can sustain an organization and inspire lasting loyalty.
Where I Will Be In 10 Years: I hope to still be involved in the arts, supporting artists and arts organizations and somehow having the authority to dole out money for valiant efforts!