Fifty-three fellows from communities across the U.S. were selected to participate in the 2022-2023 National Leaders of Color Fellowship cohort to build on the legacy of creating an intersectional, intergenerational, and multiracial movement on behalf of cultural equity across the field. During this no-cost eight-month fellowship, fellows receive access to specialists in the field, strategic learning objectives to deepen thought on anti-racist and culturally-oriented leadership practices, and national-level network and cohort building.
Chelsea Steffes (she/her) is an emerging arts professional from the Plains Art Museum in Fargo, ND. Steffes has a Bachelor of Arts in Heritage and Museum Studies and in Pre-professional Studio Art from Concordia College, Moorhead. She has worked at the Plains Art Museum since 2018. Working in the Midwest, Steffes prioritizes inclusion and community building in her work through her many positions at the Plains. Whether it be teaching classes as a Teaching Artist, participating in local community outreach events, or just being a friendly face to welcome anyone who enters. She strongly values making the arts an inclusive environment to foster connection building.
As a mixed race Filipino American in the northern Midwest, Steffes acknowledges the difficulties and nuance in diversity and inclusion. While still learning, Steffes wants to ultimately build a creative and inclusive community for herself and others like her seeking a home in the Midwest.
