What would you say if someone asked you to describe who you are?

Many of us would turn immediately to our professions. We’re artists, marketers, fundraisers, administrators.

But if someone stripped away your professional title, what would be left? What are the aspects of your identity that would never change?

Stephanie Ybarra, Artistic Director at Baltimore Center Stage, challenges us to imagine how we would approach our work and relationships if we were encouraged to show up as our full, authentic selves.

“We are surrounded and inundated with systems and practices and policies and a culture that want to dehumanize us,” Stephanie says. “It’s easier that way. Other us. Divide us. Reduce us to the most simplistic version or explanation of ourselves.”

But to innovate, people need to be comfortable sharing their insights and experiences. They need to feel they belong.

“We don’t get to belonging without bringing our whole selves and without inviting others to bring their whole selves to the table.”

“We don’t get to belonging without bringing our whole selves and without inviting others to bring their whole selves to the table,” Stephanie says. “And that requires authenticity. And authenticity requires vulnerability.”

Stephanie shares advice for modeling vulnerability in this keynote, delivered at the 2022 Tessitura Learning and Community Conference in Denver, Colorado. Plus, she offers ideas to anyone interested in creating the conditions necessary to belonging in their organizations.

“Having agency to share who you are — in total — requires a ton of courage,” Stephanie says. “But I feel like it is also necessary to the work we do.”

This talk was the keynote address at the Tessitura Learning and Community Conference in Denver, Colorado, in August 2022.

Top photo by Josh Power Photography