I’ve been listening all my life. From my dad, who taught me to “listen” to the plants in our garden, to my colleagues in the public relations field, I’ve learned that effective leadership depends on quiet, discerning and compassionate listening. 

In my role as chair of Moraga’s Art in Public Spaces Committee, I listen to the voices of my fellow committee members, town staff and, perhaps most importantly, our community. In doing so, our shared goal is to bring the arts into our everyday lives. The Moraga Pear sculpture, unveiled at the entrance to Moraga Commons this past September, is the culmination of the committee’s 10-year effort to do just that. We are so excited about the iconic sculpture and hope it becomes a landmark for the town, as well as a symbol of its rich and diverse history. 

The committee also listened when the community expressed an interest in poetry. We coordinated with Saint Mary’s College to launch the inaugural Chalk-A-Haiku event on Valentine’s Day at the Moraga Library.

And did you know that Moraga is home to 28 pieces of public art?

Looking toward 2027, the committee and I will continue to listen closely to your voices, planting the seeds for the kind of leadership that brings fresh art to our community.