Blog

Reflections from our Departing CEO

by | Sep 7, 2021 | Blog, Blog: General Humanities

Michigan Humanities wanted to speak to Shelly Hendrick Kasprzycki before she leaves her post as Michigan Humanities’ CEO on September 17. We asked Shelly about her experience leading our organization, what she wanted for our future, and where our community could find her next. Please read below for her answers.

What were your most rewarding moments/experiences in your six years as CEO?

I loved every minute of serving Michigan Humanities.  I truly looked forward to coming to work every single day.  My most rewarding moments were visiting the smallest towns in Michigan, and seeing the difference they were able to make with grants and programs.  Their creativity and ability to reach people was nothing short of amazing.  I also learned immensely from the people around me.  The staff and board team were innovative, kind, off-the-charts smart, and dedicated.  The IDEA (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Access) Action Team changed my way of thinking.  The federation of state humanities councils are brilliant group of people.  The whole experience made me a far better person, and I’ll never forget it.   Humanities have the power to change lives, every single day.

What will you miss the most about being Michigan Humanities’ CEO?

Working with the wonderful people.  Each staff and board member brought their own unique talents and strengths. The ability to work with a team of Michigan Humanities’ caliber made it possible to expand our reach and employ innovation.  I will miss the privilege of traveling around Michigan.   I believe my little car (called Jane) gained 100,000 miles or so!

What would you want for the future of Michigan Humanities? Where should we be heading?

With the Board and Staff team, and the wisdom of our IDEA Action Council, and partners all over the state, I’m confident Michigan Humanities will continue to flourish.  The collective team has built a culture of trust, and put into place a strategic framework that will support expansion of Great Michigan Read to include Great Michigan Stories. Grant-making will be enhanced.  I’m certain the Board of Directors will do a fine job in its search for a President & CEO, and that Jennifer Rupp will do a fine job as Acting CEO in the interim.  The future of humanities is in great hands.

Where are you going next? Where can the MH community find you?
It took a monumental opportunity for me to consider leaving. I will begin as President & CEO of the Fremont Area Community Foundation here in Michigan. This is a foundation which has an incredible culture, accountability, and resources.  It is the fourth largest community foundation per capita in the country.  I will eagerly seek partnership opportunities with the many friends I’ve made, and will always be a MH donor and program participant.  I plan to keep in touch, and will be reachable there, beginning in October.
We wish Shelly all the best in her future role as the President & CEO of the Fremont Area Community Foundation and thank her for her six years of service in which we saw our organization grow so much!

Latest Entries

Michigan Humanities Staff Recommendations for This Winter Season

At Michigan Humanities, we wanted to compile a list of recommendations of things to do this upcoming winter season—which is something that unites us all in Michigan! Furthermore, we made sure that some of these activities are free and accessible to all. We asked some...

Ethriam Brammer, Our 2023 Michigan Humanities Vice Chair Tells Us About DEI Efforts

Ethriam Brammer is a literary translator and scholar of U.S. Latinx literature, Assistant Dean and DEI Implementation Lead for the Rackham Graduate School at the University of Michigan and beloved Michigan Humanities Board member. In 2023, Ethriam will lead us as...

Meet The NEA Big and Little Read Lakeshore Program—Our Community Impact Partner of the Year

Continuing to honor our 2022 Michigan Humanities Awards recipients, this month we had a conversation with Professor Deborah Vriend Van Duinen, head of the The NEA Big and Little Read Lakeshore program at Hope College. This program has been running for the past 8 years...

Kimberly Simmons Champions Efforts to Make Detroit River a UNESCO World Heritage Site

This month, we had a conversation with Kimberly Simmons about her work with the Detroit River Project which is running a strong and thoughtful campaign to recognize the Detroit River as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Kimberly Simmons is the Executive Director of the...

Old Settler Reunion Website Works to Restore and Preserve Black History in Michigan

Michigan Humanities is committed to supporting humanities work in the many ways it takes place throughout our state. Crucial to that support is celebrating the outstanding work that Michigan-based humanities organizations do through our annual Michigan Humanities...