A Conversation with Executive Director Celine Kuhn
Executive Director Celine Kuhn slices up the SHADOWBOXING sheet cake at The Telling Room’s annual anthology book launch
What do you love most about being the Executive Director of The Telling Room? What gets you fired up to promote The Telling Room’s mission of empowering youth through writing and sharing their voices with the world?
After a 14 month hiatus, I can definitely say that what I love most about my role is being in the Telling Room space surrounded by staff and students. I didn’t realize how much I missed the hum and buzz of the daily interactions until the pandemic came along and the space went silent. I love hearing kids tell their stories, from Kittery to Richmond to Vinalhaven to our space on Commercial Street and everywhere in between. Their stories give me insight into the lives that they are leading and have changed my life, their communities, and deepened my own awareness of the challenges that youth are wading through. It has been exciting to watch our programs deepen and thrive over the past 5 years and witness the beauty students find in seeing their words in print, in a book, in writing, and the confidence that they gain when they share their voices with the world.
There are so many amazing people and stories in The Telling Room’s community! Can you share a special moment or a piece of student writing that has inspired you from the past five years?
Oh, there are so many! One special day that comes to mind is when we were all getting ready for Big Night a few years ago — our biggest night of the year where we celebrate student voices and launch our annual anthology. Preparations include crafts, glue, scissors, paints — you name it. In the midst of this mighty project, a young student said that she wanted to sing a song and requested “Simple Gifts.” One of our volunteers led us in a round of ‘'Tis the gift to be simple, 'tis the gift to be free.” We all sang and laughed together. It was so playful and spontaneous.
Another inspirational Telling Room moment for me was seeing Maryam Abdullah’s drawings for her illustrated novel, The Stars are the Same Everywhere, which she was creating with our Young Emerging Authors fellowship. On my first day as Executive Director, I walked into the studio to find the most amazing drawings hung with care all over the walls of our small kitchen. These drawings were the illustrations for her novel — a perfect pairing with her words — and I knew that I had found the right place for me; somewhere I would be surrounded by students, staff, and their words. I had found a space where people really see and hear each other.
Celine Kuhn with Telling Room Ambassadors Alicia Brillant, Rachel Iradukunda, and Amanda Dettmann.
What are some highlights from your time as the Executive Director? What have you been most proud of as the leader of The Telling Room?
There are too many highlights to count, but I am deeply proud that we made it through the pandemic. Those early days felt harrowing. Those days when we had to make difficult decisions, when we couldn’t have anyone in our studio, when we were learning how to offer a safe and brave space for our students and our staff to meet over Zoom, when we had to reimagine and reinvent our programming and our biggest fundraiser. But we did it. And we thrived. And now we are back in our space! Students are sitting in our comfy chairs — they are writing, sharing, and inspiring all of us. I am filled with gratitude for the amazing Staff and Board — past and present — for all of their work and their enthusiasm over the years. Because of everyone’s efforts, I know The Telling Room will continue to make an impact, be a positive space for youth, and spread joy.
The Telling Room has contracted with the consulting agency Reflector Lab to facilitate the search for the new Executive Director. How did you choose to work with Reflector Lab, and can you tell us a little bit about the search process?
Kendra Curry-Khanna (the co-founder of Reflector Lab) was the former Executive Director of 826CHI (the Chicago chapter of 826 National), so we had been in contact over the years to collaborate on and discuss programs. When I made the decision to leave the Telling Room, I phoned her and learned that she had transitioned to consulting in the executive search space, and I thought she would be a perfect fit for us. She has a lot of experience hiring, and also deep knowledge of what it means to be an Executive Director, and zeroed in on exactly what the Telling Room is looking for. The board met with Kendra and made the decision to hire her and her colleague, Molly Fannin. Their process has been transparent and inspiring, and I know that they are going to help us find the very best candidate.
What has surprised and/or delighted you about being in this leadership position?
I love how every hour of every day is different. One minute I am talking with a donor, the next I am giving a presentation. Then, I am pouring over our finances and thinking about our annual fundraiser, or reimagining a program with a staff member. Next I am attending an antiracism or a fundraising workshop, or jumping into a game of “The Great Wind Blows” with our students and staff. It is FUN and energizing — everyday — no matter what is going on. If there is an event or reading in our space, I want to be there.
If you could recommend a title or piece of student writing for folks to read to get to know The Telling Room better, what would it be?
I am struck every time I attend an event and hear students’ words and stories. Every piece resonates with me in some meaningful way. Pick up a Telling Room anthology and you will get a feel for what our students like to write about and who they are. We put students in the driver's seat and center their voices by ceding creative control to them. They write. They share. They inspire.
Last but not least, you are a legendary connoisseur of seltzer. What’s your favorite?
Ha. I knew that you were going to ask me about seltzer. Spin Drift. Any flavor. Right amount of juice. Right amount of fizz.
To view the Executive Director job posting visit our employment page here.
To read Celine Kuhn’s departure announcement, click here.