We asked all of our Celebrity Dancers to tell us a bit about themselves so you can get to know them and their organizations before the big event! Today, we are talking with Myron Marshall, Jr., Program Officer, Evaluation and Learning at the Cleveland Foundation.
Tell me about your organization and what you do.
Established in 1914, the Cleveland Foundation is the world’s first community foundation and one of the largest today, with assets of $2.5 billion and annual grants of more than $100 million. Through the generosity of our donors, the foundation improves the lives of residents of Cuyahoga, Lake, and Geauga counties by building community endowment, addressing needs through grantmaking, and providing leadership on vital issues. The foundation’s program areas include: Arts & Culture, Economic & Workforce Development, Education, the Environment, Leadership Development, Neighborhood Revitalization & Engagement, and Youth Development. For more information, visit www.ClevelandFoundation.org and follow us on Facebook, and on Twitter and Instagram (@CleveFoundation).
As the new Program Officer of Evaluation & Learning, I am building internal and external capacity for…evaluation and learning. My approach is to use evaluation, not as an accountability tool, but for the sake of learning. I am working to articulate our theories of change, establish data collection priorities, draft learning agendas, and facilitate collective sensemaking with foundation staff and members of the Greater Cleveland Community. I am also working with staff to enhance our learning culture by embedding habits of learning such as making our thinking visible, asking powerful questions, combating bias, attending to casual inference, and understanding the “so what”. Doing all of this will make our grantmaking more effective.
What are some of your favorite places to eat in Cleveland?
I’m still exploring, but so far my favorites have been…
- Algebra Tea House
- Zanzibar
- The South side
Why did you decide to dance in It Takes Two?
I first heard about It Takes Two last year, when my mentor/friend/boss, India Pierce Lee mentioned that she had participated in the event. She showed me a video of her dancing and stressed that she loved the process. So it’s been on my radar. A few months ago I got a forwarded email from India of Groundworks looking for some celebrity dancers. She recommended me and I said yes!
What is your dance background? Have you danced or performed on a stage before?
Other than the occasional Milly Rock, I don’t have a formal dance background. I have performed on a stage before, but it has been years since.
What should fans expect from your performance on April 27th?
Fans should expect something creative and different. There will be definitely the energy of the millennial generation destined to eventually run things in the future.
Anything else you want to let us know
The highest human act is to inspire -Nipsey Hussle
Make sure you vote for Myron and catch his performance on April 27th at It Takes Two!