We’re excited to introduce Charlene Quincey as SKETCH’s first female President and Chair of our Board of Directors! We spoke to Charlene about her career as a lawyer and what excites her the most about SKETCH’s future.
SKETCH: How did you hear about SKETCH? What made you want to get involved?
Charlene: I was first introduced to SKETCH by a colleague who had long been a supporter. Given my legal and artistic background she thought I would be an excellent fit for the organization and would bring a new and diverse skill set to the board of directors.
SKETCH: Describe what your first time at SKETCH was like?
Charlene: I remember being amazed with the facilities and the amount of thought and care given to the space. The Weave and Mend garden, the pottery studio, recording studio and the modern commercial kitchen were inspiring. Supporting such diverse spaces to allow young people to engage in all types of art is something we should all want to support.
Charlene Quincey
SKETCH: Why did you become a lawyer?
Charlene: It’s funny as I did not initially set out to be a lawyer. I moved from Canada to New York City a week after my 18th birthday to study classical theatre, and I continued to pursue a life in the performing arts after graduation. It was not until later in my twenties after spending a year in Italy teaching English and earning my philosophy degree that I knew I wanted a career in service of human need – this lead me to apply to one of the top public interest law schools in the US where the focus is on training lawyers to service the public interest.
SKETCH: On International Women’s Day, what is the most important message you want to send out to young women thinking about their careers?
Charlene: Don’t compromise who you are. Do what you love and in doing so, be authentic, embrace diversity and champion inclusiveness. This is the time to be courageous – we can do hard things!
SKETCH: What do you think is the biggest issue today facing women today?
Charlene: Pay equity and access to leadership positions – a real seat at the table. A lot of progress has been made, but we still have a way to go. I see and experience small wins but until women get fair representation in all institutions all at levels we are going to continue to struggle for meaningful fair representation.
SKETCH: How has art transformed your life?
Charlene: Art in its many forms inspires us all. Whether it be cooking, painting, sculpting, crafting, sewing, drawing etc., art not only allows for self-reflection and healing but also builds community. It gives us an alternative form to express our ideas, fears, hopes and desires and sparks conversation. It can make friends out of strangers instantly. I am inspired by those who create change through art and harness their creativity to do big things, even hard things! It’s a common language but also one that is so diverse that you are always learning and growing with exposure and experience.
SKETCH: How important is it for women to lift each other up and what does that mean to you?
Charlene: Everyone has a responsibility to support and encourage others to be their best selves. I strive every day to support all the women in my life in whatever they choose to do – we are not competitors but allies and when we treat each other as such, we can accomplish so much!
SKETCH: As the first President and Chair of SKETCH’s Board of Directors, what does the future of SKETCH look like to you?
Charlene: The future is so bright! We have so much to learn from young people – they truly are the changemakers and future-makers. I believe that the world will be a better place because of them. Providing a stable home for the youth of today and tomorrow will ensure SKETCH continues to grow and thrive. I am excited to see what SKETCH and the youth of SKETCH accomplish over the coming years!
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