Dira Professional Development partners with people and organizations to identify, implement and navigate change so they can increase their impact and sustainability within the arts ecosystem.
As an agile and proactive institutional strategist, my work is guided by the 3 C’s:
Collaboration, Compassion and Creativity.
My experience as an arts administrator, university professor and mother of 3 has honed my skills in strategic communication, institutional transformation and innovative community engagement. These “love languages” are the conduit for all of the work that I do. Whether you are an individual, a participant in a cohort or a member of an organization, here’s a way we can connect, share and discuss how we align to meet your goals.
Clients
Leadership Staff
Dira designs one-on-one coaching programs for individuals in leadership that focus on innovative and entrepreneurial thinking.
Social impact and cultural organizations
Dira collaborates with Nonprofits, museums, arts and culture orgs, associations and collectives (NMACAC) who wish to provide support to a group of people gathered organized around a shared affinity.
Individual artists
Dira partners with individual artists to focus on creating innovative and entrepreneurial-forward strategies to scale their art practice.
Services
Using an equity lens, Dira Professional Development works with organizations and individuals in the following areas:
Leadership & Cohort Coaching
Our work together will enable emerging and senior leadership teams and boards to redefine their strategic vision, goals and objectives and position them to innovate.
Programming & Community Engagement
Together, we’ll develop meaningful and inclusive engagement programs with local communities and partner institutions and develop co-curated programs that scale impact.
Governance & Operations
We will collaborate with your organization’s board, key partners and leaders on decision making and operational plan development.
Our work is grounded in a people-centered approach to organization and professional development and believe that generating equitable and sustainable change is created when the work is guided by a compass and not a clock.
What our clients are saying
“Kheli gets people. She asks great questions that always get to the heart of any issue. Because she has been at the helm of arts organizations, her understanding of capacity building is infused with compassion and informed by the realities of practice. I always look forward to any opportunity to work with Kheli!”
Maren Brown, Principal and Founder, Maren Brown Associates
“Dr. Kheli Willetts is a visionary! I truly would not be where I am in my career today without her servant leadership. Her exceptional knowledge and expertise, along with her innate ability to inspire, encourage, and empower is what separates the good from the great leaders. Dr. Willetts will not only tell you where she'd like you to go, she will roll up her sleeves and help you get there. I have learned so much from her over the past twelve years and I would jump at any opportunity to work alongside her in the future!”
Tamar Smithers, Senior Director of Education and Exhibitions,
National Museum of African American Music
We’re proud to work with
Whether you are an individual, a participant in a cohort or a member of an organization, let’s connect, share and discuss how we align to meet your goals.