Open Forum

Self-worth, Trust, and Wonder: Leadership Lessons from Fred Rogers

Explore how concepts central to the work of Fred Rogers' approach to working with early learners can be applied to museum leadership working with staff of any age. Sharing some lessons learned and posing questions about furthering change, this session will focus on an understanding of leadership rooted in an appreciation of people as natural learners. How can centering self-worth, trust, curiosity, play, and reflection become foundational for successful leadership and change in museums?

Mariruth Leftwich, Ph.D., serves as the Senior Director, Museum Operations & Education at the Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation, overseeing all facets of museum experience, audience engagement, and mission driven programs. She has worked in museum education for over 25 years, creating learning experiences and acting as a change maker for history institutions. Her service to the field has included tenure with the Museum Education Roundtable and AAM's EdCom, alongside numerous publications focused on learning and visitor experience in museums and heritage sites.