Meet Tahnee Freda

Today we’d like to introduce you to Tahnee Freda.

Hi Tahnee, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
After graduating from USC’s School of Dramatic Arts, I started working at a film production company as an executive assistant, coordinating travel and meetings, and doing script coverage. That job was a great experience and I learned a ton about the film industry, but I think it really taught me how to be a useful employee. After a year there, I moved to New York and got a job at the 52nd Street Project, an arts nonprofit organization that uplifts underserved youngsters in the Hell’s Kitchen neighborhood through original dramatic work. I was the Development and Management Associate, and it was really there that I started to cut my teeth in the nonprofit sector. I learned so much about nonprofit development and arts programming. I returned to Los Angeles and started working at the Los Angeles Music and Art School (LAMusArt) in 2016 as a grant writer, bringing all the tools I gathered at the 52nd Street Project with me. Since then, I’ve had several roles at LAMusArt, from grant writer to teaching artist, to Development Manager and now, Executive Director.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It’s always a challenge to balance work and home life. I love working and I love spending quality time with my family, and it can be a struggle juggling both.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
As Executive Director of LAMusArt, I lead the organization’s daily operations as well as the artistic programming, development, fundraising, administration, and everything in between. Starting my non-profit career in development work, I find grant writing and fundraising really fulfilling. I love writing and I love getting into a groove when I’m drafting a proposal. For me, grant writing and event planning are just extensions of storytelling, and there’s a spirit of friendly competition and innovation in development that I’ve always really enjoyed. At LAMusArt, I’ve taken on a lot of different roles, but I’m most proud of the playwriting program we’ve implemented. Based on the 52nd Street Project’s model in Manhattan, we take a group of young students and teach them the fundamentals of writing a play, and then mentor them through the creation of their own original scripts. The program culminates in a live performance of the scripts directed and performed by adults. It’s so special and fun.

If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
I think taking any opportunity that excites me – even before I feel completely ready for it – has been a key element to my success. I try to not let imposter syndrome get in the way of a good thing. You have to believe you’ll rise to the occasion. I also think working with good people who lift you up, support you, and teach you is absolutely crucial. Having a good team, a good boss, a good thought partner, etc. is truly critical when you’re learning what you want from your work.

Image Credits
Cristy Burgos