Today we’d like to introduce you to Esther Netter
Hi Esther, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I am a seeker of purpose and meaning in everything I do.
Thirty six years ago i had the greatest professional opportunity to create and launch a new children’s museum in Los Angeles. We began in 600 sq feet in a local Jewish community center and after a few years, and the generous of the Zimmer family and many generous supporters, we moved to become the 10,000 sq ft Zimmer Children’s Museum. As the Zimmer, we took our place as part of LA’s museum row and grew from 14,000 annual visitors to over 90,000. Our museum believed in purposeful play and that we are each responsible, one for the other. We believe that kids and their grown ups have a responsibility to make the world better and that we each can have a positive impact and help fix the brokenness around us. Thru interactive kid focused exhibits and programs, arts education for babies, toddlers and kids from K-12th grade, the Zimmer made an impact on our city. As the Talmud (an ancient Jewish text) teaches, it takes a village to raise one child. Well it took a village of donors, community leaders, educators, artist, museum professionals, and community partners to build the Zimmer, and when we outgrew our space, we moved to Santa Monica to become the Cayton Children’s Museum. Sitting on the top floor of Santa Monica Place as a precious jewel adorns a crown, the Cayton was created with the generous support of founding donors led by Andrea and Barry Cayton. The Cayton amplified our original commitments to support families raising kids to be kind, caring, responsible contributors to community. The Cayton is magical, creative, a safe, educational “third space” for all who visit and engage.
While busy in the museum creating world, I have the blessing of being mom to three amazing kids, their partners and my 8 grandchildren. Four grandkids live in the LA area and four live in Israel. My favorite role is as Savta, Hebrew for grandma.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I have learned to meet challenges with energy, thoughtfulness and patience. Growth and forward movement in any endeavor is not ever a straight line or quick. Working in the nonprofit world is all about seeking like minded partners and cultivating and cherishing those relationships. It has not been an easy path but it has been rewarding and filled with work and life lessons that continue to shape everything I do.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
A nonprofit leader and creator.
Do you any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
Growing up my favorite experiences all happened at my summer camp, Camp Ramah. Camp taught me how to be a leader and dream big. My work in the world of children’s museums is my attempt to recreate a summer camp day for every museum visitor.
Contact Info:
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/esther-netter-51587a162/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HEiosZgraYk
