Rising Stars: Meet Nina Crowe of Glendale

Today we’d like to introduce you to Nina Crowe.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Born and raised in Los Angeles, I’m deeply connected to this vibrant and creative city. My love for dance and performance began when I was introduced to ballet. Though my mom enrolled me in classes for health reasons, neither of us could have predicted the profound impact it would have on my life. From an early age, I discovered the transformative power of the arts. As an introvert, dancing gave me a way to connect with others and tell stories in ways words couldn’t. Those early experiences planted the seeds for my lifelong passion for creativity and connection – a passion that shaped my journey through college and into my career. Today, I feel incredibly fortunate to work for an organization that values art, community, and giving back.

My path to Glendale Arts wasn’t a straight line, and every step prepared me for where I am today. I started in the hospitality industry, planning events and learning how to bring people together to create meaningful experiences. Along the way, I met Elissa Glickman, the former CEO of Glendale Arts, who saw potential in me and encouraged me to join the organization. This pivotal moment changed the course of my career.

Over the past 12 years at Glendale Arts, I’ve worn many hats—from Business Development Coordinator to Chief Executive Officer. Each role taught me valuable lessons in resilience, creativity, and community building, shaping me into the leader I am today. The challenges I’ve faced along the way have only deepened my commitment to the organization’s mission and my belief in the power of the arts to transform lives.

Through programs like the Glendale International Film Festival, Solo Fest, and exhibitions at ace/121 Gallery, we celebrate talent while fostering meaningful connections. Whether I’m making strategic decisions, building relationships with donors and sponsors, or developing innovative ways to engage the community, my goal remains the same: to make a positive, lasting impact.
To ensure I’m continually growing and prepared for the future, I recently earned my MBA from UC Davis, specializing in team leadership, strategic financial planning, and long-term organizational development. These skills not only equip me to lead Glendale Arts today but also to position it for sustained success in the years to come.

Throughout my journey, I’ve learned that adaptability, collaboration, and staying attuned to the community’s needs are essential. What brings me the greatest pride is knowing that Glendale Arts isn’t just an organization—it’s a reflection of the diverse and vibrant voices that make up our region.

Looking ahead, I’m excited to continue championing the arts, supporting talent, and finding new ways to bring people together. In 2025, Glendale Arts will have even more opportunities to explore how the arts—whether visual, cinematic, or performance—can inspire self-discovery and deepen our understanding of the world around us.

Looking ahead, I’m excited to continue championing the arts, supporting talent, and discovering new ways to bring people together. In 2025, There’s no better time than now to harness the power of the arts to enhance dialogue, foster connection, and improve the well-being of individuals and the community. By creating spaces for meaningful conversations and shared experiences, we can continue to build a more vibrant, inclusive, and inspired community.

There’s no better time than now to harness the power of the arts to enhance dialogue, foster connection, and improve the well-being of individuals and the community. By creating spaces for meaningful conversations and shared experiences, we can continue to build a more vibrant, inclusive, and connected community.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
When I became CEO of Glendale Arts in 2021, the organization was at a critical crossroads. It wasn’t just about navigating a post-pandemic world—it was about reimagining my role as a leader and redefining the organization’s mission to stay relevant in a rapidly changing environment. This was no easy task, and it was far from a smooth road.

One of my biggest challenges was revitalizing key programs that had stalled and creating new ones to complement our redefined mission. The Glendale International Film Festival and ace/121 Gallery were vital to our new vision, but required substantial restructuring and fresh energy. Solo Fest, which evolved from a concept into a fully realized program with new systems and processes in less than a year, has become an integral part of the organization. With limited resources, balancing the reimagining of the organization while managing these programs was a delicate act.

Personally, I struggled with moments of doubt. At times, I questioned not only the direction of the organization but also my own role in its transformation. I initially looked outward for answers, trying to find external solutions. But over time, I realized the key was looking inward and recognizing that the core mission of Glendale Arts hadn’t changed—I was simply finding new ways to deliver it.

Once I reframed my approach and saw challenges as opportunities, things started to click. By shifting my mindset, I was able to lead the organization through this transition with clarity, confidence, and renewed focus.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Glendale Arts believes in the transformative power of storytelling across multiple art forms—visual art, film, and live performance. We create deeper connections and foster personal and community growth by giving people opportunities to experience and participate in the arts in ways that are meaningful and inspiring.

Based in Glendale and serving the greater Los Angeles area, we operate out of ace/121 Gallery, a creative hub for exhibitions, events, and classes. This space is where diverse artists and audiences come together to discover and share new ideas.

One of our key programs is the Glendale International Film Festival (GIFF), celebrating its 11th year in 2025. GIFF has grown into a platform where filmmakers showcase their work, engage with the community, and spark important conversations on creativity, culture, and social issues.

Solo Fest, in partnership with Lifechild, is another standout initiative. This series of one-person performances addresses deeply personal themes and highlights the power of storytelling to foster catharsis and connection.

What I’m most proud of is how Glendale Arts brings people together through creative expression. We don’t just entertain; we create spaces where voices are heard, stories are shared, and relationships grow. We aim to be a place where the community feels seen and inspired, whether they’re creating, supporting, or experiencing the arts.

What sets us apart is the synergy between our programs. By bridging visual art, film, and live performance, we offer cross-disciplinary experiences that promote self-discovery and strengthen community ties. Our approach encourages dialogue, emotional wellbeing, and a deeper connection to both the arts and each other.

We invite anyone who values creativity, community, and connection to join us at Glendale Arts, where we celebrate the power of storytelling and ensure that the arts remain a vital part of our shared future.

Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
At Glendale Arts, we thrive at the intersection of artists, audiences, and supporters—each playing a crucial role in bringing our mission to life. There are so many ways to get involved and make an impact:

Artists and Collaborators: We’re always open to partnerships that align with our vision of connecting people through storytelling and the arts. Whether it’s a reading, conversation, networking event, or new program idea, we’d love to hear from you. We’re especially excited about projects that explore the intersection of creativity and wellbeing.

Audiences and Event Organizers: Our film festival portal is open for submissions, and the 2025 exhibition schedule at ace/121 Gallery is set. The Gallery remains a flexible space for intimate events like artist talks, discussions, and community gatherings.

Donors and Sponsors: Their support fuels everything we do, from hosting year-round gallery events to expanding our film festival and Solo Fest. Sponsors gain unique opportunities to engage with our diverse audience, and donors help ensure that the arts remain accessible and impactful in our community.

We love collaborating with like-minded individuals and organizations to advance shared goals. Together, we can amplify each other’s work, create meaningful connections, and make an even greater impact in Glendale and beyond. Whether an artist, a patron, or a community advocate, we can build a vibrant, creative, and connected future together!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://glendalearts.org/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/glendaleartsca
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GlendaleArtsCA
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nina-crowe-mba-25a49738/
• Twitter: https://x.com/GlendaleArtsCA