Executive Director, Ragtag Film Society
Executive Director, Ragtag Film Society
A typical day as an executive director in an arts nonprofit is all about swapping hats.
“We touch so many different facets of the work,” Arin says. “I think one misconception people sometimes have is about how far out we are planning the festival — it’s constant. There are seasonal shifts in focus, but we are truly planning events all year-round.”
It comes easy for others to brag about Arin.
“Arin Liberman is an absolutely delightful human. She is a curator, mother, wife, and activist. When you interact with her, she has an inviting presence and an energetic spirit, which is refreshing if you get the opportunity to collaborate,” says Sunitha Bosecker. “Arin lives, defends, and celebrates the arts. Every community and organization needs a person who demonstrates humility, is open to challenging conversations, and advocates for diverse representation and human rights without hesitation.”
Barbie Banks carries the same sentiment, adding, “Arin Liberman is not a Missouri or Columbia native, but you would have no idea. She loves this community, wants to make it the best place to live, and works diligently to be the best COMO has to offer.”
It is clear that Arin is always looking for ways to make Columbia better. She adds, “I want to keep nurturing the things that make young people want to be here, stay here, or come back. A rich tapestry of arts and cultural offerings are game-changers, I see that here, have seen how vulnerable it can be, and I want to work to sustain that.”
Arin deeply values integrity, equity, self-awareness, and effective communication. She explains, “I’ve also found the ‘putting on your own oxygen mask first’ maxim a lesson that resurfaces constantly and is proven necessary again and again.”
If you know Arin, you know that even with all her personal and professional accomplishments, her greatest pride and joy is her daughter.
“Since becoming a parent, I for sure have found new motivation in being the best role model I can be for my daughter, as well as working to make the community she grows up in a better place to thrive.” she says.
Age: 39
Pet Peeve: I’m a big fan of the Oxford comma and it bugs me when it’s omitted.
