Jillian Lea

Background

About Jillian Lea

I bring extensive experience in arts administration and community programming to my role as the newest member of the Bringing Theory to Practice team, where I contribute to the ongoing project of transforming higher education. Driven by a passion for community-building, creativity, and education, I've dedicated my career to developing and managing programs that empower individuals and foster meaningful connections. My educational foundation—an MA in Arts Administration from Indiana University Bloomington's School of Public and Environmental Affairs and a BA in Dramatic Art and Art History from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill—has shaped my approach to programming, leadership, and organizational management. Throughout my work across community organizations and schools, I've emphasized values such as kindness, joy, social justice, civic engagement, and curiosity, creating enriching experiences for adults and young people alike. In my previous work as a small business owner and art teacher, my classes promoted community, creative problem-solving, and the joy of embodied practice, encouraging students to explore art as both personal and collective experience. As a program manager, multidisciplinary artist, and educator, I remain committed to creating meaningful impact and am dedicated to shaping more inclusive and impactful learning environments that inspire curiosity, personal enrichment, and a deeper sense of community.