Today we’d like to introduce you to Cathy Leff.
Cathy, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I was born in Brooklyn, raised in Hollywood, Florida–though in those days, I would only admit to “Hollywood,” hoping people would think I was from the “other” Hollywood. I left South Florida to go to school in New Orleans (Tulane), returning for the summer between undergraduate and graduate school. A love interest kept me here, and I have been so fortunate, from the beginning, to have been able to craft a full and fulfilling and meaningful life in Miami. I always had plans, most of which never materialized; but, the unexpected detours have provided me with opportunities I never could have anticipated.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
In retrospect, of course, there were many bumps along the way–both highs and lows. I tried not to focus on the obstacles–or get stuck in the potholes. I just kept moving, and, maybe, sometimes, too fast. This has been among my biggest personal and professional challenges, and, at times, has had unintended consequences.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Bakehouse Art Complex – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
I am now president of Leff Initiatives, a boutique consulting firm specializing in conceiving, developing, and executing cultural strategies and initiatives. I’m mostly interested in how culture, in the broadest sense, can be leveraged to shape and build community. That, I would say, is my interest and specialty. I started my company after working in and on The Wolfsonian for more than 20 years, where I helped take the private collection of Mitchell Wolfson, Jr, into the public domain, negotiating and shepherding its donation to FIU. I am most proud of having played a role in its rise from a relatively unknown collection and resource to its now acclaim as an important international museum and research center. Prior to serving as director of The Wolfsonian, I was vice president of The Wolfson Initiative Corp, focusing on its real estate acquisitions/development, along with the myriad of issues related to launching The Wolfsonian.
From 1976 to 1987, as assistant director of the City of Miami’s Community Development Department, I focused on working in and on physical and economic redevelopment programs in then some of Miami’s most blighted neighborhoods–now, the hipster areas that are redefining the city, I also oversaw the City’s iArt-in-Public Places and its cultural programs. My projects of late have ranged from advising private art collectors on the future of their collections, to working with real estate developers on cultural strategies. My current focus is Bakehouse Art Complex, an important Miami grown organization that provides coveted studios, infrastructure, and community to the promising artistic talent. I have recently accepted the opportunity to work with Bakehouse Board on rethinking the organization’s future, including opportunities to maximize use of its impressive 2.3-acre site, to better serve Miami’s artist community. My career started in Wynwood, where Bakehouse is based, and I am excited that 35 years after administering a City grant that enabled the organization to acquire its site, I am back working on its next phase of development. I also, try to contribute regularly, to CULTURED magazine.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
Right now, I am mostly focusing on this latest assignment with Bakehouse, hoping I can help its Board chart a future path to the organization can play a pivotal role in shaping Miami’s evolving cultural narrative.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
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