Dear Pentacle friends and family,

I am excited to share that beginning in July, our longtime staff member, Clarissa Soto Josephs, transitioned from Pentacle’s Director of Programming to Associate Director! This marks an exciting turning point in our 43-year history. As always, Pentacle’s growth has been organic and so it is with great pleasure that we can continue this trend by seeking future leadership from within our staff.

Clarissa has been an integral part of Pentacle for the past nine years and I look forward to working closely with her in this new relationship. Along with the staff and Board, I see this as an important step towards Pentacle’s sustainable future serving the artists we support in NYC, nationally and internationally. 

Cordially,
Mara
Director

Learn more about Clarissa below!

What is your favorite thing about working at Pentacle?

First and foremost, my favorite thing is that I get to work on something that I love. Not everyone gets to wake up and go to a job that they like every single day. Second, I love that I get to work with and support artists. At the end of the day, that is why I got into this field… out of my love for the arts, especially dance. Dancing made me who I am today, it has guided me through the ups and downs and has given me an outlet of expression. I am truly thankful that I get to work with artists and support their work.

What has been your favorite project at Pentacle?

I have two… the Internship program and ART. 

The Internship program, formerly known as CLD, was the first project I ever managed. I learned so much from that program and was truly able to make a difference for these young administrators. I realized how much I loved to be an educator and mentor. I feel very proud that I have introduced so many young people to arts administration. 

The ART program holds a special place in my heart because it was the first of its kind for Pentacle and it really challenged me to go beyond my comfort zone. Although it was not always easy, I feel that the program helped me immensely in terms of experience and expertise.

How did you first learn about Pentacle?

My supervisor during my college internship worked at Pentacle. (Shout out to Ashley Browne!)

How has Pentacle changed since you joined?

So many things have changed at Pentacle since 2011! To name a few…the fiscal department has tripled in size, the staff is better trained, and there are more internal systems and procedures in place to help with efficiency.

What is on your wishlist for the next 10 years with Pentacle?

I hope that Pentacle can provide artists with more administrative support at a low cost and continue to train the next generation of arts leaders. The dream is that Pentacle can reach sustainability and in turn bring sustainability to all of its artists. I wish that Pentacle is at the forefront of bringing diversity, equity, and inclusion to our field.

What would you name the autobiography of your life?

Investing in the American Dream

If you could learn to do anything, what would it be?

Be a surgeon…thanks to Grey’s Anatomy!

If you won the lottery, what is the first thing you would do?

In order: 

Pay off all of my parents’ debt and buy them a property in Peru

Pay off all of my debt

Donate to my favorite non-profits

Take a vacation around the world with my husband, Michael, and my puppy, Willy!

What was the last experience that made you a stronger person?

One month ago, my husband and I started our own dog walking business called Parkside Pups. Although my husband had a stable job, we took a leap of faith together to make his dream come true. It’s been a lot of work, but this joint venture has helped us grow stronger as individuals, as a couple, and as business partners. Each new project brings me a lot of strength, growth, and perspective.

If you could meet anyone, living or dead, who would you meet?

This is too hard….Living: Michelle Obama / Dead: Walt Disney

Ten years ago, who did you think you would be now?

I thought I would be the Artistic Director of my own dance company

What’s the coolest (or most important) trend you see today?

I believe we are experiencing a renaissance of television. I think this is both cool and important because TV shows are becoming more courageous and not afraid of expressing true issues in the world and reflecting the realities of our culture.

What would you do (for a career) if you weren’t doing this?

When I was 5 years old, I always wanted to be a cashier! Realistically, I think I would be a college professor or a dance teacher. Definitely some type of educator.

What would you most like to tell yourself at age 13?

Don’t worry about being perfect. There is a lot more beauty in imperfection. 

How do you define success?

I have always felt very driven to be “successful.” When I was younger, I thought that meant being perfect. I soon realized that perfectionism is a barrier to reaching true success. For me, success means that you are leaving something better than it was before you got there. Throughout every event in my life, I always ask myself, ‘How can I contribute? How can I do my part?’ As long as I know that I am helping others, I feel successful.