Raphaelle Ziemba
Los Angeles,CA
Summary
Dynamic arts professional with extensive experience in performance, choreography, and management, dedicated to advancing community engagement and arts education in Los Angeles. Proven leadership as Managing Director at Heidi Duckler Dance and Co-Founder of the Los Angeles Dance Workers Coalition, successfully executing initiatives such as the Ebb & Flow Festival and the LA Department of Cultural Affairs Dance in the Districts. Committed to fostering partnerships and enhancing access to the arts through innovative programming, exemplified by collaborative projects promoting health and wellness at local medical campuses. Aiming to enrich Los Angeles’ cultural landscape via strategic planning and event production that emphasizes equity and inclusion in the arts.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
Work History
Managing Director
Heidi Duckler Dance
Los Angeles, CA
02.2019 - Current
- Provide strategic leadership and operational oversight for a nationally recognized site-specific dance company
- Supervise five employees and up to 50 independent contractors during productions and events
- Oversee financial management, including budgeting ($800K+ annual budget), payroll, grant compliance, and financial reporting
- Lead fundraising efforts, securing over $1.9 million in grants over the past two years
- Manage donor relations, corporate sponsorships, and fundraising campaigns, including the annual gala
- Oversee all board communications, serving as lead staff for the Finance, Advancement, and Legacy Committees
- Ensure legal and regulatory compliance, including insurance, labor laws, and business licensing
- Develop marketing strategies and supervise the Marketing Director
- Oversee programming and production for 20+ events per season, ensuring alignment with financial and artistic goals
- Facilitate stewardship of current members and corporate sponsors
- Lead the development and implementation of the company’s Racial Equity Statement
Programs Director
Heidi Duckler Dance
Los Angeles, CA
02.2017 - 01.2019
- Supervised employees, teaching artists, and production staff for professional and outreach performances
- Managed season programming, including outreach initiatives and the annual gala
- Developed and maintained program budgets, ensuring all productions remained on schedule and within financial targets
- Ran production meetings and managed Front of House operations
- Administered contracts, coordinated volunteers, and managed CRM and ticketing platforms
- Led the creation of promotional materials and managed website updates
Community Engagement Manager & Producer
Audience Architects/See Chicago Dance
Chicago, IL
01.2014 - 01.2017
- Co-curated and managed Moving Dialogs, a public conversation series on dance
- Oversaw logistics and marketing for events, securing partnerships and sponsorships
- Managed strategic planning for Chicago Dance Month, producing 7-10 performances annually
- Led fundraising initiatives, organized benefits, and facilitated artist engagement
Associate Artistic Director & Outreach Coordinator
Cerqua Rivera Dance Theatre
Chicago, IL
01.2007 - 01.2015
- Directed rehearsals, mentored dancers, and produced performances
- Managed an 11-piece band and collaborated with composers
- Expanded outreach programming and aligned initiatives with Illinois Social/Emotional Learning Standards
- Co-authored grant proposals, securing funding for site-specific collaborations
Education
Coro Women in Leadership (WIL) Program -
Los Angeles, CA01.2022
M.A. - Arts Education
The School of the Art Institute of Chicago
Chicago, IL01.2013
B.F.A. - Dance Performance
SUNY Purchase
Purchase, NY01.2002
Interlochen Arts Academy -
Traverse City, MI01.1998
Skills
- Financial Management
- Budgeting
- Payroll
- Grant Compliance
- IRS Filings
- Fundraising & Development
- Grant Writing
- Donor Engagement
- Sponsorships
- Operations & Compliance
- HR
- Business Licensing
- Insurance
- Labor Laws
- Marketing & Communications
- Strategy
- Digital Media
- Social Media
- CRM
- Event & Program Management
- Season Planning
- Production Oversight
- Logistics Coordination
- Technical
- Microsoft Office
- Google Suite
- Adobe Suite
- CRM & Ticketing Platforms
References
Available upon request.
Phone
cell, 7087045681
Service And Leadership
- Member, Los Angeles Dance Worker Coalition, 01/01/21, Present
- Development Consultant, The World Stage, Los Angeles, CA, 01/01/22, 01/01/22
- Volunteer, San Jose Obrero Mission, Chicago, IL, 01/01/12, 01/01/14
Timeline
Managing Director
Heidi Duckler Dance
02.2019 - Current
Programs Director
Heidi Duckler Dance
02.2017 - 01.2019
Community Engagement Manager & Producer
Audience Architects/See Chicago Dance
01.2014 - 01.2017
Associate Artistic Director & Outreach Coordinator
Cerqua Rivera Dance Theatre
01.2007 - 01.2015
Coro Women in Leadership (WIL) Program -
M.A. - Arts Education
The School of the Art Institute of Chicago
B.F.A. - Dance Performance
SUNY Purchase
Interlochen Arts Academy -
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