Bonnie's Story

Bonnie Fogel is a nonprofit leader responsible for creating, building and leading one of the top Theatres for Young Audiences in the United States for over four decades: Imagination Stage, Inc.

 

As the executive head of the organization, Bonnie was responsible for advancing the vision and mission of Imagination Stage by leading and overseeing all aspects of the organization. Her entrepreneurial style, developed in the marketing division of Marks & Spencer, the UK-based retail giant, informed her leadership style, which emphasized strategic direction, marketing and communications, and finding and supporting the resources (financial and personnel) needed to enhance the growth and development of a successful business. She worked closely with artistic and educational colleagues to ensure programming goals advanced the company’s mission and vision while personally prioritizing efficient daily operation and administration, advocacy (political and entrepreneurial) strategic planning, fundraising, marketing, community relations, and governance by engaging boards of trustees, elected and appointed government officials, donors, and other community partners to support organization objectives. Bonnie was also instrumental in the establishment of Imagination Stage DC (in 2003).

 

She is currently working as an arts management consultant and coach for nonprofit businesses.

 

When Imagination Stage was established in 1979 (as Bethesda Academy of Performing Arts), Bonnie didn’t have any of the traditional higher-education / or academic skills most value necessary for success (she did not attend college or university) but she did have skills that proved to be equally important:

 

• A dream: she knew what was missing in the community – opportunities for children to experience theatre in a meaningful and consistent way,

• A business partner: one with the skills she lacked – a professional actor and teacher,

• Business acumen: learned at Marks & Spencer UK, which had taught her the importance of customer relations, building a brand, and having a product that has quality and value,

• An entrepreneurial spirit: she had established several service projects in the community

• A desire to communicate through the written word, publicity and messaging,

• A sense of humor: an invaluable business asset, and most important of all –

• A “people first” democratic perspective that encouraged others to join the endeavor. Bonnie respected and honored others commitment and ideas and worked hard to incorporate them into her overall vision.

This background is shared to boost the confidence of those who have a dream but think they don’t have the necessary education, experience or skills to bring it to fruition.