Ilana Bruton

Ilana Bruton has a diverse work experience in the field of museum education and nonprofit management. Ilana worked as the Director of Interpretation and Guest Engagement at Adler Planetarium from September 2018. Prior to that, they were an Executive Board Member and Leadership Institute Chair at YNPN Chicago, where they focused on developing future leaders for the Chicago nonprofit and public service sectors. From 2010 to 2018, Ilana worked at the Chicago History Museum, starting as a Public Programs Coordinator and later becoming the Public Programs Manager. In this role, they designed and implemented public programs, managed staff and volunteers, and established partnerships with cultural and community organizations. Ilana was also involved in several exhibition teams and led strategic planning meetings. Ilana's earlier experience includes working as a Curator of Education, Youth, Family, and Adult Programs at The Henry Ford and serving as an Assistant Director at EVO Gallery.

Ilana Bruton obtained a Bachelor's Degree in Interdisciplinary Humanities from Michigan State University, where they studied from 1998 to 2002. In 2004 and 2005, they attended The University of the Arts to pursue a Master's Degree in Museum Education. Additionally, in September 2011, they obtained certifications in improvisational training from the Second City Improvisational Training Center.