Kathleen Silva León (Katy)

Kathleen (Katy) Silva León has a diverse range of work experience in the arts and cultural sector. Kathleen (Katy) is currently the Head of Development at the McNay Art Museum, where they have held various roles since 2021, including Interim Head of Development and Development Officer.

Prior to their current position, Katy served as the Upstairs Studios Director at the Blue Star Arts Complex from 2018 to 2022. In this role, they acted as a liaison between 13 studios and the administrative office, fostering a supportive and communal environment for artists.

From 2017 to 2021, Katy worked at the San Antonio Report, initially as the Advertising & Marketing Manager and later as the Director of Development. Kathleen (Katy) was responsible for negotiating advertising sales contracts, managing media sponsorships, and achieving revenue growth. Kathleen (Katy) also played a key role in supporting nonprofit and community initiatives.

Before their time at the San Antonio Report, Katy worked at the Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center from 2015 to 2017. As the Marketing & Communications Director, they developed and maintained the organization's brand identity and implemented strategies to broaden its audience and increase revenue. Kathleen (Katy) also had a role as the Marketing and Development Manager, focusing on fundraising and audience development.

Katy's earlier experiences include an internship at the Tobin Center for the Performing Arts, where they served as a Marketing Coordinator, and an independent contractor role at Public Art San Antonio, where they managed a blog, wrote articles, and created marketing graphics.

Kathleen (Katy) also had internships at the Olana Group, where they coordinated the grand opening of the University Health System Sky Tower, and at HiWorks and Claremont University Consortium, where they gained design experience.

Overall, Katy Silva León's work experience demonstrates their strong background in development, marketing, and communications within the arts and cultural sector.

Kathleen (Katy) Silva León attended Trinity University from 2009 to 2013, where they obtained a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree in Studio Art and Art History. In December 2018, they earned a certification in the Alexander Briseño Leadership Development Program from the San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. Additionally, they became a 2022 Fellow of the New Leaders Council - San Antonio Chapter, although the specific date of obtaining this certification is unknown.