Americans for the Arts presents our Annual Leadership Awards as part of the virtual 2021 Americans for the Arts Annual Convention. These awards recognize the achievements of individuals and organizations committed to enriching their communities through the arts.

Christine Her is the daughter of Hmong refugee parents from Laos. Christine graduated from East High School in Des Moines, Iowa, and pursued her B.A. at Drake University, studying Creative Writing, Philosophy and Political Science. She was named One of 15 people to watch in the State of Iowa for 2021. Christine is a HealthConnect Fellow with the Mid-Iowa Health Foundation, focusing her project on developing diverse and healing-centered texts reflecting authentic stories of individuals who are minoritized and marginalized. She is also part of Capital Crossroads’ DSM USA 4 Equity Collective and the Des Moines Performing Arts (DMPA) Equity Diversity Inclusivity (EDI) Community Task Force. 

Christine currently serves as the Executive Director of ArtForce Iowa, a non-profit organization based in Des Moines. Founded in 2012, ArtForce Iowa has a mission to transform youth in need through art. The organization is pioneering a non-pathologizing approach to working with youth who have court involvement or identify as refugee and immigrant, offering a critical humanizing perspective using art and music. 

Christine is highly motivated to interrupt social and systemic injustices with hope and art while helping others rise in their own power and lean into their purpose.

The American Express Emerging Leader Award recognizes visionary leadership by an individual who is a new and/or young arts leader who demonstrates an ability to engage and impact their community. Learn more about the 2021 Annual Leadership Awards  at the Americans for the Arts Annual Convention afternoon mainstage session on Friday, June 11.