Taking Center Stage: Kendra Whitlock Ingram

Kendra Whitlock Ingram is the new Pittsburgh Cultural Trust CEO
A native of Scranton and graduate of Duquesne University, the Cultural Trust’s new leader returns to Pittsburgh from Milwaukee where she led the Marcus Performing Arts Center.

Q: What’s the most interesting thing about your job?  
A:A big part of my job is seeing performances of many genres. On average, I attend 80-100 performances a year. One night may be a jazz concert and the next night may be a Broadway show. I absolutely love this aspect of my job and it never gets old.
Q: What’s the best advice anybody ever gave you?
A: My mom often says, “Nothing lasts forever, neither the good nor the bad.” It’s not exactly advice, but it’s a good perspective on life that I often say to myself.
Q: How do you start the day?
A: Lots of coffee and scanning the news; I start with local news and then shift to the New York Times arts section.
Q: Outside of work, what do you hope to accomplish in life?
A: I’d like to help more people of color achieve leadership roles in my field. I’ve been involved with the development of a leadership fellowship, which has the goal of growing the number of BIPOC individuals who serve in C-suite positions for arts organizations. My hope is that by the time I retire, there are a lot more people who look like me leading arts organizations nationwide.
Q: What three attributes do you value most in a person?
A: Authenticity, kindness, grit.
Q: If you could have dinner with one person, living or dead, who would it be?
A: My maternal grandparents; they died before I was born and I often think about what they were like and the interesting conversations we would have. From everything I’ve heard about them, they sound like they were wonderful people.
Q: What do you do for fun?
A: I really like to train for and participate in triathlons. It’s my “me time,” where I can focus on myself and unwind. I also really like to bake.
Q: What would you change about pittsburgh?
A: Pittsburgh is a beautiful place, but too many hills! Does not make for easy cycling or running.
Q: People would be surprised to know that…?
A: …I listen to a lot of true crime podcasts.
Q: What is your worst habit?
A: I do not have the best sleep hygiene. I often look at my phone when I can’t sleep.
Q: If you won the lottery, you would…?
A: …self-fund a music and wine festival outside of my hometown of Scranton, Pa. I have a specific location in mind and I would curate the artists on the festival lineup.
Q: What’s the most important thing in life?
A: Family, good friends, good health.
Q: What one word describes you best?
A: Energetic.
Q: What would you choose for your last meal?
A: Maroni’s Pizza (from Scranton) and Magnolia Bakery banana pudding.
Q: Who would play you in the movie of your life?
A: If Halle Berry was interested, I’d be OK with that. Tracy Ellis Ross might also be a good fit. pq