I’m Siarra Childress: a lover of culture, beauty, and the excitement that comes from a good idea. I’ve spent my upbringing obsessed with art, science, history, and the innovative thinkers contributing to all three. After studying scientific visualization and earning Cum Laude from the University of Illinois in Chicago, I became an orator discussing the topics I’ve always been passionate about. First as a docent with the award-winning art collective, Floating Museum, and then as a tour guide turned Manager of Education and Arts Programs at the Intl. Museum of Surgical Science. Now, I help businesses and organizations take purposeful, calculated steps towards real, sustainable growth.
Hello!
I’m Siarra Childress: a lover of culture, beauty, and the excitement that comes from a good idea. I’ve spent my upbringing obsessed with art, science, history, and the innovative thinkers contributing to all three. After studying scientific visualization and earning Cum Laude from the University of Illinois in Chicago, I became an orator discussing the topics I’ve always been passionate about. First as a docent with the award-winning art collective, Floating Museum, and then as a tour guide turned Manager of Education and Arts Programs at the Intl. Museum of Surgical Science. Now, I help businesses and organizations take purposeful, calculated steps towards real, sustainable growth.
My Background & Current Practice
At the museum, I rebuilt the educational programming department by pushing for multicultural representation in the discussion of contemporary medical history; which is commonly skipped due to the exploitation of BIPOC bodies in pursuit of scientific progress. After revamping tours and increasing bookings by 600% during my tenure, I developed sold-out events, recruited and trained a dedicated team of volunteers, and created a welcoming environment for both my coworkers and the local community.
Since then, I've brought that same standard to ambitious clients and institutions across STEAM, research, and nonprofit sectors looking to make positive impact and lasting impressions. I believe that innovation starts with inspiration, so I bring both aesthetic and strategic intention to every project.
How I Work
As a professional, I solve structural problems, command rooms, and prioritize authenticity in everything I do. Whether acting as a leader or team member, I'm direct about naming patterns that aren't working and firm about breaking them in pursuit of more sustainable workflows. When taking on a new endeavor, I develop strong baselines by taking into account everyone's needs, moods, proposed trajectories, and personalities.
Working with creatives and nonprofits has taught me that every mind is a valued asset and contributor to long-term stability. Working with limited budgets and high stakes has taught me resourcefulness and gratitude I can't unlearn. Knowing how to make things work with what's available produces smarter decisions and keeps me from being wasteful in times of abundance.
I see every experience as an opportunity to grow creatively, strategically, mindfully, and interpersonally. My range and passion for this work continues to expand with every team I meet; and I look forward to bringing more and more ideas to life.