As we begin 2023, MER would like to spend some time celebrating the wonderful people that we have the opportunity to work with. We asked each director to answer a series of questions to allow us to get to know them better.

 

Sarah Bloom (she/her)recently joined the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Discovery Center as the Sr. Officer for Interpretation and Visitor Engagement – overseeing K-12 Education Programs, Youth Programs, Interpretive Strategies and Exhibitions. Prior to this most recent tenure, Sarah served as the Associate Director of Education at the Seattle Art Museum, where for the past eight years, she played a key role in developing and strengthening SAM’s programs across the museum’s three sites: SAM Downtown, the Asian Art Museum, and the Olympic Sculpture Park. Education, engagement, and outreach have always been at the core of Sarah’s work. Prior to SAM, Sarah held positions with the Getty Museum, the Norton Simon, and the USC Pacific Asia Museum in Los Angeles. A native of Alexandria, Egypt, Sarah received a BA from Boston University and an MA from the University of Colorado in Classical Art & Archaeology. She has been a board member since 2020 and is currently a member of the Communications Team.

What made you want to join MER?
As a lifelong museum educator, the JME has been a bedrock of staying connected to the field and to scholarship and I was very excited to contribute to this community of dedicated museum professionals and to the field.

What are your dreams/ goals for the organization during your tenure?
To connect more deeply and meaningfully to the field of museum education

How does MER align with your personal and/ or professional work?
I am a lifelong learner and always aspire to continue to learn and grow in my knowledge and craft. MER exemplifies that foundational philosophy both in the content that comes from the journal but also in the way we approach the work and collaborations.

How do you relax and recharge after a long day?
I love to end the day just playing with my 2 year old. I wouldn’t say it’s relaxing but it’s definitely fun to unplug and just play together with no distractions

Who is someone you look up to?
My uncle, an incredible person who has set such a wonderful example for me in the way he’s lived his life with empathy, love, and integrity. I love his sense of humour and how he always brings a smile to any conversation.