Fox Cities Performing Art Center President Maria Van Laanen
The Illuminating Women art exhibition is a celebration of inspiring women who have made a lasting impact within their communities.
Through a collection of photography and biographical narratives, the exhibit honors trailblazers, caregivers, leaders, and everyday heroines whose courage, creativity, and resilience have shaped lives around them. Each piece captures a unique journey, creating a tapestry of strength and hope that invites visitors to reflect on the beauty of empowerment and the enduring influence of women. This week we're highlighting the President and CEO of the Fox Cities Performing Arts Center, Maria Van Laanen.
Meet Maria...
Maria Van Laanen
Maria Van Laanen is the President and CEO of the Fox Cities Performing Arts Center. Even though she moved frequently as a child, Maria has always regarded Northeast Wisconsin as her home base. The first of her family to attend college, Maria relied on her own instincts to navigate college life. Paying for tuition on her own, she worked full-time at her college performing arts center. There, she discovered her passion for the performing arts, through her long love of music. While she pursued a degree in advertising for a while, Maria always knew that she belonged to the arts world. Besides being a champion for building community connections through the arts, Maria treasures time with her grown-up daughter and enjoys reading and hiking.
Maria is a visionary and understands the power of art. She works passionately to connect new audiences in the community. She loves engaging everyone to consider new experiences and perspectives. She inspires people through the arts by showing them new possibilities and giving them hope. In person, Maria is a skilled and patient listener. She provides opportunities for others to be themselves and to share their thoughts. Mindful and strategic, she helps those around her find their own path in art and life. She knows that everyone brings value no matter who they are and where they are from.
Maria continues to learn and evolve. She is open-minded and explores new ideas. At the Fox Cities Performing Arts Center she pioneered impactful community engagement programs and has built lasting supportive networks. Outside of work, she recently took up kayaking to spend more time in nature. Maria is inspired by those who move mountains and seeks to make the most of each day. When faced with a challenge, she takes a step back, focuses on what she can control, and then determines how she can be most helpful. Maria believes that we should not pursue perfection. Instead, we should look closely and appreciate our own unique magic.
- Written by Juliane Troicki of Illuminating Project
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