Blaire Massa
CEO, Ballet Des Moines
Age: 38
Husband: Brian Massa
Children: Two girls – Theo, 6, and Dylan, 4.
Reasons she is a Forty: She has transformed Ballet Des Moines into a leading regional arts institution, attracting world-class artists, educators and administrators to live and invest in our community. She leads the way in authentic partnership and collaboration, living her values that “a rising tide raises all ships.” She has been courageous and resilient in her willingness to pivot and reimagine the status quo, whether by strategy or necessity, to outstanding success. Under her leadership, Ballet Des Moines has become a regional leader in interdisciplinary arts programming, bringing creative, innovative educational programs to 99 counties across Iowa.
What are your goals in your role at your company? My vision is for Ballet Des Moines to lead by example in creating experiences that are inclusive, intentional, enriching and inspiring. My dream would be for every child in Iowa to have access to high-quality artistic programming and for Ballet Des Moines to play a role in making our community vibrant and authentically welcoming.
What are your goals for your community involvement? I want to help more people understand that the arts are vital in our society – teaching empathy, building confidence and forging connection. The arts are a public good, like street lights – they benefit everyone but most people assume that someone else will pay for them. Arts organizations and individual artists are public servants, and they deserve stability, a living wage and recognition. I serve on two boards that support the broader creative community in our state, which together advocate for creativity, innovation and artistry across the state. Access to arts programming has a measurable impact on lives, changing outcomes particularly for residents of rural and underserved communities, and I strive to make these programs truly accessible. Everyone deserves a chance to thrive.
What's your biggest passion, and why? I am passionate about living my values. Authenticity is important to me.
What is it that drives you? There is so much that can be done! To make our society better, to understand each other, to grow and learn and progress. Change is hard, but I would rather trip and get back up in an effort to improve than spend my life waiting for things to get better.
What are your future aspirations? I would love to see arts become an integral component of an American education, with educators collaborating with creatives to approach learning in a way that resonates and inspires students to be curious and confident. I want to help break down barriers between “academics” and the arts, deepening our understanding of what kids and adults need to be happy and successful.
Three hobbies: I walk and run (a lot), I cook (mostly Asian food), and I travel.
Fun fact: She's British. And she even has the accent, she just saves it for special occasions. She says she's bilingual.
One word to describe you: Authentic.
What is your wish for the Central Iowa business community? I wish that arts organizations didn't have to create new, shiny objects to receive philanthropic support.
What's one piece of advice that you would give to a young professional? Working your way up is something to be proud of. The best managers understand what it's like to do every role they oversee, and can legitimately empathize with and advocate for their team.
What is one issue you would like to see Central Iowa leaders address? The creative sector is a catalyst, an engine that can push through adversity to move society forward, but without structural, operational support, the sector will languish and our region will be held back from its potential.
Anything else you haven't addressed that people must know about you? I have a 90-pound Rhodesian ridgeback named Admiral Horatio Nelson, and he's the prettiest member of the family.