Welcome to Humanities Tennessee, René Dillard!
We are thrilled to welcome René Dillard to the Humanities Tennessee staff as our new Director of Development. In this role, she oversees our organization’s fundraising strategy and stewardship, focusing on using data and strategic growth to drive revenue and equitably expand programs. We sat down with René to find out what attracted her to working with Humanities Tennessee.
What draws you to nonprofit work in the humanities?
Growing up I wanted to be Indiana Jones, but I ended up being more interested in learning than doing. The most adventuring I’ll do is hiking or visiting a cave museum. The social sciences and humanities are interconnected, so this feels like a culmination of a lot of things for me.
It’s no secret that HT loves literature. What book will we always find on your bookshelf?
Probably Medieval Cats: Claws, Paws, and Kitties of Yore by Catherine Nappington. The title kind of gives away the content, but it’s a collection of art and history depicting the breadth of cat behavior and utility during medieval times. The funny thing is I’m not even a cat person. I’m loyal to my dog of 12 years who isn’t a fan and if I had a cat friend I’m sure he’d know. I’d never live it down. That’s too big of a price to pay so the book will have to suffice. I also always have something (or many things) from Nashville Public Library. The book delivery system between branches is unmatched and the staff at my local branch is amazing.
Our Shared Futures Lab explores ways the humanities can help us build a more empathetic and connected future for Tennesseans. What’s something in the future that you’re excited about?
There’s so much rapid change in the world that it’s hard to hold onto hope. Hope asks for rest, stillness, and work in equal measure, I think. That being said I’m really excited for the work we’re doing here at HT. I have a lot to learn about Tennessee history and am excited to be a part of building that more empathetic and connected future. I have so much hope for that.
What’s on your Tennessee bucket list?
I love to hike and camp, and I apply for the Synchronous Firefly lottery every year. It’s incredibly competitive, but I’m delusional enough to believe that one day my name will be called and I’ll get to dark sky camp for that. I mean, how once in a lifetime, right? I also appreciate a good mating ritual so I love that male fireflies are really giving it their all while their intended partners relax and watch. There are so many ways we humans mirror things that happen in nature, but I think we need more mating rituals. I want to be entertained! Dance! Write me a song!