Rooted in curiosity and a genuine desire for connection, Christine Peters' leadership style is characterized by a strong emphasis on the importance of asking questions. As the Executive Director of Ballet Tucson, Christine actively fosters an environment where curiosity is not only encouraged but celebrated. She believes that every conversation and collaboration opens new doors, leading to personal growth and better-informed leadership. Christine’s commitment to curiosity cultivates a culture where continuous learning is valued, ultimately guiding Ballet Tucson toward innovative solutions.
Born and raised in Mesa, Arizona, Christine Peters has paved her career path with a love for the arts and an evolving sense of leadership. When she first started out, Christine admitted she sometimes felt shy about asking for clarity, worried about not having all the answers. Over time, she recognized that asking questions fosters growth and builds confidence. As a leader, she now encourages others to embrace this mindset, especially when making tough decisions. She brings this mindset to her work in the community with Angel Charity for Children ad Pima County Medical Society Alliance.
Growing up in a dance studio, Christine explored ballet, jazz, tap, and contemporary dance. Her passion for dance led her to higher education, where she received a scholarship to the Herberger College of Fine Arts. Christine also achieved an MBA from the Eller College of Management at the University of Arizona. Early on in her career, she gathered invaluable experiences during an internship at the Arizona Commission on the Arts, paving the way for her lifelong dream of making arts and culture accessible to all.
Christine's journey led her to extraordinary opportunities, including internships at the Bureau of Education and Cultural Affairs at the U.S. State Department, the Office of the First Lady, and the Department of Cultural Affairs in New York City. Through these experiences, Christine began to recognize the transformative power of the arts within communities. These roles also deepened her understanding of the importance of creating pathways for others to engage with arts and culture, helping to eliminate barriers that prevent access.
Throughout her career, Christine has had the support and mentorship of several influential women. She recalls her internship at the Office of the First Lady under Michelle Obama as a pivotal moment, where the former First Lady’s storytelling and leadership made high-level roles feel both authentic and attainable. Christine also speaks highly of mentors like Susan Galler of the Miami City Ballet and Tania Castroverde Moskalenko of the Sarasota Performing Arts Center, both of whom have shaped her approach to leadership. These mentors showed her that leadership does not require perfection or formality but can be grounded in authenticity, empathy, and adaptability.
Christine believes that inclusion thrives when people feel empowered to seek guidance and share resources. She has benefited greatly from individuals who generously offered their knowledge, and she hopes to pay it forward by creating inclusive environments where others feel comfortable contributing their perspectives. Christine emphasizes that diverse perspectives create a stronger, more resilient community. She likens it to a safety net, where multiple viewpoints allow leaders to see challenges from every angle and make well-rounded decisions.
Christine's work at Ballet Tucson is a reflection of this collaborative approach. She explains that by reaching out to the community and inviting input, Ballet Tucson fosters a sense of ownership and connection among its supporters, making the organization stronger and more sustainable.
All of these fibers are connected. We're reaching out for help and people feel more of a sense of ownership over the organization and connectedness to the organization. It's beautiful to see this collaborative process bring to fruition an organization so beautiful as our ballet.
Christine’s passion for arts and community aligns in her work at Ballet Tucson, where a family-friendly environment allows her team to share these experiences with their children. Reflecting on the importance of modeling leadership for the next generation, "Our daughters get to come and see us work. They get to have this very holistic experience where they are supported by a community and they get to see their mommies running it." This holistic approach strengthens the organization and ensures that future generations see leadership as both accessible and inclusive.
In her current role at Ballet Tucson, Christine enjoys the variety that comes with leading a lean team. She wears many hats, which allows her to understand how all the pieces of the organization fit together. For Christine, leadership is about more than just solving problems—it’s about building sustainable structures that allow organizations to thrive. Her approach to leadership reflects a deep understanding of both people and process, creating a foundation for growth that will benefit Ballet Tucson for years to come.
Christine’s story is one of lifelong learning, connection, and inclusion. Her journey reminds us that leadership is not about having all the answers but about asking the right questions and staying curious. Through her work, she continues to inspire those around her, demonstrating the value of authentic leadership and the importance of community engagement. Thank you, Christine, for your work as a role model who embodies the power of collaboration, curiosity, and inclusion in building a brighter future.
