7QYP
Who: Aliy Janda
What: Programming and Education Coordinator at Omaha Performing Arts
By Shout! Staff
1. Tell us about your job, what you do, and why you chose this career?
I am the Programming and Education Coordinator at Omaha Performing Arts. My job is to assist in arranging logistics for all incoming PRESENTS Artists. I am also a face-to-face contact when artists arrive at the venue. I never planned on having such an amazing career, but I’ve been involved in and have loved all things theater since high school so the offer was definitely a dream come true.
2. What is your favorite part of living in Omaha?
The hometown feel. I love that perfect strangers are willing to hold open a door for you or wave at you when you let them into your lane during rush hour. I used to take those things for granted but as I’ve gotten older and visited more and more cities, I’ve realized that Omaha is really unique in that aspect.
3. What could Omaha do to be more attractive to young professionals?
I feel that Omaha is doing a great job of presenting itself to young professionals. Not only is it a home base for a lot of big names, it is also a town that is affordable and therefore you could just as easily start your own business.
4. What are your hobbies outside of work?
I am an avid runner so running just to run as well as various races throughout Omaha and Lincoln. I also enjoy volunteering for Make-a-Wish foundation, a little recreational volleyball, and Husker games.
5. What is your favorite website (aside from your company’s site)?
Mentalfloss.com. It is a magazine as well as a website and contains some of the most mind blowing information. I don’t think I have ever been on the website or gone through the magazine and not learned something new. If you’re up for a trivia challenge, I highly recommend their quizzes.
6. If you could have lunch with any one person, living or dead, who would it be and why?
Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis. Based on what I have read about her, she seems like a very classy woman – one that managed to become a beloved public figure despite everything she was up against. I also have to commend her on her contributions to the arts.
7. What’s on your favorite T-shirt (or your second favorite, if your favorite is a company T)?
My favorite T-shirt is my 2007 Chicago Marathon T-shirt. Chicago 2007 was my first full marathon which means that, that shirt will always be in my closet- unless I’m wearing it.