Jul 1, 2021 Volunteer Spotlight Get to know a little more about this month’s Volunteer Spotlight: Mamatha Kambam! Where are you from? I moved to Arkansas from Columbus, Ohio, but lived in six US states in the past 20 years. I was born and grew up in Bengaluru, India before I came to live in the US. How did you end up in Northwest Arkansas? I was working at the Abercrombie & Fitch corporate office in New Albany, Ohio when a recruiter contacted me in 2015 with a great career opportunity. One of the directors over the safety testing departments had retired, so I relocated to fill her role. What have you most enjoyed about being a volunteer at Crystal Bridges and/or the Momentary? I have enjoyed working with museum staff the most—they are so empathetic and inclusive. Volunteering also helps me feel more a part of the community and fulfills my goal of equitable distribution of time between community and career. What’s your favorite artwork or space at Crystal Bridges and/or the Momentary? My favorite artwork is Gabriel Dawe’s Plexus No. 27. Favorite space is the Crystal Bridges Library—the serenity and breathtaking views makes reading so much more relaxing. What do you do to relax? Go for walks and hikes on warm days. On cold days, I sit in a sunny window at home where I like to gaze and daydream. What would an ideal day in Northwest Arkansas look like for you? As long as it is not cold or flooding, any day is ideal. Just driving in the splendid Ozarks with lush greenery and colorful blooms, working with wonderful people and doing what I like the most—so I’m one of those lucky people living the dream almost every day. What’s your secret super skill? I have learned to adapt quickly to change. Not only was there a need to adjust to different countries, cities, environments, etc., I also had to be flexible/cognitive of ever-increasing uncertainties, changing ideas, shifts in responsibilities, evolving self-expectations—it’s almost an imperative super skill. If you had three wishes, what would they be? I wish my family could visit and see the splendid natural beauty of Arkansas. I wish the Natural State remains so for generations to come. I wish the laid-back life in Northwest Arkansas is not lost as it transitions to becoming a metropolitan area.
