Kim Lee

Note: This is one in a series of spotlights on MOI staff members who have been named a “Keefer Fellow,” a monthly program aimed at recognizing staffers for their contributions to the museum and the community. This month, our Director of Development.

Q: Explain what you do at the museum in 20 words or less.

Kim: I connect donors and granters with funding opportunities at the MOI. I help match their passions with work done here.

Q: What’s a museum-related accomplishment that you’re particularly proud of?

Kim: It was wonderful to be a part if the team that helped secure funding for both the expansion and the WOW exhibit.

Q: What do you do for fun?

Kim: Well, besides work, I enjoy spending time with my family, reading, and exploring outdoors on easy hikes.

Q: What would you do for a career if you weren’t doing this (and if money were no object)?

Kim: I would work to ensure people enjoyed equitable access to basic needs.

Q: What’s the weirdest / most interesting past job you’ve had?

Kim: Picked worms (night crawlers) from a field that was treated with chemicals to encourage them to come to the surface. It paid some ridiculously low amount per pound, but I was in 5th grade so I was happy.

Q: Name a setback in your life that has ended up being a good thing.

Kim: I can’t really think of any life experiences that I view as a “setback.” It’s just life. You live, you learn, you grow as a person.

Q: What’s something – large or small, useful or not – that you’re really good at?

Kim: Um, I’m a good “idea” person (if that’s a thing). I enjoy brainstorming and coming up with solutions. I guess I’m “good” at it, people keep asking me 🙂 .

Q: What were you like in high school?

Kim: Bit of a class clown, but with manners.

Q: What’s your favorite book, movie, and TV show?

Kim:

• Book: Loads, but honestly the Bible — timeless truth keeps me grounded
• Movie: Oh Brother, Where Art Thou? — slays me every time
• TV show: Difficult to answer because there are many bingeworthy shows. All-time favorite would be The Carol Burnett Show. The skits were hilarious and I enjoyed watching and laughing as a family.

Q: Tell us something about you that might surprise us.

Kim: I taught Sociology 101 for one semester at ISU and public speaking is not my jam.