For Women’s History Month, the BYU MOA wanted to highlight the incredible women who work inside the museum. Let us introduce you to Teresa Taylor, MOA Business Manager/Controller.
- How long have you worked at the MOA?
Since July 2011
- What is your favorite part about your job?
Helping co-workers to make their jobs easier. It is always changing.
- What has been your favorite exhibit at the MOA?
Sacred Gifts
- What’s one challenging aspect of your job?
Gathering all the information from Museum departments and personnel to prepare annual budgets
- What did you want to be when you grew up?
The first thing I remember was wanting to be was a secondary education teacher, but when I returned to college many years later, I realized I had an aptitude for accounting. And accountants are needed in almost every business. I was blessed to find a job that combined my degree and allowed me to work in a Museum.
- What types of cool opportunities has the MOA given you?
To visit Museums in other cities and gain a greater appreciation of art. It’s value in understanding the world around us.
- Where is your favorite place you’ve traveled?
New York City. I enjoy it more every time I return for another visit
- What women do you most look up to/ are inspired by in your life?
Besides the enduring strength of my mother, and the integrity of hard work from my grandmother, Eleanor Roosevelt comes to mind. One of her quotes is about gaining strength and confidence with every experience that we look fear in the face, she said, “You must do the thing you think you cannot do.”
- What’s a typical day like for you?
At work, often a meeting to attend, financial reports to review, something new comes up almost every day.
- How do you stay motivated?
Taking advantage of professional development opportunities through the University and Museum. Taking time to do things I enjoy.
- What are some of your hobbies?
Gardening, Camping/Hiking, Reading, Traveling
- What advise would you give students?
Whatever you decide to pursue, do it with integrity. No job is insignificant.
- If you could only eat one thing for the rest of your life, what would you choose?
Pizza? More opportunities for variety.
- Who is your favorite artist/what is your favorite artwork?
I wouldn’t say Van Gogh is my favorite artist, but Starry Night is one of my favorite paintings. To see it at the MOMA was a treat. My favorite at the MOA is Fallen Monarchs by William Bliss Baker. Photographer – Dorthea Lange, her insights of humanizing the devastating effects of the Depression Era
- If you weren’t at your current job, what would you want to do?
As another job… something that allowed me to be outside more during the day. I’m not sure what that would be…yet.