As the Creative Placemaking Director for United Arts of Central Florida, Audra will lead the Downtown Orlando activation in partnership with the City of Orlando, Creative City Project, Downtown Arts District along with many other organizations and artists to launch 11+ unique public spaces or “venues without walls” creating 857 opportunities for arts activations for people to experience our authentic arts & culture for free. She has worked Downtown Orlando for many years and understands the nuances of the urban core as well as has worked closely with local artists helping them create new businesses and helping them thrive.
Audra has 25+ years as a seasoned community leader with a strong business acumen and she is an artist! Audra has chosen to leave her extensive Corporate America career in finance and banking to make a more meaningful impact in the Orlando community that she calls home along with her three sons.
Audra is familiar with the nonprofit arts sector as she was the President elect of Michelee Puppets before they became a part of the Orlando Family Stage family and has served on United Arts Grants Panels. She has also served on the OCPS Foundation Board, graduated from Leadership Orlando #98, and has volunteered for many other nonprofits over the years. As a business professional, she has successfully built new divisions and operationalized them in companies from scratch and taking them to scale. Her skills and strengths will help United Arts develop this business model for the new Downtown Orlando arts activation initiative.
Audra holds a Bachelor of Science in Marketing, Psychology and Art/Fashion – from the University of Missouri. In her downtime, Audra enjoys staying active with friends through Pilates and other social activities. She stays involved in her twins Collegiate Football careers and travels to see most of their games- Go NW MO State & Wisconsin!!
Her office will be Downtown beginning in May 2024 with our partnership with Highwoods properties to help them occupy vacant commercial space with artist studios, galleries and providing workshops to the community.
