Press

Ms. Bushara develops and supervises family programming and professional development both at the Museum and in 40 low-income communities across New York City. The programs have a proven record of enhancing the lives of the city’s most vulnerable families. Over the course of 18 years at CMOM, Ms. Bushara has built strategic partnerships with such varied organizations as the United Way, Head Start, the National Institutes of Health and the New York City Housing Authority. These relationships allow CMOM to leverage its resources in health, education and the arts to enable all children to reach their potential.

“Since opening its doors in 1973, CMOM has been guided by the belief that all children deserve the strongest possible foundation from which to begin their formal education,” said halley k harrisburg, Chair of CMOM’s Board of Directors. “Leslie Bushara embodies this belief and for the past 18 years has carried that torch and nurtured CMOM’s growth and its impact on the communities we serve. The well-being and success of every family is at the heart of what motivates Leslie, our current Board and staff as well as previous generations of CMOM leaders. We are grateful for Leslie’s work – she is truly a `Champion of Change.’”

Ms. Bushara was nominated by the Institute of Museum and Library Services and will attend an event at the White House on June 11 to brief the President on CMOM’s work and its impact on communities. CMOM addresses the most urgent issues facing children and families through a multi-pronged approach: Developing trust through its long-term presence in low-income communities; providing access for all children to high-quality exhibitions, programming and events; and holding professional development training for those who work on the frontline with at-risk children. CMOM’s arts-based approach to learning focuses on birth through age 10, instilling good habits that promote literacy, math, science and health skills, all while engaging not only children but families and educators. CMOM creates successful and sustainable teaching models that are being replicated on a local and national scale.

 “To create real, sustained change requires long-term commitment.  Our collaborative work with low-income communities from throughout the city is a reflection of the passion and vision of CMOM’s Board of Directors and its close relationship with our wonderful staff,” said Ms. Bushara. “This collaborative partnership and shared vision between commnity, our Board and staff is integral to our success. It allows us to be more than a museum, to be unconventional in our role as we work to create change in the communities that need it most.”

Founded in 1973, the Children’s Museum of Manhattan is New York City’s leading cultural institution dedicated solely to children and families. CMOM inspires children and their families to learn about themselves and a culturally diverse world through unique interactive exhibitions. CMOM presents a full range of activities, exhibits and special performances that stimulate children of all ages. Through multidimensional programs that reach deep into the community, the Museum serves New Yorkers from all backgrounds.  For details on all of CMOM’s programs, please visit www.cmom.org.