Meet Julie Gumpert, the Senior Program Associate. Julie has been with us for a year and a half and sat down with us to discuss some of her interests and tell us stories about her time here. 

Q: Tell us about your experience at the Skirball. 

A: Even before working here, the Skirball has been a meaningful part of my life. Originally from the East Coast, I fell in love with Los Angeles during the Sunset Concerts series in the summer of 2002, attending every Thursday night performance. It became a tradition to visit the Skirball with my family whenever they came to town, exploring exhibitions and enjoying the annual festivals together. Recently, I had the extraordinary privilege of celebrating my son’s bar mitzvah in the courtyard where I now work. Most importantly, the Skirball embodies the values I hold dear—Jewish traditions, a commitment to inclusivity, and a true sense of welcome. It’s a place where I’ve always felt a deep sense of belonging, both personally and professionally. 

Q: What’s a past or present exhibition that you enjoyed and why. 

A: One exhibition I really love at the Skirball is Common Ground. This is a community-activated artwork by Los Angeles–based artist Adam Silverman that celebrates American pluralism while also fostering human connection through shared meals. Adam collected clay, water, and wood ash from all fifty American states, Washington DC, and the five inhabited US Territories. He then combined these materials to make a single, fully integrated, new material, erasing borders and reimagining the country as a single, unified place. He used this material to make the glazes for Common Ground. These ceramics are intended as tools to facilitate conversation and build community. I have the pleasure of getting to plan and produce some of these public meals, bringing people together to share food, dialogue and stories. 

Q: Describe a Skirball event you had the opportunity to attend. What made it special for you?   

A: I had such a great time planning and then attending The Challah Prince: Artistic Braiding Workshop. The workshop itself, led by artist Idan Chabasov, aka the Challah Prince, was amazing. The event took place just before Rosh Hashana, and everyone got to learn how to braid beautiful round challahs and then take them home, ready to bake. It was such a joyful and meaningful way to bring people of all ages together. What made it extra special was having my son volunteer with me during the day. We worked alongside my colleagues to prepare enough challah dough for 200 people so everything was ready in time for the event. It was so special to share that experience with him and have get a taste of the work I do here. 

Q: What's one activity you prioritize outside of the Skirball? How does it interact with the work you do here? 

A: One activity I prioritize outside of the Skirball is my involvement as a Board Advisor with TeenTix LA, an initiative that provides teens with affordable access to arts and culture across Los Angeles. This work aligns closely with my role at the Skirball, as both focus on fostering connection, equity, and engagement through the arts and cultural experiences. 

Q: Tell us about a coworker who has gone above and beyond to represent the Skirball in their work. 

A: One coworker who goes above and beyond is Isabel, who oversees all of our adult education classes. She genuinely cares about her students and makes sure each one feels seen and supported. They call her at all hours—day and night—and she always picks up with so much warmth and kindness. Isabel has an amazing way of making everyone feel cared for, and it really shows in how much her students and teachers trust and appreciate her. She’s such a great example of what the Skirball is all about: building community and making people feel welcome. 

Q. What are you looking forward to learning more about yourself in the following year? 

A. I’m looking forward to learning more about how to navigate this divisive time in our country and finding ways to ensure that the work I do at the Skirball remains truly inclusive and welcoming. I want to deepen my understanding of how we can bring people together across differences, fostering dialogue and connection through our programs and initiatives. This reflection feels especially important as we continue to build bridges within our community and celebrate the diversity of Los Angeles.

Our institution is more than just a workplace—it's a community where each team member plays a vital role in bringing the Skirball's mission and values to life, and creating memorable experiences for all who walk through our doors. As a loving tribute to our original benefactors, Jack and Audrey Skirball, and because of the Skirballs' dedication to education and cultural exchange, we proudly call ourselves "Skirballers."

We regularly spotlight one of these Skirballers, showcasing their unique talents, passions, and contributions to our community. Through these introductions, we invite you to get to know the people who make working here truly something special.