Pamela Baer began her philanthropic career through her mother, a world-class ballet dancer who took her daughter to aid orphanages in Guatemala and China. Following her mother’s death, Pam started a nonprofit, Dance for Humanity, to continue her mother’s work. That organization eventually transitioned into Dance for Humanity Productions, a dance school for children of color in the Bay Area. In the 1980s, Pam formed Dance Theater of Harlem’s Public-School Initiative and incorporated Dance for Humanity Productions in 1989.
Pam’s current work focuses on several initiatives, including Dance for Humanity and The Sherwood Foundation. Her organization Dance for Humanity Productions was instrumental in promoting and bringing New York City Ballet to Oakland, California, in 2002. Before becoming a philanthropist, Pam worked as a Director of Operations in the retail space of Westfield America, a shopping center that housed more than 400 stores across the United States. Her career helped her to form the tools that she now employs in her philanthropic projects.
She worked closely with retail organizations, so much so that Pam Baer coined the term “center-store design” to help designers select furnishings and displays that would be successful. Pam then became a Consultant in Retail Design and Technology, a position that allowed her to advise other organizations in the retail sector. The job helped Pam to understand the dynamics of philanthropy. Pam often held workshops on philanthropy for large corporations.
In 1992, she started a side business, Mainstreet Communications, as a marketing and public relations company. Pam’s clients included nonprofit organizations focused on cancer, the homeless, and education. Pam grew her business, intending to use her experience to share information about the underserved and underrepresented sectors. Pam’s commitment to equality influenced the creation of For Goodness.
Pam Baer current role as a philanthropist began at Stanford University, where she worked as the Volunteer Coordinator for the Partners in Care program. The program provides young adults and veterans with opportunities to volunteer with nonprofits. She also founded Stanford University’s Veterans Club, which is now called “Kohli: Building Leaders to Change the World.” The club supports emerging veterans, promotes community awareness, and sponsors youth summer camps. Read this article, for more information.
Additional information about Pamela Baer on https://medium.com/@PamCBaer