Staff Stories

Find out more about staff at Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity.

Should you wish to share your story, please contact diversity_inclusions@banffcentre.ca

Name:    Kirsten Ryder

Position: Director of Indigenous and Diversity Engagement
 
1.    What inspired you to join the Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity?
I was inspired by the job duties that were attached to this new job role. It was great to see the Banff Centre’s commitment to Indigenous Reconciliation, Diversity and Inclusion. It is also a beautiful place to work.
 
 2.    Who are some of your biggest influences, role models, or mentors? 
My biggest influences are those who are working in community, doing the daily grind, and working for the betterment of the community. Another influence is my late father, I watched him support others and he instilled his work ethic onto me.
 
3.    How do you motivate yourself while at work?
I truly believe I am doing meaningful work. If I can spread awareness and help others I am happy. This is what motivates me on the daily. Secondly, I would like to be a prime example to my child.
 
4.    What do you believe makes you unique as a team member?
 My connections in community, from Banff to Mini Thni, Stoney Nakoda.
 
5.    When have you felt the proudest of yourself, and why?
I felt the proudest when I landed this role! Following my completion of grad school. Anytime I can help anyone, I feel proud.
  
6.    What is one thing you can’t live without?
A good cup of coffee!

Name:  Enrico Crisostomo

Position:  Guest Services Agent

1.    What inspired you to join the Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity?
As an aspiring artist myself, being surrounded by amazing inspiring and aspiring artists and amazing events that the Banff Centre hosts is one of the reasons why I love Banff Centre. Banff Centre is a safe place to learn, express, show your love for passion for arts. I love how the Banff Centre has inspired millions of people for 90 years and still encourages artists to express their world class talent to showcase to the world.
 
2.    Who are some of your biggest influences, role models, or mentors?
 
I really look up to this human rights lawyer and economist and former politician and former vice president, Leni Robredo as she stood up against male candidates who had previously held positions in the national government and brought light and hope to the billions of Filipinos. Even though she lost the presidential election, she started a non-profit organization called Angat Buhay that inspires hope and bayanihan with partners, volunteers, and supporters to empower marginalized Filipino communities.
 
3.    How do you motivate yourself while at work?
Having a good workplace environment is significant for me to fuel my motivation each day. Being surrounded by a positive and amazing team and colleagues that are very helpful and supportive is what motivates me to go to work every single day. In addition, I dedicate my work to my family and my burning passion to serve the community as key motivators.
 
4.    What do you believe makes you unique as a team member?
Being enthusiast, committed and being adaptive and creative is what sets me apart from others. Moreover, I do believe that everybody is unique and talented and that everybody can bring something to the team.
 
5.    When have you felt the proudest of yourself, and why?
I have to say last year I was just so proud of myself, as I started my year getting full license, I started working out at the Sally Borden, I went back to school and live independently and having a good grade is something that I can be proud of. Lastly, me and my father were able to take my grandmother for her first international flight where we got to show her where we work and live.
 
6.    What is one thing you can’t live without?
If there’s one thing that I can’t live without that would’ve been education. There’s this proverb in Philippines that I quote “Ang eduksayon ay ang tanging yaman na hindi mananakaw ninuman kaya’t kailangang pahalagahan”. This proverb translates to education is important since it’s the only wealth that cannot be stolen by anyone.