We recently connected with Ahava Silkey-Jones and have shared our conversation below.
Ahava, thank you so much for joining us. You are such a positive person and it’s something we really admire and so we wanted to start by asking you where you think your optimism comes from?
Optimism is an integral part of me. It has helped me lead, connect, and build momentum. I’ve seen how a hopeful outlook creates joy. I grew up around a joyful and optimistic father who always saw the good in people and situations. That kind of perspective shapes you. It helped me gravitate toward other optimistic people and taught me that optimism is a choice and a powerful source of strength.
When I lead with the belief that things will work out and that even better things are ahead, it shifts the energy in the room. It creates space for others to believe too, to try something new, to move forward with purpose. I know that optimism is not about ignoring reality or pretending everything is fine. It’s about trusting that effort and showing up matter. And that joy, opportunity, and progress are there, even when we cannot yet see them.
I can’t explain exactly why optimism lives so deeply in my heart, but it’s one of my most cherished traits. It’s the part of me that keeps me going, that still notices beauty, still feels wonder, and still believes in what people can build when they come together.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I serve as Vice Provost of the School of Creative Arts, Entertainment, and Design at Dallas College. We offer a broad range of academic programs focused on preparing students for careers in creative industries including film, design, music, fashion, animation, and the performing arts.
We recently launched a Next Generation Sector Partnership in Arts and Entertainment to bring industry leaders and community partners together to strengthen the creative economy in North Texas. It is an important step toward building sustainable talent pipelines, connecting the industry across the region, and equipping students with the skills to step into high-demand roles.
What excites me most is helping students see their creativity as a powerful asset and connecting them to real-world opportunities through strong partnerships. We are always looking to collaborate with civic leaders, organizations, and businesses that want to employ emerging talent, showcase student work, or co-create meaningful projects.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Looking back, three things have made the biggest impact on my journey: being excited to take on challenges, building meaningful relationships, and knowing my vision.
Being excited and courageous about challenges allowed me to say yes to roles that stretched me, even when I was unsure of what would come next. Growth often happens when we step into uncertainty. For those just starting out, I encourage you to take the leap and trust that you will grow through the experience.
Building authentic relationships has opened doors and sustained me at every stage of my career. No one succeeds alone. Be curious, generous, and invest in the people around you. The people you meet along the way will lead you to opportunities you never imagined. Say yes to coffee. Ask the people who share your values who else you should know. Your network will guide you toward those who see your strengths and help you walk in your purpose.
Having a clear sense of vision has kept me grounded. Knowing what I care about and the kind of impact I want to make helps me stay focused. When your work aligns with your deepest values, it creates unstoppable momentum.
What has been your biggest area of growth or improvement in the past 12 months?
Over the past year, my greatest area of growth has been embracing the complexity of holding multiple realities at once. I have come to accept that life can be both fulfilling and challenging at the same time. I have learned to carry joy and disappointment, progress and pressure, thrill and difficulty, without allowing one to diminish the other. This shift in perspective has allowed me to lead with greater grace and authenticity. It has also deepened my capacity to fully appreciate moments of success while remaining present to the parts of my life that need care, patience, and continued attention. This season is stretching me, and I am discovering the beauty within its complexity.
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Credit: Michael Samples
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