Brianna Mirabile is the Accounting Manager at the San Diego Museum of Man! In addition to her work in the museum Brianna is a board member at local non-profit Girls Rising, an engaged member of the Balboa Park community, and the 2019 recipient of the Betty Peabody Emerging Young Leader of Balboa Park Award! 

Can you tell us a bit about your role and what you enjoy most about working at the Museum? 

My role has a hand in every aspect of finance for our museum. So that includes a lot of reporting, analysis, budgeting, our annual audit, managing our accounting system, and many other miscellaneous things that come up every day. What I love about finance is how much of it involves problem solving, I really enjoy being able to handle whatever I can behind-the-scenes to make other departments’ jobs easier and more effective. While I had worked in various non-profits previously, this is my first time working at a museum and it’s like a whole new world so that’s really exciting! 

Congratulations on winning the Betty Peabody Emerging Young Leader of Balboa Park Award! Can you share a bit about what this award means to you?

Absolutely! I was nominated by one of my coworkers at the museum, Brandie Macdonald, who is a fantastic human being, great at her job, and adds so much value to everything she does. Reading her nomination actually made me cry a bit, because it means a lot to be recognized in that way from someone I admire so deeply. And to then be selected by such an impressive committee is truly an honor because accounting is so behind-the-scenes compared to many other roles. It felt so wonderful and empowering to have them see as much value as I do in the work I try to do every day as well as reassuring that I must be doing something right! 

In the spirit of giving thanks, what or who are you most thankful for this year?  

On a broad scale, I’m thankful that in today’s world we’re having more conversations and deepening our understanding of the history behind holidays like Thanksgiving. At least with myself and my connections, there is a much stronger emphasis on truth-telling and acknowledgement that one story can’t possibly capture every experience and perspective. On a personal level, I’ve been very fortunate to have found some amazing chosen family. My best friend from back home in Massachusetts recently moved to San Diego so I’m ecstatic about that. I also have an amazing partner and a dog that I absolutely adore. And in regards to work, I really just love the people that I work with. Our museum is so human-centered and connection focused that we tend to attract very special kinds of people. I can see everyone’s passion in everything they do, constantly. Plus, how can you not love working in a place as beautiful as Balboa Park? 

Are there any particular programs or events at the Museum that you’re looking forward to? 

Yes! First and foremost, I’m so looking forward to the tower reopening this winter. We’re really looking forward to completing that project and the opportunities that will come with it. Beyond that I’m also really looking forward to the new exhibition that will replace Cannibals: Myth & Reality. It’s amazing to see the content and the storyboards coming together thanks to our hard-working exhibits team. We also just started a new educational tour for our Living With Animals exhibit that’s STEM focused, particularly on the impact that humans have on the environment when it comes to meat consumption and how culture plays in. That’s definitely something that I learned about later in life so it’s great to see our youngest visitors learning about those topics early. 

What do you enjoy doing outside of work on your free time? 

Definitely hanging out with friends and my dog, Bernie! The organization board I’m on for, Girls Rising, has monthly events for our mentoring matches that I absolutely love going to. I leave every one feeling empowered, inspired, and full of joy. Also, I’m originally from Massachusetts and even though I’ve been in San Diego for a couple years now, the novelty of being able to do things outside year-round has yet to fade at all so I take full advantage of that! 

What are you reading, watching, or listening to on repeat right now? 

I feel like most of my favorite shows have released new seasons lately so I’m in streaming heaven right now. On my list right now are The Good Place, The Good Doctor, American Horror Story, Big Mouth, Bojack Horseman, Queer Eye, and more. I’m also currently reading Megan Jayne Crabbe’s book Body Positive Power. 

What is your favorite spot in Balboa Park?

It’s between the Alcazar Garden and the Rose Garden – so flowers are a common theme! I love taking a stroll through the park to take in everything it has to offer and to see so many people out having fun. 

Supported by the San Diego Commission for Arts and Culture.