Turning a Passion for Dance into Service
For many Mutual associates, giving back to their community drives them to be at their best.
Being at her best outside of work for Dori Stanfield, a business systems consultant in Information Services, means helping a new generation of dancers experience the pure joy of performing arts.
Stanfield’s dance background goes back a long way. Her first performance was on the Orpheum Theater stage in Omaha at the tender age of four. That event sparked a lifelong love of the arts. For the past 15 years, she’s volunteered at her church by providing individual dance instruction and choreography support for dancers ranging from preschoolers to adults.
"Participating in performing arts is an emotional form of expression that can boost confidence, build social skills and improve overall well-being,” Stanfield said. “Anyone can participate and enjoy the benefits, regardless of their skill level."
Knowing she had a passion for the arts, a colleague at Mutual of Omaha invited Stanfield to join the Presenters, the auxiliary guild supporting Omaha Performing Arts (OPA). At her first board meeting, Stanfield was introduced as the first Presenters’ member who has performed on stage at an OPA production. She's currently president-elect of the organization.
"Dori's passion for the arts is contagious," Tom Elser, current OPA Presenters’ president, said. "She brings strong leadership to our board and is an ambassador for our efforts. She's a hard worker and an influential advocate for arts education and accessibility."
For Stanfield, engagement in the arts provides a meaningful service for others, including a wellness boost.
"When I dance, I want people to feel what I’m feeling, which is complete joy. That's what motivates me when I'm on the stage. If there is someone in the audience that’s going through something, I want them to forget about anything negative going on at home or at work. I want them to let the music and movement take them to a place of peace and joy, even if it's only temporary. That's the power of the arts, and it's what motivates me to give back this way," Stanfield said.
What’s your passion? At Mutual of Omaha, you can be at your best by enjoying work-life balance, flexibility and the ability to grow in your career.