Izabela Pieniadz

Distinguished Alumni Award Honoree

Izabela Pieniadz
Executive Director
Ellwood House Museum

Izabela Pieniadz began her distinguished career in arts administration and historic preservation with a transformative experience at Harper College.

Today, Pieniadz is executive director of the Ellwood House Museum in DeKalb, overseeing the preservation of a 10-acre historic site and its role as a community resource. As assistant director of engagement programs at the Art Institute of Chicago (2015-22), she led public programming, implemented a project management system, and contributed to the museum’s narratives and content committee to promote inclusive storytelling.

Her Harper College design classes and instructors prepared her to succeed and continue to inspire her. “The smaller classes and approachable faculty made it easier to ask questions, build confidence and figure out what I enjoyed,” Pieniadz said.

Pieniadz continues to benefit from the creativity sparked by class projects. Today she still values the assignments in her sketch book, completed in design courses taught by Nikki Anderson and Jason Peot. “I wasn't always the best student,” she said, “but their courses and teaching methods were so engaging and the projects we produced in the classes sparked my creativity and helped me think about art as a career.”

After graduating from Harper College in 2012, Pieniadz earned her undergraduate degree in studio art from Lake Forest College, followed by dual master’s degrees in arts administration and historic preservation from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago.

At Ellwood House Museum, Pieniadz created a strategic plan and initiatives that encourage the community to see the museum as a space for learning, connection and belonging, rather than just a historic site. At the Art Institute, she led programs that deepened audience engagement and fostered collaboration across departments.

“I love bringing history, art and culture to life in ways that connect with audiences and inspire new perspectives, curiosity and conversations,” she said.

Pieniadz must also successfully manage tight budgets and small teams. “One of the biggest challenges in this field is balancing creativity with limited resources and time,” she said. “It requires a lot of strategic planning, problem-solving, and adaptability to deliver high-quality programs and events.”

Pieniadz volunteers with Skyline Council of Landmarks Illinois, dedicated to promoting historic preservation and community engagement. She’s been involved with events and initiatives to celebrate Illinois’ rich architectural history. 

“And it was Harper College that helped me identify my strengths and interests,” she said, “setting me on the path toward work in cultural institutions and nonprofit leadership.”