CHRISTINA SYRETT

Christina Palm Syrett has managed Public Relations at Filoli in Woodside, CA, since September, 2008.  She promotes the Art Committee’s five annual art exhibits that are on display in Filoli’s Visitor and Education Center, as well as the Jazz Series and all of the classes, talks and annual fundraising events that are held in the world-renowned 16-acre gardens and historic Filoli mansion.

Involvement in the arts began in elementary school, where Christina learned to play three musical instruments, studied dance and sang in choirs.  While at university, she became a supporter of the arts, volunteering at Milwaukee Repertory Theater and has continued to be a supporter of theater, dance, art and music in every city in which she has lived.  She has degrees in Special Education and English and, as a teacher, experienced first-hand the importance of art in the lives of young children; how art builds self-esteem, healthy self-expression, helps students experience new possibilities, and expands their horizons, their vision and ways to communicate.

After teaching school and before coming to Filoli, Christina spent 20+ years in corporate public relations, sales and marketing.  While working as a Sales Trainer for a Fortune 500 company, she earned seven National Sales Awards.   During her corporate years she also volunteered as Chairperson for nine major fundraisers for the Leukemia Society, Jazzercise to Beat Breast Cancer and the Muscular Dystrophy Association.  Most recently, she has been a volunteer tutor for Reading Partners with elementary school students and a mentor with high school students for Partners for a New Generation.  She is a member of the Advisory Board for the Peninsula Arts Council.