Meet Amber

We had the good fortune of connecting with Amber and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Amber, what do you attribute your success to?
I believe the most important factor is respectful professionalism. I have found that most people work from the perspective of, “If they respect me, I will respect them.” They break it down to a personal level. I believe that one should offer respect to others. As a result of treating people that way, one can hope to receive that respect in return. I approach every new meeting and new stakeholder with this in mind. I come to the table with respect for what the individual in front of me has done, the position they hold, and the responsibility that they carry. Beginning a conversation or business relationship from this point immediately brings a respectful tone to the meeting. It is easy for someone who feels respected to listen to what you or another has to say. It is possible to build a partnership with someone who makes you feel respected. And professional respect, to me, means that it is not personal. If it is not personal, emotional fragility or volatility cannot find its way into the conversation as a legitimate option. Instead, creativity has the opportunity to thrive.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I was told by an instructor once, ‘Know a little bit about everything, and everything about something.” I have absolutely lived up to that first part! I have been fortunate to have many opportunities to be mentored by amazing supervisors in large corporations such as Disney, Merlin Entertainment, and multiple event companies. I have trained myself to have the courage to jump when handed something new and interesting. I am also a professional actress and theatre maker who has produced many live events and multiple films. I have so many different skill sets that I was never clear on how they would all come together. When I started at Dallas College, I was excited to find an opportunity to implement all of these seemingly “random” skill sets. I would say that I exemplify the fact that if you just keep on going, eventually, you will find your niche. In my current position I am able offer support to every kind of event that I could ever dream of; to interact with countless stakeholders in a vast array of fields; and participate, partner with, and spearhead a wide variety of projects that challenge me. I never get bored, and I have the opportunity to learn something new every day. I am excited to see what the future holds because I have some crazy dreams and I am lucky enough to have a boss who embodies the idea that if you can dream it, you can do it!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I am a transplant to TX, and I have LOVED getting to explore Dallas. Some of my favorite cocktail spots are Midnight Rambler in the basement of the Joule hotel, Thompsons Bookstore in Fort Worth, and the Amber Room. I have had some marvelous dining experiences at Monarch, Mr. Max’s, Chez Fabien, and Magdaleno’s. The DMA has some amazing collections. I love seeing live theatre at Second Thought, Amphibian Stage, Stage West, Circle Theatre, and Dallas College. If you are looking for a great place to stroll and visit cute stores, the Bishop Arts District is so much fun! I could honestly go on and on. Dallas has so much art and entertainment! Oh, and the Fort Worth Zoo! You get to feed giraffes!!!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There are so many who contribute to my success. For this I will shout out three people: 1. My Father, 2. My husband, and 3. My boss. In addition to being my hero, my father, Phil Bonasso, was my first example of professional success and interpersonal interaction. He has the uncanny knack of leaving any interaction having made the person he was speaking to feel like they are respected and appreciated. I learned that skill from him and strive to always implement it in every interaction. My husband, Michael Phillip Thomas, has been an unwavering advocate for my professional success. He makes space for me to dream and makes sure that I never doubt myself in my corporate and creative endeavors. And lastly, my boss, Dean Brett Dyer. He has created a work environment that has allowed me to come into my own in a more concrete way. He is an advocate for the arts and for his team the likes of which I have never seen, and I am so grateful to get to sit under his leadership. I am a strong woman, and I have been so fortunate to be surrounded by men who champion me.

Website: https://www.amberbonasso.com

Instagram: @astardanced4me

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amber-bonasso-thomas-454b89a