Meet Amy Ludwig: Executive Director, Motivating Our Students Through Experience (MOSTe)

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

Hi Amy, how do you think about risk?
My professional life has been shaped by taking risks. As a stage director, producer, teacher, writer, and now nonprofit leader, each move forward has required me to cultivate “beginner’s mind” and be willing to fall on my face until I learned the new skills to succeed. Fortunately, the more times I have re-invented myself the more I believe in my ability to do so. The risk can still feel terrifying, but the growth is worth it – and better than standing still.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My career has been a winding path! I’m proud of my beginnings as a theater artist and teacher, which gave me great training in storytelling, improvisation, and collaboration. I made good work and formed deep friendships that still sustain me today. I’m also proud that when I needed to earn more stable income, I was able to adapt my skills to a career in marketing. Moving into the corporate world taught me to refine my writing and polish my negotiation tactics, and gave me a different kind of professional confidence. When I craved work with greater meaning, I’m grateful I connected with my current job. Now I get to use my experience in a cause that’s dear to my heart: educating and empowering girls.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
When I’m showing friends around LA (in non-pandemic times), I like to organize itineraries by neighborhood so we don’t spend too much time in the car! A good East Side day would start with dim sum or dumplings in the San Gabriel Valley, at 888 Seafood or Mama Lu’s. Then perhaps a refreshing tea at the Labobatory, and a stroll through the gardens at the Huntington Library. After some window shopping along Colorado Boulevard, and picking up gifts at the Soap Kitchen, I’d vote for somewhere snug for dinner and drinks. like La Grande Orange in the old Del Mar train station. In Mid-City, I would take friends to Taqueria Los Anaya for amazing Mexican food, The Underground Museum for an exhibit or event, and most definitely to Post & Beam for dinner in the back garden.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I dedicate my shoutout to the women and girls of MOSTe, the nonprofit I work with. The organization’s mission is to help the girls we serve graduate from college, but it has changed my life as well. I started as a mentor, volunteering with smart, caring, make-it-happen women who became dear friends and travel companions. The amazing students have inspired me to be both kinder and fiercer, and consistently impress me with their courage, spirit, and determination. Now, as Executive Director, I am grateful to work with a passionate and professional staff and Board, to know and uplift our awesome girls, and to add my efforts toward the fight for educational equity.

Website: www.moste.org