Kim Blouin | Women of Impact 2025

KIM BLOUIN

Director of Marketing

The Cliburn

As an avid fan of the Cliburn, I was very pleased to represent the Star-Telegram, my then-employer, on the Cliburn Board and become directly involved. The opportunity to then join the Cliburn Team, as Director of Marketing, was a thrill and an exciting new challenge. I now work with a group of amazing professionals, who strive to achieve the Cliburn’s mission: to advance classical music throughout the world.

PRESSING QUESTIONS

How I knew this was my passion

I knew that sales and marketing was my passion from my very first experience with exceeding a sales goal. There is nothing like that adrenaline rush, and I love to sell and advocate for the things I believe in!

Biggest challenges in my career

When I first started working, being taken seriously was a challenge for me. I learned the importance of being prepared, connecting with customers, presenting confidently and also saying “I don’t know, but I’ll find out.”

My first job and what it taught me

Retail sales at a Hallmark Store. It taught me the importance of good customer service, and turned me into a consistent card-sender.

A nonprofit I wish more people knew about

The Cliburn, of course! And the Junior League of Fort Worth is another gem in our city. The League increases its investment in countless Fort Worth organizations every year, financially and through thousands of volunteer hours. The JLFW has been a crucial partner of the Cliburn since its inception in 1962.

What keeps me coming back to my job every day

The chance to do more: meet more people, learn more, generate more revenue to support more programs, and grow more.

Best career moment so far

The 2022 Van Cliburn International Piano Competition. Yunchan Lim historically performed Rachmaninoff’s Third Piano Concerto and won the Gold Medal. This was a year and a competition of great uncertainty — coming out of the pandemic, impacted by war in the world — yet, it resulted in the most beautiful of artistic achievements.

A skill I never expected to need in this field

I never expected to need the skill of saying no. There is a time to turn away from a sale, when it is not the right match. There is a time to say no to an opportunity, if you cannot completely commit. And saying no can often give you space for even better things.

One practice I use to maintain my mental health

Late night speed walks around my neighborhood. Fresh air and physical movement can generate a new perspective.

Best advice I ever received

There is always a solution.

The one thing I wish people knew about my field

Every dollar generated by a non-profit arts organization is reinvested in programming for those that can most benefit from it. It can be life-changing!

The first thing I do to course-correct when I hit a wall

Ask for help. There is always someone smarter, with more experience, or with a different suggestion.

IN THE DETAILS