The Official Magazine of IAAPA
Cynthia Sharpe
Cynthia Sharpe, who serves as senior principal at live entertainment and events company TAIT, made an unconventional leap into the attractions industry after receiving degrees in molecular biology and genetics. Soon after matriculating, she realized that lab science wasn’t her life’s calling. “I ran screaming from academia,” jokes Sharpe.
At the time, she serendipitously lived across the street from Chicago’s Museum of Science and Industry—and landing a job at the renowned institution was her inauguration into the industry. Over the years, her experiences allowed her to reach new heights in her career at Thinkwell, acquired by TAIT in 2022. Among her many accomplishments, Sharpe is most proud of receiving the Roy Schafer Leading Edge Award for Non- CEO Leadership from the Association of Science and Technology Centers, stating, “That award meant a lot because it really recognized my body of work—not just in exhibit development, but how I helped museums and communities move the needle with inclusion, diversity, equity, access, and social justice.”
To young professionals aiming for an attractions career, Sharpe advises, “Own your swagger. It’s OK to say, ‘I don’t know, but I can learn.’ Just don’t overreach or take on more than you’re ready for.” She encourages aspiring leaders to take on a growth mindset as well: “Do your research, bring the receipts, and come back strong.”
