Hi, folks! I’m Colleen Dilenschneider. I am the publisher of this website and also Founder & Managing Member of IMPACTS Experience.
Biography
Colleen Dilenschneider is the Founder & Managing Member of IMPACTS Experience, a market research firm providing data and analysis to inform the strategic direction of visitor-serving organizations. Colleen oversees multiple audience engagement initiatives on behalf of clients in the nonprofit and cultural sectors. Colleen uses data to both identify and predict emerging market opportunities and helps nonprofit organizations maintain their relevance and secure their long-term financial futures by building affinity with their onsite and virtual audiences. Colleen has worked with many of the most admired and successful clients in the nonprofit realm, including projects concerning the Monterey Bay Aquarium, National Park Service, California Academy of Sciences, Carnegie Museums, Stanford University, Exploratorium, John G. Shedd Aquarium, Tennessee Aquarium, United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), San Diego Zoo, and Wildlife Conservation Society. Colleen currently serves as Vice Chair of the Board of Directors at the National Aquarium.
Colleen is the author and publisher of the popular website Know Your Own Bone, a data-informed, strategic resource for cultural organizations. Colleen has been a featured expert in sources ranging from NPR’s Marketplace to The Wall Street Journal and The Washington Post. She has been prominently featured in many national museum publications, and as required reading for museum studies and professional development programs at institutions such as Harvard University, Johns Hopkins University, Cornell University, University of Washington, University of Texas, Michigan State University, University of Iowa, George Mason University, Tufts University, United Nations Institute for Training and Research, American Library Association, Bank Street College of Education, Seminar for Historical Administration, University of Glasgow, and San Diego State University.
Colleen has keynoted several state, national, and international conferences and presented at popular industry events including MuseumNext, American Alliance of Museums, Association of Zoos and Aquariums, Museums Galleries Australia, and the American Association for State and Local History. Additionally, Colleen has contributed articles and content to leading industry outlets, including Museum Magazine, Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), University of Southern California’s Policy Review, Exhibitionist Journal, and AAM’s Center for The Future of Museums.
Colleen earned her undergraduate degree from The University of Chicago and a Master of Public Administration from the University of Southern California. She has also completed post-graduate programs at the University of Washington (public relations), Harvard University (digital engagement), Yale School of Management (behavioral economics), and the London School of Economics (strategic marketing, managerial finance).
