Samantha Zarders

Samantha first joined the Union team as an intern in the Spring of 2019. Over the past year, she has assisted with and led creative workshops for youth in our Art Club program. Returning in 2020, Sam will assist in the classroom during Youth Open Studios program on Thursday evenings. She is currently working on obtaining a Bachelor of Arts in Arts Management through an online program at The University of Massachusetts. She works as a freelance theatre director, actor, and teaching artist, working with a variety of different arts organizations in the greater Omaha area. She also serves as a Co-Artistic Director and Actor for the Omaha-based theatre company, RESPECT. Samantha sees the arts as a way to build confidence, improve communication skills, and cultivate community. Samantha hopes to continue her work in creating positive relationships with the incredible young people that visit The Union.

If you could be any animal, what would it be and why? If I could be any animal, I would be an elephant. I have always felt so connected to their regal, gentle and powerful nature. Also, I’m kind of short so I think it would be amazing to tower over other animals!

What is something most people don’t know about you? Most people (unless they are close to me) do not know I have Spanish and Native American heritage. My great grandfather was registered with the Hopi Indian Tribe in Northern California!

If you could visit any place in the world you haven’t been, where would you go and why? I have always wanted to visit Bali, Indonesia. I am really drawn to the spirituality, culture, and nature of that part of the world. Also, it seems to be a different way of life there, which would be eye opening and amazing to experience.