By Janja Rattanajan (’25SPS, Nonprofit Management)
In the heart of Manhattan, nestled between the urban vibrancy of uptown and the art scene of Chelsea, stands Poster House—the first and only museum in the United States dedicated solely to posters. Valerie Crosswhite, a current student in Columbia’s M.S. in Nonprofit Management (NOPM) program, is the board president and cofounder of the museum. Through her leadership and her studies in the NOPM program, Crosswhite is reshaping how we view posters and the way we connect art, culture, and community.
In a recent interview with SPS, Crosswhite, an art enthusiast since her teens, shared her journey from studying fine arts to founding Poster House in 2019. “We wanted it to feel like a home,” she explained. “A welcoming, interactive space where visitors can explore the history of posters and leave feeling inspired and connected to the world of design.”
We also spoke to Crosswhite about her path to the NOPM program, how museums differ from direct-service organizations, and her advice for building a career in the nonprofit sector.
What made you want to pursue an M.S. in Nonprofit Management?
I had a lot of on-the-job experience in the nonprofit world, but I was hitting a limit with what I was able to learn that way. Returning to square one and getting the fundamentals in place seemed a good way to solidify and expand my skills. And it definitely has been—I’ve been able to apply what I’m learning at Columbia to my work every day.
What is a skill or lesson from the program you’re applying to your current role?
It’s honestly hard to choose—there are many! A very concrete example happened a couple of weeks ago. We had a volunteer who wanted to do some fundraising for the museum, and there was a discussion about whether he would need to register with the state. I had just learned about that topic in class, and it was gratifying to be able to provide the answer.
What makes museums unique in the nonprofit world?
Museums like Poster House aren’t direct-service organizations. Unlike with nonprofits that can quantify their impact through meals served or scholarships awarded, our success is often unmeasurable in terms of metrics. We can track attendance or revenue, but much of our value lies in the intangible elements: the inspiration sparked, the stories told, and the cultural connections made. Plus, running a museum means managing micro-businesses within the larger organization, like our café and retail shop. The variety and complexity are what make it so dynamic.
What inspired you to open Poster House?
I’ve always loved the arts, and posters fascinate me as a unique blend of art and history. They reflect and influence culture, and I wanted to create a space where people could appreciate their beauty and significance as historical artifacts.
What lessons have you learned along the way?
There is no arrival point in this work. Museums are ever-evolving, and being open to change is crucial, especially in a city as dynamic as New York. The flexibility to meet challenges, whether shifting visitor expectations or managing financial pressures, is what keeps us going. This journey has taught me to embrace the learning process—it’s truly never-ending.
What is your vision for Poster House and the cultural sector?
Poster House is still in its adolescence, and I hope to increase its recognition and visitorship. Many factors, such as the high cost of living in New York City, can deter people from engaging with cultural organizations. I hope city leaders work to make cultural experiences more accessible and a valued part of city life.
What is your advice for aspiring nonprofit leaders?
My path to Poster House wasn’t linear. I did many things before this, and all of them informed the work I do now. Those interested in nonprofits or museums should know that every experience can become valuable, no matter how unrelated it may seem. There’s no single way to prepare for a role like this.
About the Program
Columbia University’s M.S. in Nonprofit Management program prepares graduates for leadership roles within mission-driven organizations in a wide variety of contexts, including global and community nonprofits, foundations, education, health care, and the arts, or as fundraising and development experts.
The fall 2025 final application deadline for the M.S. in Nonprofit Management program is June 1. The program is available part-time, full-time, on campus, and online. Learn more here.
