.102 Damaris Rosario

At a place like The Met, it was common to pass by or even interact with hundreds of colleagues a week of whom the names, departments and roles were unknown. This was never malicious — the pure size of the museum alone allowed for this happen and continued the process. In such an environment, however, there was always one colleague who stood out to me because of her ability to cut through the fog with her honest approach, her equal kindness towards every single person, and her unrelenting dedication to her team and the crucial work they do. That incredible human being is Damaris.

Damaris has worked at The Met for 31 years and, if you’re reading this and have ever received a piece of mail from the museum (exhibition invitations, bulletins, you name it), or picked up a map or guide inside, Damaris is quite literally the reason why, along with her superb team. She is one of the most efficient people I’ve worked with, and she always had time to spare a quick moment if I had a (frantic) question or need, which I did… a lot. Her presence is a mixture of calming, compassionate and deeply thoughtful. She is so clearly such a wonderful leader and advocate for her team who do some of the most significant and difficult work in the building. Imagine, for a moment, being pressed to hurry a print deadline for thousands of pieces, and then add in 5-10 other departments asking for the same treatment. Damaris constantly and graciously treated each job with the precision and care needed to make the outcome as beautiful as it always was. Perhaps more than anything, Damaris was simply and unassumingly kind. There is no ego with her. She looks you in the eye and attempts to help in whatever way she can.

Damaris, thank you so very much for making each of my trips down to your world both a breeze and refreshing. Thank you for always being honest with us and for always helping to get our crazy requests finished on time. Thank you for the respect you give toward everyone, especially your team, and for always being so patient and understanding. You’re a true gem of that museum and I hope you are aware of how many lives you have touched and changed because of your work, your attitude, and your humble and dignified self. I’m so grateful to have crossed paths with you. Thank you, Damaris, for being you.

-BD