Audra Travelbee, an instructional designer at Northern Arizona University (NAU), leverages her passion for education and connection through her volunteer work with Culture Connection AZ. Founded during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, this organization aims to unite individuals from diverse backgrounds and cultures, fostering community through conversation and compassion.
Travelbee first arrived in Flagstaff in 2006 to pursue a master’s degree in teaching Spanish. Hailing from the East Coast and the Midwest, she was surprised to find that the snow she hoped to leave behind in Michigan had followed her to the Arizona mountains. Today, she is dedicated to making learning accessible and engaging for students and faculty alike.
As an instructional designer, Travelbee collaborates with faculty members to transform their visions for online courses into reality. “It’s really fun! The best part is helping faculty make the course of their dreams into a reality,” she explained. By utilizing various tools and technologies, she ensures that educational experiences are both innovative and effective.
Culture Connection AZ reflects Travelbee’s commitment to community engagement. She founded the organization in response to a growing need for cultural connection during the pandemic. “Connection leads to conversation, conversation leads to compassion, and compassion leads to community,” she noted. This philosophy is central to the mission of Culture Connection AZ.
In her role as executive director, Travelbee oversees programming that addresses community needs while acquiring funding through grants and donations. Her leadership was recently highlighted during an event in September 2023, when Culture Connection AZ hosted an interdisciplinary exhibition titled “From Artemis to Zorya: The Role of the Feminine Divine Throughout History.”
This event, part of Flagstaff’s First Friday ArtWalk, featured 25 visual artists, aerial and fire poi performances, and storytelling from the Flagstaff Dark Skies Coalition. With over 200 attendees, the exhibition celebrated art and culture while underscoring the importance of community connections.
Reflecting on her childhood aspirations, Travelbee shared, “I think I always wanted to be a teacher, even though I didn’t realize it until later in life.” Her early playtime involved creating worksheets for friends, but she found it difficult to convince them to engage in her educational games.
On her days off, Travelbee enjoys hiking in the woods with her partner and dogs, savoring good meals, and playing board games with friends. She has developed a particular fondness for social games like “Code Names” and “Monikers,” which add a lively element to her leisure time.
Travelbee also has aspirations for the future. Her bucket list includes witnessing the northern lights, visiting Japan for its rich culture and history, and mastering a song on the baritone ukulele. “When I try to sing along, it’s like trying to pat your head and rub your belly at the same time,” she humorously remarked.
For those interested in community involvement, Travelbee encourages engagement, stating, “There is so much need that goes unfilled.” She believes that connecting with local organizations, whether through volunteering or participating in events, fosters a sense of belonging that many people lack.
Culture Connection AZ is always looking for individuals eager to make a difference. Interested parties can reach out via email at [email protected] to learn more about their initiatives and how to get involved. Through her work, Audra Travelbee continues to inspire others to connect and build a stronger community in Flagstaff.
