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Profession: Chief advancement officer

Nonprofit: Adventure Science Center

You could say Joel Abramson walked into the Adventure Science Center as a guest and never left. His involvement with the 80-year-old educational landmark began as a visit with his own kids, then evolved into a career in which Joel shares the education and joy of science with children across the community.  

“Not every student connects with science in a traditional classroom, but when they can experience it in a hands-on way, it starts to resonate differently,” he says. “Seeing a child have that real ‘aha’ moment, when something clicks and you can literally see their curiosity spark, is what makes the work feel meaningful every day.”

For Joel, every day in development at ASC brings opportunity to build relationships and partnerships with donors, foundations, corporations and volunteers. “One of the things I value most about Adventure Science Center is that it is truly a place for everyone, including families and students from under-resourced communities who may not always have easy access to hands-on learning experiences,” he says.

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During his three years on staff, Joel has already helped cut the ribbon on 10 different exhibits, with subjects ranging from dinosaurs to Tennessee pollinators. Outside ASC’s iconic pyramid on Fort Negley Boulevard, Joel supports nonprofits including the Gordon Jewish Community Center, the Tennessee Performing Arts Center, Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee and the American Heart Association. He’s also an avid pickleball player.

“Joel is a strategic and creative thought partner whose philanthropic leadership has been transformative for the Adventure Science Center,” says president and chief executive officer Leah Melber.

As a visitor who turned a family field trip into a career, Joel hopes ASC will spark similar long-term opportunities for guests. “What makes Adventure Science Center so special is the way it opens doors for people,” he says. “It is a place where kids can get curious, try things out and start to see what is possible for themselves, whether that leads to a career path down the line or just a deeper interest in how the world works.”