20 Questions with Misty Keens

Get to know our Live Baltimore team members with a good, old-fashioned round of 20 Questions! This installment celebrates the 5-year anniversary of Program and Events Manager Misty Keens. Happy 5th Workiversary, Misty!

HOW LONG HAVE YOU LIVED IN BALTIMORE/WHAT BROUGHT YOU HERE?

I have lived in Baltimore City for 20 years. Being a young 20-something from a small town, I was drawn to the city’s vibrancy. I also liked the anonymity and acceptance of living in a city. People don’t know you, but they still welcome you.

WHICH NEIGHBORHOOD DO YOU CURRENTLY LIVE IN?

I’ve lived in Locust Point for 16 years with my husband and two kids.

ARE YOU A HOMEOWNER OR A RENTER?

Homeowner.

IF YOU HAD TO LIVE IN A DIFFERENT BALTIMORE NEIGHBORHOOD, WHICH WOULD YOU CHOOSE (PRETEND MONEY IS NO OBJECT)?

I’d live in a big brownstone in Mount Vernon. The neighborhood is so beautiful, and the architecture of the homes is stunning. I love the history these homes have – not to mention their 20-foot ceilings!

BEST THINGS TO DO IN BALTIMORE ON A SATURDAY NIGHT…GO!

I used to be cool and check out music and art venues. Now, a perfect Saturday night in Baltimore for me would be hanging out with friends at a local watering hole and getting to bed before midnight.

WHAT IS STILL ON YOUR BALTIMORE TO-DO LIST?

Toilet bowl races! I have yet to witness the spectacle.

WHO IS YOUR FAVORITE BALTIMORE MASCOT? MR. BOH, THE ORIOLE BIRD, POE THE RAVEN, OR SOMEONE ELSE?

Hands down, Divine.

WHAT ONE PIECE OF ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE SOMEONE MOVING TO BALTIMORE OUT OF TOWN?

Don’t be afraid to strike up a conversation with a stranger. Baltimore is full of friendly people who are very proud of their city. They can show you the best places and have all the inside knowledge to experience Baltimore fully.

WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT THE CITY?

I love that no matter who you meet, you’re always 1 -2 degrees of separation from them. Their cousin lives next door to you, their friend that DJ’s is your trainer, their aunt is your kid’s teacher, whatever the case may be, just being here, you know everyone.

WHAT IS YOUR PREFERRED MODE OF TRANSPORTATION?

Walking is number 1 – when I have time and don’t have to transport kids and all their gear with me. I’m not a big fan of driving, so Lyft or the bus would be 2^nd.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE FEATURE OF THE CITY?

Our cultural institutions. I’m very grateful to expose my kids to so much art, history, and culture without leaving the city.

BESIDES LIVE BALTIMORE, WHAT OTHER LOCAL NONPROFITS DO YOU SUPPORT?

Most of the museums and my kids’ school, Baltimore School for the Arts. If there is a gala or big fundraising event, I will sit on that committee!

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE OUTDOOR CITY ACTIVITY?

Festivals and outdoor events. As soon as the middle of March hits, until the end of October.

WHAT IS YOUR SUPERPOWER?

I’ve been told by a good friend that I have extraordinary powers of selection. I might be highly indecisive at times, but I can usually sort through the mess and pick out the winners.

WHICH BALTIMORE CELEBRITY (PAST OR PRESENT) WOULD YOU MOST LIKE TO HAVE DINNER WITH?

Gertrude Stein, Mary Elizabeth Garrett, or John Waters – can they all come to dinner?

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LOCALLY MADE PRODUCT?

Baltimore’s t-shirt game is strong, so you can’t go wrong with any Bmore-themed apparel.

WHAT IS ONE THING YOU WANT THE WORLD TO KNOW ABOUT BALTIMORE?

There is a lot of heart and pride here, and there is more good than you’ve been led to believe.

WHAT IS ONE THING YOU’D STILL LIKE TO LEARN ABOUT BALTIMORE?

Baltimore’s Jazz History.

WHAT THREE WORDS BEST DESCRIBE YOUR WORK PERSONALITY?

Results-oriented, even-keeled, and creative problem-solver

WHAT EXCITES YOU MOST ABOUT JOINING THE LIVE BALTIMORE TEAM?

The work! Baltimore’s potential lies with its people.

We’ve had fun reintroducing you to one of our long-time colleagues! Look for more installments of this series in the future as our team continues to grow. You can read more about Locust Point on our Neighborhoods page.