For Becca Drew Ramsey, Director of Learning at Thinkery, the work of creating meaningful learning experiences starts with curiosity, connection, and care.
Over the years, her favorite part of working at Thinkery has evolved, just as the work itself has.
“My favorite part about working at Thinkery has changed over the years. Even on the hardest days, I know we are making a difference. We are not saving lives, but we are impacting them in meaningful, human ways.”
For Becca Drew, that impact often lives in small, intentional moments — a caregiver and child finding joy together during a difficult season. A young person confidently showing what they know in a way that school doesn’t always allow. A team member remembers a child’s name, and that simple recognition becomes the brightest part of their day.
“It’s those small, intentional moments that add up to something much bigger, and I deeply value being part of that.”
In recent years, her connection to this work has deepened in a new way. Becca Drew has watched her daughter grow up in the museum’s galleries. She’s seen firsthand how curiosity evolves, how observing turns into experimenting, and experimenting turns into confident creation.
“Having that lived, evolving experience of our galleries through her eyes feels incredibly special and grounding. It reinforces why this work matters, both professionally and personally.”
This perspective also shapes how Becca Drew thinks about joyful learning.
“At its core, joyful learning is how people become curious, resilient, and confident in an ever-changing world. When learning is rooted in joy, it invites wonder instead of fear.”
To Becca Drew, joyful learning is “social, hands-on, and deeply human.” It’s about creating environments where people feel safe enough to try, to fail, to reflect, and to try again.
“When people feel safe, seen, and supported, joy has space to emerge, and learning can truly take root.”
A memory that captures that spirit perfectly for her is preparing for Thinkery’s annual New Year’s Eve celebration. Behind the scenes, staff and volunteers gather to blow up thousands of balloons for Austin families while music is playing, laughter echoing, hands moving nonstop.
“It feels like we’re filling the balloons not just with air, but with care, anticipation, and joy. Those balloons become more than decorations. They carry the collective energy of a community that believes children deserve wonder, celebration, and connection.”
From designing learning environments to modeling curiosity and risk-taking for her team, Becca Drew helps ensure that Thinkery remains a place where relationships come first and joyful learning can thrive.
We’re grateful for the care, curiosity, and thoughtfulness she brings to this work every day. Because of her leadership, Thinkery continues to be a place where small moments of discovery grow into confidence, connection, and a lifelong love of learning.