CC Team
Jan 92 min
A Q&A with Executive Director, Dan Schiller
Colorful Connections is proud to be partnering with "I Have a Dream” Foundation Milwaukee (for purposes of this article, IHDF) in their search for a Family Engagement and Program Coordinator. The Family Engagement and Program Coordinator will provide programming to Dreamers within and outside of the classroom that supports social and emotional learning, enhances academic learning, and builds on dreamer strengths, skills, and interests.
IHDF is a start-up nonprofit organization that is dedicated to providing long-term individualized social, emotional, and academic support to young people from low-income communities from kindergarten all the way through post-secondary education, along with guaranteed tuition support. We believe that when given equal access to the resources they need to succeed, all children can ignite their innate potential and achieve their dreams.
We could not be more elated to be conducting this search for their next great team member who will enable their small but mighty team to grow to the next level, while serving the families and community they serve. To gain deeper insight as to what they are all about, especially as it pertains to DEI (Diversity, Equity Inclusion), Lead Talent Connector, Rosa Fowlkes, spoke with Dan. We hope this Q&A will provide those interested in supporting IHDF with valuable insight, as well as those who are considering applying for the role.
Q1: What does DEI mean to IHDF, or how is DEI defined there at IHDF?
A1: Cultivating a space of belonging where folks know they have been thought about and understand that they can contribute to shaping and evolving the culture. Ensuring we're incorporating the voice of those we serve and that includes our team in how we go about our business. Making sure we are continuously taking the pulse with the group and individuals to ensure we're intentional about our efforts to legitimately uphold and practice antiracism. Operationalizing our values and weaving inclusivity into the fabric of our organization and our work.
Q2: What positive outcomes or benefits have you seen as a result of IHDF’s commitment to DEI?
A2: A richer perspective that's cultivated through diverse viewpoints and lived experiences. A team that has range and depth in ways we would not otherwise have. Continual learning and growth are rooted in reality not theory. Better programs and services that are more meaningful and impactful.
Q3: How have DEI initiatives been received by your staff, and what's been done to ensure executive level buy-in?
A3: The IHDF-MKE team is all the way onboard and we sincerely appreciate the importance of broad diversity AND representative diversity in relation to the young people and families we serve, in our team, volunteers, board, and committees. We are building an incredible staff team and an equally strong group of volunteers (board members included) including leaders in the DEI space who are models for the importance and value of intentional DEI efforts. We take DEI explicitly into our policies and practices and are creating structure around how we revisit our DEI efforts and recalibrate our DEI lens over time.
Learn more about "I Have a Dream" Foundation Milwaukee.