Glenda Price
Melinda Clynes |
Friday, July 19, 2013
Program
3011 West Grand Blvd.
Detroit, Michigan 48202
Glenda Price, president of Detroit Public Schools Foundation, knows that when she needs advice or help, a network of colleagues is there to support her work. As leader of a nonprofit that provides resources for value-added programs and activities for schools, Price works hard to strengthen the educational process for Detroit kids.
Michigan Nightlight: What are you most proud of?
Detroit Public Schools Foundation President Glenda Price: I am very proud of the reputation that the Detroit Public Schools Foundation has developed for being an effective organization that is assisting in delivering a quality education to the students in our schools.
Broad goals are not enough, we must have specific targets, both quantitative and qualitative, to use as the measures of progress.
What is your dream for kids?
I believe that all kids can learn and I therefore dream of a time when we are able to ensure that every child develops to his or her full potential. The DPS Foundation is assisting in making this dream come true by providing the resources necessary for within classroom and outside-of-classroom experiences that strengthen the educational process.
What is one concrete thing that could be done to improve the environment for social sector work in Michigan?
There are many individuals and organizations that are working very hard within the state to meet the needs of the community. Unfortunately there is much duplication, and there are areas of need that are not being addressed. It would be productive for social sector agencies to collaborate around who will be responsible for a particular segment of work so that different groups developed specific expertise. I believe that this approach would provide an opportunity for groups to show real impact and for more areas of need to be addressed.
How do you know you are making progress?
The ability to interact in different communities has been invaluable in opening doors for the work that I currently do.
The only way to know that you are successful is to begin with clear metrics in mind. Broad goals are not enough, we must have specific targets, both quantitative and qualitative, to use as the measures of progress.
What role have networks played in your professional career?
I have been fortunate in my career to have the opportunity to meet many people across many fields. I belong to multiple social organizations, several professional organizations, and I volunteer with a large number of groups. Each of these networks have offered opportunities for learning as well as serving. The ability to interact in different communities has been invaluable in opening doors for the work that I currently do. I have the ability to call upon people for advice. I am comfortable asking others for help. I know that doors will open when I knock. There is a level of comfort that comes with knowing that you have many colleagues who are willing to support you in whatever way they can.