turning
possibility
into results

FOR EDUCATION SYSTEMS AND NONPROFITS

services

The education landscape is changing rapidly, and requires a nimble, responsive approach to address the complex challenges organizations face when serving school communities today.

Project management

I spearhead multi-year, large-scale, state and national-level projects to ensure alignment across stakeholders, solidify program fidelity at every level, and ensure desired outcomes are met. I consistently build mutually beneficial, deeply trusting collaborations that amplify the visibility and impact of the organizations I serve. My focus is on synthesizing core strands of work across departments, increasing effective communication, and defining processes to maximize a team's strengths.

Partnership cultivation

Through the development of mission-aligned, strategic, high-level partnerships with nonprofit organizations, corporations, state and national agencies, I consistently build mutually-beneficial, deeply trusting collaborations that amplify the visibility and impact of the organizations I serve. By prioritizing shared goals and defining a comprehensive approach to partnership-building, I ensure deep mission alignment and shared success.

Team leadership

With clarity of vision and intentional support, teams transform to reach their highest potential. As a long-term people manager — for both in-person and fully distributed workforce teams — I effectively motivate people to uncover their strengths, excel in the roles that best match their interests and skills, and continually develop their skill sets to reach their personal goals as part of a thriving, collaborative team.

Let's Work Together

meet darlene

My 20+ year career in education nonprofits is focused on creating safe, supportive, engaging school communities that ensure every student and adult feels valued and can reach their full potential.

My dedication to authentic youth empowerment, comprehensive school improvement, and effective violence prevention drives my focus and priorities as a professional and as a parent.

I am a natural bridge-builder and connector who sees opportunities for greater impact and alignment that others may miss. I effectively mobilize people and resources to reach ambitious goals, and ensure the strongest positive long-term results.

I work intensively in urban, suburban, and rural communities across the country, understanding what truly works, and employing the right resources for each particular need to ensure all children thrive.

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testimonials

Andrea Cahn, Sr. Vice President, Special Olympics International, Inc.

“Darlene is a consummate professional with the most approachable demeanor imaginable, making every project she contributes to a joy for everyone on the team...Darlene has honed a deep toolbox of competencies in research, evaluation, improvement planning, professional development, and project management. She leads with compassion, personal empathy and caring, while also employing a razor-sharp gauge for what is important for a given effort...I can turn to Darlene for any difficult effort and get 5-star results.”
David Adams, Chief Executive Officer, The Urban Assembly

"Resourceful, dedicated, and one of the smartest folks I know. It's clear to me that our time together helped develop me into the leader I am today."
Jeffrey Gale, Director, New Jersey Department of Education Office of School Preparedness & Emergency Planning

“Darlene could always be counted on to follow through on promises, to actively pursue solutions to challenging issues, and to be creative and enthusiastic regardless of the obstacles that sometimes arose. I learned very quickly that she is a person of integrity and intelligence, that she is compassionate and caring, and that she is energetic, creative, and trustworthy…I can honestly say Darlene is the equal in all regards of anyone I have had the pleasure to work with.”
Dana Montgomery, People and Operations Leader, Former Manager

“Darlene is highly strategic and yet incredibly operational, able to actualize complex ideas and plans while centering equity and the people most impacted. Hiring Darlene was one of the best professional decisions I have ever made.”
Terri Bennett, Associate VP, Sandy Hook Promise Foundation

“As a leader of leaders, Darlene exemplifies the highest standards of professionalism and integrity, even in the most challenging circumstances. I unequivocally recommend Darlene for any organization seeking expert consulting services. Her dedication, expertise, and client-centric approach render her an invaluable asset to any team.”

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Together, we can develop courageous solutions for growth to meet your specific needs, and amplify your organization's particular strengths to create long-term positive outcomes for youth and adults.

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turning possibility into results