Today we’d like to introduce you to Lenita Dunlap.
Hi Lenita, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My commitment to mental health access was birthed from advocating for my family’s mental health journey. I witnessed firsthand the difficulty in finding proper support, as well as the lack of affordability, diversity, and cultural competency needed to create safe psychological spaces for healing. Leveraging this experience led me to revamp a failing after-school program to a creative and innovative after-school program based on research centered around the effects of trauma on refugee children. Instead of focusing solely on academics, I introduced trauma-informed care to the refugee serving space within after-school work that later received international recognition and accolades. In this previous leadership role, I grew the organization’s annual budget by 300% within five years, led a rebranding campaign, expanded program reach, garnered international attention, and earned certification for all sites.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I’ve definitely had my share of successes and failures. For example, I recently struggled with some work related to my Ph.D. program, and in the process, I found out that I’ve been living with undiagnosed ADHD all of my life. I’m now in the process of understand the diagnosis as well as developing proper coping skills. One thing I’ve noticed is that the very things that make me great at starting and building organizations also cause difficulties at certain technical tasks like writing.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Not Just Fundraising?
For the past 20 years, I have dedicated my life to service and advocacy for access to mental health and equitable education for marginalized communities through working in educational and nonprofit organizations that uplift and empower young people and their families. As a consultant and thought partner, I specialize in guiding teams through crisis situations and introducing their missions to various stakeholders. As a Community Development and Mental Health expert, I combine research, policy, and expertise to empower, motivate, and rally teams through facilitation and leadership development.
What sets me apart is that I’m able to bring and activate passion for the work, support it with empirical research, and give practical wisdom borne of experience. While my experience chiefly lies in nonprofit spaces, I’m able to work with all kinds of executives.
What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
I love acting! Well, I’m in my first class and am such the amateur🤣 I have a blast every week connecting with total strangers learning something completely new. What I love the most is that no one knew me in the class before I went.
So, I was able to leave any preconceived notions at the door and open myself to learn something new. I perform in my first play this May and I’m beyond thrilled.
I love red lipstick 💄
Mugs, like seriously my friends know me well, I will weep over a very thoughtful mug, I use them to set my mood for the day.
I love to laugh and make others laugh. Hey you never, you may see me in the comedy circuit 😏.
I have so much love in my life that I don’t focus much on dislikes. However, I hate when bureaucracy gets in the way and impedes action. 🤷🏾♀️
Contact Info:
- Email: Lenita@notjustfundraising.com
- Website: www.notjustfundraising.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/notjustfundraising?utm_medium=copy_link
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/notjustfundraising
- Twitter: @NotJustFund
Image Credits
Lenita Dunlap
