Kimberly Graham
Indianapolis
Summary
Dynamic leader with a strategic vision, successfully enhanced family empowerment initiatives at Empowered Families. Expert in program development and data analysis, I fostered community partnerships and drove systemic change, significantly increasing family engagement and access to resources. Committed to equity advocacy, I empower parents to navigate educational systems effectively.
Overview
23
23
years of professional experience
Work History
Director of Empowered Families
Empowered Families
01.2022 - 01.2025
- Develop, articulate, and execute a strategic vision that strengthens family empowerment initiatives and aligns with the organization's mission, values, and long-term goals.
- Lead the design, administration, and continuous improvement of family-centered programs-including counseling, educational workshops, crisis intervention, and career readiness services-to ensure meaningful impact, accessibility, and effectiveness.
- Conduct regular community assessments to identify evolving family needs and trends; leverage findings to innovate, expand, or refine programs and services.
- Utilize data-driven insights to evaluate program outcomes, measure effectiveness, and implement continuous quality improvement strategies that enhance service delivery and family well-being.
- Foster cross-departmental collaboration to ensure family programs are aligned with organizational priorities, working closely with education, community engagement, and advocacy teams.
- Partner with development and finance teams to identify funding opportunities, support grant initiatives, and ensure program sustainability through strategic resource planning and allocation.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with community organizations, schools, faith-based institutions, and service providers to expand access to resources and supports for families.
- Empower and equip parents to advocate for equitable access to quality education, resources, and opportunities that support their children's academic and personal growth.
- Host and facilitate parent and community meetings that promote dialogue, strengthen relationships, and advance collective solutions to local challenges.
- Represent the organization in community coalitions and advocacy efforts, amplifying family voices and driving systemic change that promotes educational equity and family well-being.
- Co-led data collection and community outreach for a citywide report (in partnership with The Mind Trust) that captured feedback from more than 2,000 parents and residents-shaping public conversations about school quality, access, and equity.
- Facilitated workshops that equipped dozens of parents and caregivers with the tools to navigate school systems, analyze education data, and engage confidently with school leaders and policymakers.
- Coordinated over 50 community events, 15 parent meetings, and 20 school board engagements, deepening trust and strengthening connections between families and education decision-makers.
Director of Student Enrollment & Engagement
Phalen Leadership Academy
Indianapolis
08.2019 - 06.2022
- Directed the full K-8 student enrollment process, from recruitment and admissions through registration and retention, ensuring alignment with school growth goals.
- Developed and executed data-driven enrollment strategies that increased student enrollment and improved retention year over year.
- Cultivated relationships with families, community organizations, and feeder schools to strengthen recruitment pipelines and build trust.
- Oversaw marketing and outreach initiatives, including open houses, information sessions, school tours, and digital campaigns.
- Collaborated with academic, culture, and operations teams to create a seamless onboarding experience for new students and families.
- Managed enrollment databases and student information systems to ensure accuracy, compliance, and timely reporting.
- Analyzed enrollment trends and demographic data to inform school planning, staffing, and resource allocation.
- Partnered with the leadership team to promote equity, access, and inclusion in admissions and family engagement practices.
- Supervised and trained enrollment support staff to deliver excellent customer service and uphold organizational values.
Dean of Culture & Family Engagement
George and Veronica Phalen Leadership Academy
Indianapolis
07.2014 - 08.2019
- Fostered a positive, achievement-oriented school culture by implementing and monitoring behavior systems aligned with PBIS (Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports).
- Partnered with teachers and staff to develop and promote school-wide programs supporting students' academic, social, and emotional success.
- Directed and evaluated the activities of support staff, ensuring alignment with institutional goals and student outcomes.
- Strengthened home-school connections by engaging families through meetings, communication systems, and collaborative problem-solving.
- Designed and facilitated student incentives, recognition programs, and restorative consequences to reinforce positive behavior and accountability.
- Led Character Education initiatives that promoted integrity, empathy, and leadership among students.
- Analyzed behavioral and disciplinary data to guide interventions, reduce suspensions, and improve student engagement.
- Collaborated with community organizations to expand enrichment opportunities and foster a supportive network for students and families.
Special Education Assistant
Greenbriar Elementary School
Indianapolis
07.2002 - 08.2012
- Communicated effectively and delivered positive reinforcement to students, which enabled building of trust and rapport.
- Participated in supervision of students during lunch, physical education and after-school extracurricular activities to maintain a peaceful and productive environment.
- Developed interesting and interactive learning methods tailored to help students with individual needs.
- Developed IEP to leverage developmental practices and educational theories to achieve educational objectives.
- Provided special attention to individuals needing extra academic or behavioral guidance during classes.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Liberal Arts and Sciences
Purdue University Global
Indianapolis, IN01.2022
Skills
- Student mentoring
- Effectively work with parents
- Positive atmosphere promotion
- Problem solving
- Program Planning
- Detail-Oriented
- Time Management
- Interdisciplinary teaching
- Decision Making
- Public Speaking
- Presentation Materials
- Motivating Students
- Strategic vision
- Program development
- Data analysis
- Community partnerships
- Cross-departmental collaboration
- Customer relationship management
- Equity advocacy
- Team building
- Team management
- Cast and crew supervision
- Goal setting
- Media relations
- Logistics management
- Cross-functional team leadership
- Analytical thinking
- Issues resolution
- Strategies and goals
- Staff development
- Story pitching
Awards
- Facilitator of the year, Fight for Life Foundation Building Dreams Program (2014)
- Classified Employee of the Year, Greenbriar Elementary (2008)
Timeline
Director of Empowered Families
Empowered Families
01.2022 - 01.2025
Director of Student Enrollment & Engagement
Phalen Leadership Academy
08.2019 - 06.2022
Dean of Culture & Family Engagement
George and Veronica Phalen Leadership Academy
07.2014 - 08.2019
Special Education Assistant
Greenbriar Elementary School
07.2002 - 08.2012
Bachelor of Science - Liberal Arts and Sciences
Purdue University Global