{"id":31737,"date":"2020-04-06T21:04:06","date_gmt":"2020-04-06T21:04:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/caseyfamilyv2.wpengine.com\/brenda-donald-q-and-a\/"},"modified":"2026-05-13T17:56:28","modified_gmt":"2026-05-13T17:56:28","slug":"preguntas-y-respuestas-de-brenda-donald","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.casey.org\/es\/brenda-donald-q-and-a\/","title":{"rendered":"\u00bfQu\u00e9 estrategias de liderazgo han impulsado la transformaci\u00f3n en el Distrito de Columbia?"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n
\n\n \n \n \n \n

<\/p>\n

Q&A with Brenda Donald, Director, District of Columbia Child and Family Services Agency1<\/sup><\/a><\/h2>\n

<\/p>\n

In January 2017, Brenda Donald stepped down from her position as the District of Columbia\u2019s deputy mayor for Health and Human Services to serve as the director of the Child and Family Services Agency (CFSA) for the third time. We asked Director Donald to share her thoughts about what is required to lead the complex work of child protection, as well as her vision for a comprehensive, community-driven approach to preventing child maltreatment and supporting families.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Q: What inspired you to return to CFSA for the third time? <\/b><\/h3>\n

<\/p>\n

I care deeply about this work, which, for me, has always been about social justice and equity. At an agency like CFSA, we can apply research and knowledge on the ground to help the kids and families who need support. Because of its size, available resources, and cross-systems partnerships, D.C. is a place where you can truly reform the system and improve the lives of thousands of families.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Q: How do you address diversity, equity, and inclusion on your team?<\/b><\/h3>\n

<\/p>\n

I love what I do and hire smart people who are equally passionate about the work. Our staff at all levels of the agency reflect the families we serve, and represent diversity in age, race, experience, and background. I see myself as a coach, and I\u2019m clear about my vision, expectations, and ability to get the resources they need to do their jobs. In some cases, that means additional staff or money; in others, it means hands-on assistance in developing their skills. My focus is to systematically build the team and infrastructure that is necessary to continue this work, no matter who is sitting in this chair. I network with Schools of Social Work to build the capacity of the agency. Caring for employees is an important part of the work, so I created a position focused on employee well-being and community service.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Q: Do you have any advice for new child welfare leaders?<\/b><\/h3>\n

<\/p>\n

It is important to build the expertise of the next generation of child welfare leaders. We need to help them get up to speed as quickly as possible and then buffer and support them when bad things happen. It\u2019s really important for new leaders to:<\/p>\n