Recently we asked one of our newest partners who joined DSVP in May to reflect on how her journey has unfolded. Below you can see a glimpse of one partner's path as she navigates her way into Dallas Social Venture Partners. Special thanks to Barbara for sharing her experience.
On becoming an effective DSVP Partner
Reflections by Barbara Errickson
Retiring from 35 years in the business applications software business was a tough decision. Having been a focused career person for all those years, quitting “cold turkey” was not appealing. Enter DSVP – a way to continue applying my knowledge and skills in new ways while rounding out my “self” to include my more community-oriented side. And what a great set of partners as I embark on my new “career” !
Getting acclimated to any new environment can be a challenge, and DSVP has smoothed out that process by steering me to investee projects that fit my skills while also linking me up with other like-minded partners. Hence, my assigned “buddy” George, along with tours of Youth Village and Samaritan Inn - truly eye-opening events for me to understand better how local, non-profit organizations are helping children and their families avoid being totally left behind. It helps underscore how important it is for those of us who have been blessed with successful careers to give back to our communities.
Along with participation on our DSVP membership committee, I am now linked in to assist with the next Dallas Youth Village strategic planning session, and am joining several Samaritan Inn Board of Directors managed “IT modernization” teams. What a terrific adventure to help Collin County’s only homeless shelter plan for well-managed growth into the future.
