Interviews with purpose-driven leaders who are dedicated to helping others and making a positive impact in the world.
March 7, 2024
Allison Billings | Impact on Education
TELL US, WHO ARE YOU AND WHAT DO YOU DO?
My name is Allison Billings and I’m the proud executive director of Impact on Education. We’re an independent non-profit foundation for the Boulder Valley School District. Our mission is to support Boulder Valley public school students with community funding and resources in order to meet critical needs and eliminate opportunity gaps.
HOW DID YOU GET HERE?
I’ve been leading Impact on Education since 2018. Prior to that, I held leadership positions in nonprofit organizations in Denver and Charlotte, North Carolina. Throughout my career I’ve led organizations through times of growth and change, while building and implementing a variety of programs with a wide range of partners. I pride myself on bringing talented and diverse people together, creating a clear organizational focus, and delivering impressive results with integrity and transparency.
WHAT DO YOU STAND FOR? WHY IS THIS WORK IMPORTANT TO YOU?
I often say education is a cornerstone of our democracy. And I believe wholeheartedly that it’s true. Public education has always aimed to level the playing field, giving every child, regardless of their family’s financial status, the chance to learn and build a future. But when funding for our public schools falls short (as it has for decades here in Colorado), this goal becomes harder to reach. In our current system, children from lower-income and historically marginalized families often have less access to academic opportunities than their wealthier or white peers. The key to making a real difference – and how Impact on Education makes every decision – lies in allocating our resources toward educational equity. By focusing our investments we can fulfill the promise of public education: ensuring every student has equal access to opportunities for success.
WHAT IMPACT ARE YOU MAKING?
I’m proud to say we’re making a BIG difference in the lives of local students. Each year our work shifts a little to meet the changing and evolving needs of our schools and students – this agility is one of our greatest strengths – but we consistently provide access to opportunities for students to learn and grow. Our 2023 Impact Report shares more details, but as an example, last year, we provided:
- 7,441 students access to six high school Wellness Centers offering mental health support during the school day
- $133,000 in grants to 117 educators to bridge opportunity gaps and create a level playing field for their students
- After-school Career Readiness Academy workshops for 60 high school students to explore their interests and learning opportunities
- Four weeks of summer learning for 160 incoming BVSD students participating in Kinder Bridge
- School supplies and backpacks for 5,000 students facing financial hardship through Crayons to Calculators
- Community-wide recognition for 58 educators dedicated to public education
- Multicultural art supplies for 17,000 elementary and middle school students
WHAT (OR WHO) INSPIRES YOU TO DO THIS WORK?
My grandfather never missed a graduation. Preschool. Elementary school. High school. College. Graduate school. It wasn’t until after he passed away that I learned he never graduated from high school. But he knew the power of a great education and he instilled that in me, too.
WHAT’S YOUR VISION, YOUR BIG DREAM FOR THE IMPACT YOU WANT TO MAKE?
My vision is for every student—no matter their starting point—to have access to the tools, support, and opportunities they need to fulfill their potential and achieve their dreams. I would love to see our community set a standard in equity, innovation, and success that inspires future generations.
WHAT CHALLENGES ARE YOU FACING?
In recent years, we’ve navigated a series of urgent challenges, from adapting to school closures during the COVID-19 pandemic and supporting students impacted by the Marshall Fire to addressing the escalating youth mental health crisis. While these situations keep us agile and engaged, crisis work limits our ability to look ahead and think about future needs. To be most efficient and effective our goal is to identify upcoming areas of need and start raising funds proactively, ensuring we’re always ready to support our students.
WHAT’S ONE THING YOU WANT PEOPLE TO KNOW ABOUT YOUR CAUSE AND/OR THE WORK YOU’RE DOING?
Our students are extraordinary. The generation in our schools right now is nothing short of inspiring. They are incredible and brilliant. And despite all the global challenges we’re facing today, these young minds shine brightly and demonstrate a remarkable capacity for learning and growth. They deserve every opportunity to prepare themselves for the challenges and vast possibilities their futures hold.
DO YOU HAVE A FAVORITE QUOTE OR WORDS OF INSPIRATION TO SHARE?
I love the quote “Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don’t matter and those who matter don’t mind.” It’s often (questionably) attributed to Dr. Seuss, but what I love about this quote is that it values and validates authenticity and being true to yourself.
HOW CAN OTHERS SUPPORT YOU OR YOUR CAUSE?
You can help by making a gift, volunteering, or raising awareness about our work. By supporting Impact on Education you’re contributing to an organization that understands and addresses the needs of our students which strengthens our community and ensures a brighter future for all.
At Orapin, we believe those who are working for the greater good should be known, supported, and celebrated. We help purpose-driven organizations generate consistent media coverage and thought leadership opportunities to increase awareness, influence, and impact. If would like to be featured in INSPIRED IMPACT™, reach out to hello@orapin.co.