A Sit-Down Q&A with Executive Director Erika Wilkins

Outgoing Executive Director Erika Wilkins (right) discusses more about her time at the DPS Foundation with Deputy Executive Director Brianna Kennedy.

Editor’s Note: This conversation has been edited for brevity and clarity. Read Erika’s statement about the transition.

Recently, Deputy Executive Director Brianna Kennedy sat down with outgoing Executive Director Erika Wilkins to reflect upon her time at DPS Foundation; Kennedy will step in as Interim Executive Director upon Wilkins’s departure. 

BK: Erika, what are you most proud of as Executive Director?

EW: I'm proud that we didn't play safe. We led boldly at a time of uncertainty.

I think refining WHOLE Schools, to frame mental health and wellbeing as a key piece of the students’ and educators’ experience and building upon that, is something I'm really, really proud of, especially as we're seeing other districts and communities start to practice that. 

I’m so proud of how our parent organizing, our family engagement work, has grown under my leadership as well. How we've empowered them.

I’m proud of welcoming Crayons2Calculators into DPSF and expanding our community's collective ability to provide resources for educators and students. 

We stepped into our role as a community-rooted funder, not just raising money, but also building coalitions, challenging systems, and investing in long-term change. That's what I want DPSF to be known for in our community. 

BK: What has kept you motivated?

EW: The kids always, and the fact that we have a team and community that refuses to settle for good enough. 

There are definitely moments where the work is really overwhelming. You know, budget stress, political noise that has been disruptive in trying to push systems that do not want to be pushed. But I remain grounded and motivated when I think about every time we walk into a school or connect with parents who feel and are seen in our work and decision-making. 

We're not doing charity in this work. We're doing justice. That has kept me going, even on the hard days.

BK: There is an increasing number of challenges facing our public school systems throughout the country. You mentioned us being bold. You mentioned us not doing charity but justice. How do you feel we are positioned to carry this forward? 

EW: We are meeting this moment and can continue to do so for our public schools and our public school students. We're not looking away. We're being clear about where we stand and who we fight for through our work. 

Public education is being politicized and underfunded on purpose. That's just the reality, and we're not going to be neutral about that at the Durham Public Schools Foundation. 

That looks like investing in the people who really move that system: educators, families, and students. Moving in bold fashion and naming that we're going to invest in them and coalitions that are more than Band-Aids, rather, we are leveraging the resources that already exist in our community because there's plenty, and better matching them to the need (within our DPS community). 

Whether it’s launching mental health supports, looking at what it means to ensure all DPS staff can live and thrive in Durham, creating career pathways for students that give them legit options for being successful in Durham and beyond, I think we're just showing what it means to build our public schools.

We have to continue to make sure we're not in a reactionary mode but understand the current facts, the history of those facts, and start reimagining something different. 

BK: What are you excited about me stepping into this interim role? 

EW: You're such a natural fit. I think a lot about that. You have so much understanding of the history. You're one of the longest-serving staff members. You're not just brilliant, you're grounded in relationships. You're trusted across DPS. You think two steps ahead when many of us can only think one step ahead. I know you'll protect what we built, and I know that you'll also push it to grow in new ways that really reflect Durham and what we want for our schools. 

BK: Thank you for your trust and guidance, Erika. I admired the way you’ve navigated many conversations and relationships and am so appreciative of your mentorship. What are your hopes for DPSF?

EW: Keep building. We have to keep growing our DPS Foundation community,  especially with folks who clearly believe in public schools but aren't always invited into the work, and finding more ways for folks to engage in our work together. 

I want the Foundation to stay focused on real outcomes for students, families, and educators. Whether that is mental health or housing or career pathways, I just want us to keep always asking ourselves, are we changing conditions and not just delivering programs? Are we really thinking about our role as a connector? We want to make sure the Foundation can keep creating and upholding an ecosystem of community support.

I want us to make sure we are really honoring DPS’s voice. That we’re focusing on what we’re going to do with DPS instead of to. 

We are not just responsible for ourselves as a foundation. We're responsible for an education ecosystem that touches all of our kids. I want us to lead the forefront across North Carolina for public school foundations, showing what it looks like to be an independent nonprofit that works closely with the school system.

BK: What will you carry forward from your work? 

EW: I'll carry a deep sense of what's possible when people are brave enough to believe in each other. This work can be heavy, and we're up against a lot, but the joy, the wins, the community, the moments when kids are getting what they need, that makes it all worth it. I'm leaving this role, but I'm not leaving this fight.

I grew up here. When we think about why DPS is great, I have to say I'm an example of why, because it can produce people who can meet their dreams. And not only do that here, because you know I did my work all around the country before I came back home. But I always knew I wanted to do it back home in my backyard, and I wouldn't have been on that trajectory without a solid foundation from DPS. I love the school system, and I can't wait to see more come out of DPS. 

And whoever the next leader is for the DPS Foundation, I hope they’re ready to fight, to do whatever it takes for every DPS student and educator to be successful and to grow our movement.

On May 9, outgoing Executive Director Erika Wilkins (right) will pass the reins to Deputy Executive Director Brianna Kennedy, who will serve as Interim Executive Director.