Denver Kids, Inc. is excited to welcome Donna Cash as our new Program Director. Already passionate about the work of Denver Kids, Inc., Donna is an integral component in leading and supporting our continued expansion while ensuring that we continue to deliver quality programs that consistently meet the needs of our students and deliver positive results.

Donna comes to Denver Kids, Inc. with a wonderful blend of corporate and non-profit experience and a diverse educational background in psychology, counseling, and management. Joining the team this month, Donna is responsible for directing and implementing the Educational Counseling, Mentoring, Parent Engagement, and Future Options Programs provided by Denver Kids, Inc.  A recent transplant from Montgomery, Alabama, where she ran a successful mentoring program, Donna has a heart for the work that we do and a fierce passion for kids.

Q & A with Donna Cash:

How did your journey bring you to Denver and Denver Kids, Inc.?
My husband and I moved to Denver because we were looking for some fresh air. When we heard about Colorado's beautiful weather and 300 days of sunshine we were sold.

The mission of and my new role with Denver Kids, Inc. matches perfectly with my interests and experience.  I love kids, their opportunities, and helping them see their futures.

Where does your passion for youth and youth development come from?
I grew up in a single parent home and would probably have been considered at-risk. Fortunately, I had very positive role models in my mother and aunts. They instilled a sense of community in me and taught me to be a strong and confident young woman. My mother always worked with children and, through her, I learned the importance of providing a positive and encouraging environment for children. In college, I was given the opportunity to start a mentoring program for youth in my community. Knowing how valuable the support of a positive adult is, I jumped at the chance.

After college, I worked in the corporate world for several years, but my heart strings weren't being pulled by the work I was doing. In 2002, I returned to my passion and have since worked to help kids find their paths in life. This included working as a program manager for a school-based service learning program for students in alternative settings, working as a program director and counselor for at-risk children in residential care, and serving as program director for a mentor program that aimed at addressing the alarming dropout rate in Montgomery, AL.

My love for kids runs to my core. In my work with children I truly believe that exposure enhances ambition, relationships build character, and dreams propel action.

What else should we know about you?
I love to be active. I'm a huge tennis advocate and player. I have a goal that one day I will complete a triathlon. As soon as my lungs can adjust to this high altitude you'll see me out training.