An Exclusive Interview with Nyasha Salmon, New Senior Director of Programs
In the bustling streets of Brooklyn, amidst the passionate communities, stories of driven leaders often emerge, illuminating the path towards positive change. One such story is that of Nyasha Salmon, whose journey from Women's Justice Program Director to Senior Director of Programs at Providence House is not just a career progression, but a testament to the power of proactive leadership and unwavering dedication to housing and criminal justice.
We sat down with Nyasha to hear more about her plans for her new role as SDP.
As you step into this new role, what are your initial goals and priorities for the program?
As the Senior Director of Programs, one of my key objectives is to enhance our program's visibility. Recognizing our program's achievements across various platforms will not only validate the great work we've been doing, but will also attract more support and engagement that demonstrates the direct impact of our work. Secondly, ensuring that our internal programming is enriched and meaningful is of vital importance. It is necessary that we continue to assess our current programming to certify that it remains relevant and engaging, and offers the best possible resources.
Furthermore, maintaining the highest quality of services will also be one of the key areas I will be focusing on. Quality service is a cornerstone in our day-to-day operations and it is my mission to guarantee that our clients are satisfied and happy with the service we offer. Lastly, I will work towards fostering fidelity across all of our departments. A successful organization is one where ideas and communication flow smoothly and everyone is on the same page. Expanding on creating a unified culture that encourages openness, collaboration, and a shared sense of purpose is my general focus. All of these goals represent the starting point of my journey. I'm confident that as I become more entrenched in this role, new ideas and avenues for improvement will present themselves.
How do you envision leveraging your expertise to innovate and enhance the program's impact within the community we serve?
Being a licensed Masters Social Worker has provided me with a skill set that is diverse, versatile, and adaptable to the constantly evolving needs of the communities we serve. Throughout my years of practice, I have been honing my abilities with an emphasis on advocating for social justice, creating positive change, and providing quality care to vulnerable populations.
I believe one of the fundamentals that is needed to enhance the impact of the program and to continue to extend our reach is effective communication, an area in which I have invested considerable time and resources to master. My communication skills have not only permitted me to network efficiently but also to develop strong and lasting relationships, both internally with my team and externally with the community, stakeholders, and partners. This network of rapport and relationships will allow me the space to gather a wide range of perspectives and inputs, promote inclusivity and collaborative decision-making, and cultivate a shared vision that resonates with our mission. By infusing our mission with advocacy, relationship building, effective communication, and a fierce commitment to change, I genuinely believe we can ensure that the program continues to serve as a reliable resource and support for our community.
What are the key strategies you intend to employ to enhance collaboration and engagement, both within the organization and with external stakeholders to further the mission of Providence House?
As a new member of the executive team and a committed ambassador of the mission, I am tasked with the shared responsibility of propelling Providence House toward greater success and impact. To achieve this, I propose several initiatives aimed at fostering stronger relationships and partnerships. Internally, we can focus on creating cross-departmental focus groups to encourage collaboration on key projects. This will not only bring different perspectives to the table but also enhance teamwork and productivity within the organization. Externally, we can continue to organize regular networking events and workshops to involve external stakeholders in our mission. By sharing our goals and values with them, we can build mutually beneficial relationships that will bolster our efforts toward fulfilling the mission of Providence House.
