By Deanielle Ford, Director of Operations - Riverside County
The Growing With Elevo series features mission-driven people from across our organization sharing their stories and growth experiences as they strive to make a positive impact for the students we serve every day. This month, Director of Operations Dee Ford tells the story of why this work means so much to her, and how she has continued to take on new challenges over her five years at Elevo.
My Personal Connection to After School
My passion for working with school districts stems from my own experiences as an after-school kid. Growing up, after-school programs provided me with a safe space to learn, grow, and develop lasting friendships. These experiences have profoundly shaped my commitment to ensuring that today’s students have access to similar enriching opportunities.
Reflecting on My Journey and Growth at Elevo
The Beginning: August 5, 2019
I embarked on my journey with Elevo as a Regional Manager, overseeing Moreno Valley, Desert Sands, San Jacinto, and Menifee. At this time, Regional Managers had a broad range of responsibilities, including coach management, recruitment, onboarding coaches, training coaches, and sourcing at universities. This role laid the foundation for my understanding of the intricate workings of field operations and the importance of building strong relationships with our partners.
Adapting to Change: March 2020
The outbreak of COVID-19 in March 2020 brought unprecedented challenges. From March 2020 to August 2020, a team of 11 field operations staff, including myself, was given the duty of creating socially distanced games to hopefully still push our way to support school districts on-site. However, schools remained shut down.
With schools transitioning to remote learning, I took on the role of content creator for virtual lessons. These lessons were filmed in my living room using an iPhone camera, with our VP of Strategic Partnership’s invaluable assistance. Later, a video production manager joined us, and we moved our recordings to a studio in Orange County. Together, we developed engaging, socially distanced activities to keep students active and connected during a time of isolation.
Expanding Impact: March 2021
In March 2021, Fontana USD approached us to provide summer programming for their students. We rose to the occasion, designing activities that required minimal equipment—just cones—and focused on physical activity. This initiative demonstrated our ability to adapt and meet the evolving needs of our districts, ensuring that students remained engaged and active.
Stepping Up: August 2021
My role evolved in August 2021 when I became the Operations Manager for Fontana USD, San Bernardino USD, Moreno Valley USD, and Upland USD. This position allowed me to apply my experience and insights on a larger scale, managing operations across multiple districts and ensuring our programs ran smoothly and effectively.
Leading the Way: January 2023
In January 2023, I was promoted to Senior Operations Manager. This role involved mentoring fellow operations managers and brainstorming innovative ideas and solutions to enhance our programs. It was a period of growth and collaboration, as I worked closely with my peers to drive Elevo’s mission forward.
Starting a New Chapter: May 2023
Most recently, in May 2023, I became the Director of Operations. This role has been the pinnacle of my journey at Elevo, allowing me to lead our operations team and shape the future of our programs. As Director of Operations, I am committed to fostering a culture of excellence and continuous improvement, ensuring that we provide the highest quality support to our school districts.
Reflecting on the Journey
My journey at Elevo has been one of growth, adaptation, and unwavering dedication to our mission. From managing regions and creating virtual content to leading operations and mentoring peers, each step has been a testament to the power of resilience and teamwork.
A Commitment to Support
Over the years, we have provided multiple layers of support to our programs from an Operations standpoint. Whether it’s developing new training programs for our coaches, improving our logistical processes, or fostering strong partnerships with district leaders, every effort is aimed at delivering the highest quality experiences for students.
As I look to the future, I am excited to continue driving positive change and supporting our districts in providing exceptional programs for their students. My passion for working with school districts drives everything I do at Elevo, and I am dedicated to ensuring that every student has access to the transformative opportunities that after-school programs can offer.
Deanielle Ford is not just a leader in her professional life; she’s a sister, a friend, and a certified wellness professional. She embodies a multifaceted approach to life, remaining committed to being an advocate and a role model for the communities she’s a part of and those she serves. Deanielle’s journey is a testament to her dedication to personal growth, her passion for wellness, and her unwavering commitment to positively impacting others. Through her work at Elevo and beyond, she continues to inspire and uplift those around her, striving to make a difference every day.
