Breakthrough Collaborative Organizational Health Critical Inputs

The Organizational Health Self-Assessment is meant to serve as a tool for affiliates to reflect on how the functioning of their organizations’ management/operations impacts the delivery of quality programs (i.e., is a “critical input '' toward desired program outcomes). The data points that comprise the assessment were developed by Breakthrough’s Organizational Health Collaboration Group, using a variety of resources, including a checklist developed by the Greater Twin Cities United Way.

This self-assessment is made up of five sections, each of which focuses on a different area of administrative operations:

Financial Management & Health
People & HR
Compliance & Risk Management
Strategy & Governance, and
Culture and Race, Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion (REDI)

Collaborative Standards & Critical Inputs_Aug 2024.pdf

The document above outlines Breakthrough Collaborative's Organizational Health Critical Inputs. These critical inputs were developed by a group of affiliate staff, TF alumni, and National Office staff, led by a National Office staff member and two co-sponsors, including an Executive Director who was serving on the Affiliate Committee. This group was called a 'Collaboration Group', or CG.

Natalie Owens-Pike, Organizational Health Critical Inputs CG Co-Sponsor

Natalie Owens-Pike served as the Executive Director for Breakthrough Minneapolis @ Blake (then LearningWorks) for 5 years (2015-2020). When the standards were created, she was also serving on the Affiliate Committee, a group of Executive Directors who serve as an advocacy and leadership group working closely with the National Office.

John Hiester, Organizational Health Critical Inputs CG Co-Sponsor

John Hiester was formerly the Executive Director of Breakthrough Silicon Valley (2017-2025). Over a 15-year career, John dedicated his professional life to educational equity and helping young people realize their full potential. Prior to Breakthrough, he served in a variety of leadership capacities for Year Up, an organization preparing low-income young adults for careers through college credits, hands-on training, wraparound support, and internships.

Elissa Vanaver, Organizational Health Critical Inputs National Staff Lead

Elissa Vanaver served as the CEO for Breakthrough Collaborative for 5 years (2017-2022). When the standards were created, she also met with the Affiliate Committee, a group of Executive Directors who serve as an advocacy and leadership group working closely with the National Office.

Nicole Noga, Organizational Health Critical Inputs National Staff Lead

Nicole Noga worked with Breakthrough Collaborative for 7 years (2014-2022). When the standards were created, she was the Managing Director of Business Operations for the National Office.

Organizational Health Critical Inputs Collaboration Group Members:

Carrie Miller, Executive Director of Breakthrough Pittsburgh
Danielle Serrano, former Operations Manager at Breakthrough Silicon Valley
Faith Galati, Executive Director of Breakthrough Sacramento
Josh Reimnitz, Executive Director of Breakthrough Twin Cities
Monique Shields, Executive Director of Breakthrough Atlanta

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