In announcing her retirement this week, Dr. Beverly Mitchell-Brooks concludes nearly 25-years of high-profile leadership and valued service as a prominent civic leader and humanitarian. She emphasized that she will continue to be a good-will ambassador and active advocate while cherishing many lifetime experiences with the National Urban League and its North Texas affiliate headquartered in Dallas.
“This has been a season for me, a good season, but it is challenging when you lose the people who are your foundation, the loss of my mother followed by my husband,” said Dr. Brooks. “The timing is absolute right now to step down but I take with me the biggest lesson learned, how to be a true servant/leader. The Urban League is in my spirit and I am an Urban Leaguer.”
Although her background has always been scientific, when given the opportunity to serve her community by former City Manager Richard Knight, she turned her sights toward the non-profit/public service sector.
In 1990, she became the first woman to head the Dallas Urban League in its 33-year history. Under her leadership, the League implemented the city’s first Building Bridges of Understanding program and built the League’s first permanent headquarters and state-of-the-art technology center in the heart of Oak Cliff. She also provided leadership for the League’s designation as a Community Action Program (CAP), which opened the doors for the agency to receive the State’s Community Service Block Grant (CSBG) funding for Dallas County. Three community offices have opened under this grant in Irving, Garland and Pleasant Grove.
Additionally, the League also received the only five (5) year demonstration grant in Texas from the US Department of Health/Human Services designed to address out of school and adjudicated minority males, including ex-offenders. The success of the program established the League’s Institute for Minority Success programs. This was the foundation for the League to receive one of 30 Department Of Labor Prison Re-entry grants in 2004. The League’s program was among the top three (3) performers each year and was recognized by the White House for its success. The League continues to work with the City of Dallas and Dallas County to provide job training and employment opportunities for the formally incarcerated.
With a carefully researched strategic plan to become more sustainable and self-sufficient; also to accelerate community outreach and command greater funding, the Urban League of Greater Dallas has re-organized its front office with the retirement of Dr. Brooks.
Stepping in as interim CEO is Gwendolyn Jones, a seasoned professional who has been with the Urban League in Dallas since 2010 and is a specialist in business development, fundraising, banking compliance, policy and procedures and all phases of real estate development.
Ms. Jones, formerly served as Vice President of VMK Management and
also First Vice President, Compliance Manager/CRA of Countrywide Bank.
“Dr. Brooks has always demonstrated a keen intellect and professionalism,” said Gwendolyn Jones, Urban League Interim President & CEO “She is a problem solver and was the perfect leader to take on the many challenges facing the Urban League. Moving forward, our vision will be to implement sustainable programs that improve access to housing, social services, educational training, investment, opportunity, and lifesaving services now and for future generations.
The mission of the Urban League of Dallas and North Central Texas is to provide the critical skills and resources necessary to enable all citizens to secure economic self-reliance. The agency builds bridges of opportunity through programs and services in the areas of employment, health, veteran services, housing, education, technology, and economic and community development. (Copies to be attached)
After nearly 25 years of extraordinary service to the Urban League, Dr. Brooks’ historic accomplishments have moved the organization to new heights,” said Stephanie Couser, Chair of the League’s Board of Trustees. “We are extremely grateful for her dedication to the agency and the community. Plans are underway to host a tribute gala and appreciation dinner for Dr. Brooks in early 2015 which will mark her 25th year.”
“As we look to the future, we have an exciting opportunity to positively impact our community”, she said. “Through the new change in leadership, we will meet our challenges and continue to provide critical programs and meaningful services that enable our participants to become productive citizens where they lived and worked.”
