Dr. Delia Kimbrel Recognized with National Award for Community Service

On Friday, StriveTogether announced that ImpactTulsa Director of Research and Data Analysis Dr. Delia Kimbrel has been named the 2020 Bill Henningsgaard Cradle to Career Champion Award winner.

 

“ I can’t think of anyone more deserving of this honor or anyone who more exemplifies the tenacity, genius, and fortitude of a true cradle to career leader, StriveTogether CEO Jennifer Blatz said. “[Delia’s] leadership has encouraged me, inspired me, and impressed me.”

 

StriveTogether awards the Bill Henningsgaard Cradle to Career Champion Award to an individual who embodies passion, commitment and persistence. In her work, Dr. Kimbrel pushes the community to dig into data and call out systemic inequities while co-developing solutions with youth and families.

 

“We know that COVID-19 has exacerbated inequities in our community, and Delia was right in the center of wanting to be the change,” shared Carlisha Williams Bradley, executive director of ImpactTulsa.

 

Dr. Kimbrel partnered with Tulsa Public Schools to develop a Child Equity Index, and with the City of Tulsa, she led a cross-sector taskforce of leaders from businesses, nonprofits, philanthropies and education. This group’s efforts to address the digital divide has led to a $5.6 million investment in innovative solutions: free Wi-Fi for Tulsa Housing Authority complexes, subsidized internet subscriptions for up to 20,000 public school families, and internet access navigators to break down barriers for families.

 

Alongside her work at ImpactTulsa, Dr. Kimbrell is engaged with organizations throughout the city, including the planning commission and a local school board. She is also on StriveTogether’s Racial and Ethnic Equity Team, which sets a vision for equitable outcomes across the Cradle to Career Network.

 

“She has the heart, she has the drive, she has the tenacity to change this city,” Bradley said. “And ultimately, I know that the work and the legacy of Dr. Delia Kimbrel will change this world.”

 

Blatz shared that she was reminded of all of Delia’s  accomplishments in the nomination submission from the ImpactTulsa  team (see below).

 

 

“[Delia’s]  leadership has called out the need for true systemic change and [she has]  made that happen in Tulsa,” Blatz said. “You are not only building a movement in Tulsa, but across our country and our network.  I loved being able to visit Tulsa last year and see [Delia] in action and it’s been a pleasure getting to work with [her] on the Racial and Ethnic Equity Action Team.”