Boxes of Puffs are being passed around over at Big Thought. The reason is the staff was just notified that after 20 years with the nonprofit, Big Thought President/CEO Gigi Antoni will be leaving the education organization in April. The reason is that she is moving to New York City to join The Wallace Foundation as the director of learning and enrichment.
The Foundation’s mission “is to foster improvements in learning and enrichment for disadvantaged children and the vitality of the arts for everyone.”
It was back in December 2015 that a presentation was made to a small group of area leaders addressing the problem of the Dallas education system going dormant during the summer. The research was culminated by The Wallace Foundation, the Urban Institute Policy Group and Big Thought. According to The Wallace Foundation President Will Miller, this type of situation was the reason the Foundation had spent $23M in the past decade to address such issues.
For a full release on the news, follow the jump.
BIG THOUGHT ANNOUNCES PRESIDENT & CEO ACCEPTS POSITION WITH WALLACE FOUNDATION
Education nonprofit remains active in addressing needs of Dallas children: narrowing opportunity gap; reducing summer learning loss; and promoting social-emotional learning
DALLAS, Texas – Feb. 23, 2017 – Education nonprofit Big Thought today announced that president and CEO Giselle “Gigi” Antoni has accepted a position as the Director of Learning and Enrichment at The Wallace Foundation in New York. The foundation’s mission is to foster improvements in learning and enrichment for disadvantaged children and the vitality of the arts for everyone.
“Gigi’s experience and talents are a natural fit for The Wallace Foundation and her selection is a direct reflection of the strength, solidarity and national reputation built by Big Thought’s staff, board, community partners, advisers and donors,” said Pat Porter, board chairman, Big Thought. “In her new role, Gigi will have the opportunity to develop and implement ideas that will impact millions of underserved youth nationally. We wish her well in her new endeavors.”
Ms. Antoni remains with Big Thought through the end of April 2017 before assuming her new role at the foundation after May 1. Big Thought has initiated an interim leader search and has identified several potential highly-qualified candidates. A national search for a permanent leader will launch shortly.
“I’m honored to have played a role in Big Thought’s mission to close the opportunity gap for under-resourced children in Dallas,” said Gigi Antoni, president and CEO, Big Thought. “I must say how rewarding it was to hear from key partners and stakeholders who were notified and told us they remain steadfast in their support of Big Thought because of the work we’ve done and will continue to do in addressing the needs of Dallas children.”
“As a partner of Big Thought, Dallas ISD has enjoyed a close working relationship with Gigi over the years and we wish her well in her new position,” said Dr. Michael Hinojosa, superintendent of Dallas Independent School District. “Big Thought is a significant organization in our city and we are committed to working together with the organization on the many successful programs that serve thousands of students in our community.”
Big Thought focuses on addressing the needs of Dallas children, especially in narrowing the opportunity gap for under-resourced youth, reducing summer learning loss, and promoting social-emotional learning.
“We will continue to bring relentless optimism, innovation and imagination to these critical issues,” said Ms. Porter. “We have passionate leadership, a deep and engaged board and a collection of caring, smart employees—many of whom have been with the Big Thought family for years and know where we’ve been, along with new faces lending a fresh perspective. We have more than 330 partners across the city and country providing the highest quality programming in neighborhoods with the greatest need.”
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About Big Thought
For nearly three decades, Big Thought has worked to innovate education in Dallas by providing youth with access to creative learning programs to help them imagine possibilities, excel academically and contribute to their community. Driven by its mission to make imagination a part of everyday learning, Big Thought develops campus and community based programs that impact academic achievement and address youth development by connecting classroom objectives and traditional teaching methods with arts, culture and creative learning. Through its partnerships, Big Thought serves more than 140,000 Dallas children, families and teachers each year, both in and out of the classroom. Learn more at bigthought.org.
KENT & VEERLE ULLBERG says
Dearest Gigi,
What impressive news, but of course not unexpected: CREAM RISES TO THE TOP!
We wish you a smooth move and all the very best in your new position as DIRECTOR OF LEARNING AND ENRICHMENT in the Big Apple. The Wallace Foundation proves its acumen by choosing you, they found a 1,000ct diamond!
With love and admiration,
Kent and Veerle Ullberg
Ann Williams says
Well deserved Gigi. You will be great!
Thank you for all your contributions in arts education
With Big Thought. It has been a pleasure working with you.
Ann Williams
Dallas Black Dance Theatre
Beth Thoele says
Gigi,
Congratulations on your new position with the Wallace Foundation in New York City! You are a natural fit. I know Big Thought will miss your unbridled enthusiasm, but will continue providing the incredible programs to Dallas. I will never forget the time you spent with me reviewing who Big Thought is and introducing to many of our incredible staff and volunteers. You are a joy and Dallas will miss you. Thank you for all you have done to enrich our community.
With great respect,
Beth Thoele