DHA Expands Foundation Advisory Board

DHA (formerly, the Dallas Housing Authority) introduces six new advisory board leaders for the Opportunity Rising Foundation. The Opportunity Rising Foundation is a 501c3 charitable organization founded by DHA in 1997 to provide education-related programs and scholarships for DHA clients and residents. Since its inception, the foundation has provided more than $1.5 million in scholarships and assisted approximately 2,000 students with scholarships, internships, mentorships and college tours.

The advisory board now consists of ten diverse community leaders with expertise in academics, business, community relations, economic development, healthcare and non-profits. The mission of the advisory board is to help the foundation reach more students than ever before, while expanding youth’s exposure to educational opportunities that can help to propel them towards self-sufficiency.

The new advisory board members are:

Ashley Brundage, MSSW, senior vice president of community impact at United Way of Metropolitan Dallas Clarisa Duran Lindenmeyer, executive business strategist Claudia Muniz, CFO at The JIREH Group Danielle Wesley, MHA, PMP, CSSBB, senior director, school & virtual health program for Children’s Health Erin Offord, senior director of programs for Big Thought Froswa’ Booker-Drew, PHD, director of community affairs & strategic alliances for the State Fair of Texas.
In its 22 years of operation, the Opportunity Rising Foundation has truly made an impact. Based on a recent survey of scholars who received educational support from the foundation, we learned that:

71% are first generation college students 52% earned their bachelor’s or master’s degree 77% are currently employed 76% no longer receive government assistance “I am excited to have these talented leaders join the Opportunity Rising Foundation advisory board,” said Troy Broussard, DHA president and CEO. “They each have a passion for contributing to our great city and believe that education is a key ingredient to alleviating poverty. I look forward to working with them to advance our foundation’s mission to help the families we serve rise to their full potential.”