2024 EXCEL Winner – Dawn Quattlebaum

Tell us about your leadership style and how this contributes to your organization’s success.

As the CEO of Seabury, I lead with an open-door policy and transparent intentions, driven by a deep personal commitment to our mission. I prioritize bringing in individuals who share our passion, as their alignment with our values is crucial to our success. Building authentic relationships with my team is essential; I care for them as individuals, recognizing that their well-being directly impacts our organization’s effectiveness.

Having benefited from mentorship myself, I actively invest in my team’s development, fostering a committed and motivated workforce. As a Black female leader, I strive to ensure that everyone—both staff and the community we serve—feels valued and respected. I believe that being present for my team at both small and large events is key to demonstrating that their efforts matter.

What advice would you offer for other nonprofit leaders?

Trust your team and empower them to leverage their expertise for the best outcomes. Collaborate with your Board to harness their experience in shaping initiatives. Foster a culture where diverse perspectives are celebrated and valued.

Accountability is vital. As leaders, we must take responsibility for our actions and fully support our programs. Embrace calculated risks that align with your organization’s goals, as growth requires experimentation and innovation.

Regularly assess progress towards your objectives, using data and feedback for continuous improvement. Invest in your own leadership development and seek peer relationships for shared learning.

Lastly, carve out time for visioning and self-care. Regular check-ins with yourself will keep you aligned with your goals and energized for your mission.

What does this award mean for you and your organization?

Receiving the EXCEL Award is a recognition of my 35 years of dedication to serving older adults and their caregivers in the DMV area. It reaffirms that my commitment to leading by example and fostering a culture of integrity and servant leadership has made a meaningful impact.

This award is a testament to Seabury’s mission and values, demonstrating that we are on the right path in providing quality services that empower older adults to live independently and with dignity. We are proud to be a model for others to follow in our community.