Life is an Adventure. Let’s Explore the Journey Together!
In education and expanded learning, we often take the path less traveled – the unpaved trail that leads to exploration and adventure! The BOOST Breakfast Club Blog is excited to spotlight the journeys of the BOOST Leadership and BOOST Ambassador teams in the Fall 2025 Collaborative Blog Series – Share Your Career Journey: Explore the Path We’ve Traveled. Thank you to these important BOOST partners for adventuring into the unknown for the betterment of our youth and communities.
Who is ready for another view at the career map? Let’s take a look with Dana Lingard (she/her). Thank you, Dana, for inviting us to join your journey! We appreciate you!
Explore the Path We’ve Traveled with BOOST Leadership Team Member, Dana Lingard (she/her)
Dana is the Director of Field Marketing for Elevo in San Diego, CA, and a proud member of the BOOST Leadership Team.
What is your career path journey? How did you get involved in the out-of-school time, expanded learning, and/or educational fields?
I began my professional journey in marketing, working across a variety of industries where I developed strong skills in communication, strategy, branding, and stakeholder engagement. While I found the work dynamic and challenging, I reached a point where I wanted to apply my skills in a way that felt more mission-driven. Since making that shift, it’s been incredibly rewarding to know that my work helps expand opportunities for students, particularly in underserved communities. I’m proud to be part of a field that values innovation, collaboration, and putting students at the center.
What part of your career path has surprised you most?
What’s surprised me most is how far a background in marketing could take me and the variety of experiences it could open up. I started in more traditional marketing roles within other industries, but I never imagined that those same skills would eventually lead me into the education and expanded learning space.
Who has supported you on your journey as a mentor, colleague, or friend?
I’ve been fortunate to have many people support me throughout my journey. Mentors who offered guidance at key turning points, colleagues who challenged and inspired me, and friends who reminded me to stay grounded and true to my values. Each played a role in helping me grow, take risks, and stay focused on the bigger picture. I wouldn’t be where I am without the influence and encouragement of that diverse network of support.
What keeps you in the field?
Being part of something that directly impacts young people, families, and communities is incredibly motivating. I’m also continually inspired by the people I work with. They are passionate, committed individuals who are constantly pushing for innovation and meaningful change.
As you continue on the journey, what areas of leadership are you developing in yourself?
I’m focusing on building strong relationships, aligning people around shared goals, and creating space for others to lead. I’m also working on being more intentional about strategic thinking by stepping back from the day-to-day to focus on long-term impact, systems change, and sustainability.
What skills are the most crucial to succeeding in this field?
Succeeding in this field requires a mix of practical, relational, and adaptive skills. Communication is key. Equally important is flexibility as programs, needs, and systems change quickly, so being able to adapt while staying focused on your mission is essential.
What would you recommend others pack in their “career backpack”? Why are those items important?
In your “career backpack,” I’d recommend packing a few essentials:
Curiosity – This keeps you learning, asking questions, and staying open to new ideas. The field evolves, and so should you.
Listening skills – True leadership often starts with listening to students, families, colleagues, and communities. It builds trust and leads to better outcomes.
A flexible mindset – Change is constant. Being adaptable allows you to respond thoughtfully rather than reactively.
Tell us about your BOOST adventure? When did you get started?
This is my second year with BOOST. From the moment I arrived, I was struck by the energy, the sense of community, and the genuine passion everyone shared for creating meaningful opportunities for young people. Every year, I walk away with new ideas, deeper relationships, and a renewed sense of purpose.
What is the best mistake you have made in your career? What did you learn from it?
One of the best mistakes I’ve made was trying to do everything myself early in my career. I wanted to prove I could handle it all, and I thought saying “yes” to everything was the best way to show dedication. In reality, it led to burnout and missed opportunities for collaboration.
Today, for breakfast, I had…
Classic fuel combo! Coffee for the kickstart, and yogurt to keep things balanced.
Meredith White
Dana! I really enjoyed reading your blog post, especially your answer to the crucial skills question. It got me thinking deeper about the ‘practical, relational, and adaptive skills’ you mentioned. How can we develop and upskill these in ourselves for the benefit of our teams (and vice versa)? Sometimes, it is the simplest concepts (practicality!) that make the most significant difference – definitely something I’ll have to chat further with you about.
Thank you for being an important part of TEAMBOOST! Meredith