Dabney Brice

Dabney Brice

Degree: 2020, MPA

Job Title: Associate, Research & Equity Thought Leadership, Echoing Green

Dabney Brice (MPA '22) is an Associate in Research & Equity ​Thought Leadership at Echoing Green, a nonprofit organization in New York City that discovers and invests in emerging social entrepreneurs. As part of the thought leadership team, Dabney conducts research, connects with donors, and drafts language to elevate the organization's $75 million racial equity philanthropic fund. Dabney's work calls attention to how the investment sector fall shorts in providing funding for organizations led by Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC).

While pursuing her MPA degree, Dabney worked as a Public Administration Fellow with the Institute for Public Administration's Conflict Resolution Program (CRP). With support and guidance from her supervisors, Dabney practiced the art of public speaking, strengthened her writing, honed her networking skills, and grew in confidence.

Hearing stories from the Echoing Green Global Fellows motivates Dabney to conduct research, collect data, and find additional ways to support their organizations. Many philanthropic organizations do not report how much of their funding goes toward BIPOC-led organizations. Dabney hopes additional partnerships will make such data collection possible. While talking about racial equity issues can make some people feel uncomfortable, Dabney's experience with CRP has prepared her for navigating difficult conversations—she even led a podcast episode on the topic.

When asked what advice Dabney would give to current students, she said, “I would say diversify your experiences. Try out working at a nonprofit and different levels of government or even the private sector." She added, “Remember to know your worth and advocate for yourself. Imposters' syndrome can happen; just remember that you were chosen for a reason."

Dabney loves to travel, spend time with my family, and cook. She can frequently be spotted in the audience at Broadway shows.

This biography was compiled from an interview conducted by Ruth DeCosse (MPA '22).