Trina Silva, Education Foundation and Partnerships director for the Harris County Department of Education (HCDE), had an article published in the latest issue of Foundations Today, the e-newsletter for the National Association of Education Foundations (NAEF).

The bi-monthly e-newsletter is distributed six times a year to national association members beginning in February.

Silva spearheads the Education Foundation of Harris County (EFHC), the philanthropic arm of HCDE.

Her article, “Reinvigorating Your Board: How to Get Your Board on Board,” reflects on Silva’s first year with HCDE and working with the EFHC Board of Trustees to help transform them into a prominent group invested in engagement, fundraising and relationships.

Among the notable initiatives were launching an advisory board in addition to the current 14-member board, creating four committees to better channel talent and welcoming first-ever interns through the University of Houston’s Hobby School of Public Affairs Civic Houston Internship Program. Silva also credits collaboration and communication essential to refine the board’s approach and learn from mistakes.

When a board is excited, Silva wrote, trustees will inspire others – donors, partners and the community – to get involved also.

Click here to read the NAEF April e-newsletter.