do better by designs
Can Change Happen? Absolutely: A Blueprint for Transforming Educational Programs
When I think about lasting, transformational change, it reminds me of one of my favorite HGTV shows—whether it's Property Brothers , Fix...
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Welcome
At Do Better by Design, every engagement begins with an in-depth readiness assessment of your organization’s strengths, areas for growth, and preparedness for change. Whether your goal is to strengthen strategic partnerships, foster inclusive leadership, or develop high-performing teams, we collaborate with your leadership to design tailored solutions that drive measurable results.
Founder and CEO Dr. Debra Y. Grifith
Let’s design a better future together.
Vision and Values
With over 26 years of executive leadership experience across K-12, community colleges, and universities, Do Better by Design is committed to transforming educational institutions through data-driven strategies that prioritize fairness, opportunity for all, and mutual respect. We specialize in rebuilding critical student support services and designing comprehensive, results-oriented frameworks that empower students from all backgrounds to achieve their fullest potential.
Our goal is to foster an environment where equitable access, opportunity, and achievement are not just ideals but realities. We envision institutions that produce equal outcomes for African American, Native American, and Hispanic students alongside their white and Asian peers. By partnering with educational leaders, we drive systemic change, foster cultures of respect and collaboration, and create sustainable pathways for success that enhance both student outcomes and institutional excellence.
THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN WHO YOU ARE AND WHO YOU WANT TO BE IS WHAT YOU DO
Past Clients
Our Approach
At Do Better by Design, we specialize in partnering with institutions to navigate complex transitions, build strategic partnerships, and develop impactful solutions that promote fairness, opportunity, and inclusive leadership. Through high-impact engagements with leaders, teams, and stakeholders, we provide the strategic insight and guidance necessary to help schools, colleges, and universities thrive during periods of transformative change.
Led by Dr. Debra Y. Griffith, a visionary leader with over two decades of experience across K-12, community colleges, and higher education, Do Better by Design is uniquely positioned to deliver tailored solutions that foster long-term success and sustainable growth.
Our Services
Short-Term Contract (3-6 Months):
We assess and report an institution’s readiness for change, leadership alignment, and the effectiveness of student support services. By building on what’s working, identifying gaps, and evaluating institutional preparedness, we provide data-driven insights to create tailored strategies that align with your organization’s long-term priorities.
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Phase 1: Readiness Assessment and Goal Seetting (3-6 months) – A comprehensive assessment of institutional readiness for strategic change, including leadership alignment, program effectiveness, and stakeholder engagement.
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Phase 2: Strategy Development (2-3 months) – Creation of a strategic roadmap that prepares your institution for transformative change, aligned with your organizational priorities.
Outcome: A clear, actionable strategy that ensures high-impact solutions and prepares your institution for long-term growth and success.
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Short-Term Contract (3-9 Months):
We revitalize critical student services, such as Educational Opportunity Programs (EOP), student conduct systems, and basic needs programs. Whether enhancing existing services or designing new initiatives, we help institutions build support structures that serve students with diverse needs.
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Phase 1: Service Review & Planning (3-6 months) – Conduct an in-depth review of student services and determine areas that need to be rebuilt or reimagined.
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Phase 2: Implementation & Enhancement (6-9 months) – Collaborate with internal teams to implement or enhance services that align with equity and student success goals.
Outcome: Enhanced student success through equity-focused services that meet the unique needs of diverse student populations.
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Short-Term Contract (6-12 Months):
We design and lead the implementation of comprehensive strategies to ensure fair access, opportunity, and achievement for all students, with a focus on historically underserved groups.
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Phase 1: Readiness & Goal Setting (3-6 months) – Assess institutional readiness for change and set concrete goals focused on reducing disparities and increasing success rates for all student populations.
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Phase 2: Implementation of DEI Initiatives (6-12 months) – Guide the integration of inclusive practices into leadership, student support services, and organizational systems, ensuring that all students have the opportunity to succeed.
Outcome: A transformed institutional culture that fosters belonging, ensures equitable outcomes for all students, and closes achievement gaps for African American, Latinx, and Native American students.
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Short-Term Contract (3-9 Months):
We help institutions build and foster strategic partnerships with K-12 schools, community colleges, and universities to align institutional goals and create opportunities for student success.
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Phase 1: Partnership Readiness Assessment (3-6 months) – Evaluate the effectiveness of existing partnerships and assess the institution’s readiness to expand and enhance collaborations.
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Phase 2: Partnership Building & Alignment (6-9 months) – Develop and formalize partnerships that align with your goals and drive measurable outcomes for student success.
Outcome: High-impact partnerships that enhance student outcomes and create a seamless pathway for success across the educational ecosystem.
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Insights
Strategic Leadership and Transformational Change Consulting for Education Sectors
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