My affiliation with GEAR UP began in 2004 when I joined NCCEP for the first time.  Early on, I learned that the GEAR UP community is a generous and committed group. That is true of many, and it is certainly true of Teena Olszewski‍.

That is why when we decided to launch this series titled, “Lessons from the Experts”, I asked Teena to be our inaugural interviewee.  

In this monthly interview, I will reach out to a GEAR UP professional that has served in a leadership role for over two grant cycles.  The intention of the segment is to share about their journey, lessons, and advice.

Teena Olszewski‍, Executive Director, Arizona GEAR UP

Teena, how long have you been involved with GEAR UP? Since 2002—so, eighteen years.  Prior to GEAR UP, I administered programs for the state Attorney General’s Office (victims’ rights), Supreme Court (foster care review boards), and Bar Foundation (law-related education).  A few years before I began with GEAR UP, I completed a master’s degree in education--not because I ever thought about teaching--but because my undergrad degree drove me from a life I knew growing up poor, and so, I had this peculiar indebtedness to education. With GEAR UP, what I cared about—equity, justice, voice, access and education—all came together for me as a calling.

What are three things you wish you had known during your first year as a GEAR UP director?  When I started as director, I didn’t know enough to know what I didn’t need to know, so I tried to learn everything at once and gave equal weight to everything.  In hindsight, the first thing I wish I had known is that I really could not know everything in the first year (nor would I ever, actually—even after several grant cycles)!  Second, I would have liked to know that start-up functions like hiring staff, negotiating contracts and partner agreements, take far longer than you ever expect.  Lastly, I wish I had known the critical role of partners early on because building stakeholder relationships and leveraging resources is foundational to grant success.

There is a lot to navigate when administering a GEAR UP grant.  What do you consider the greatest challenge and why?  I would say it’s leadership.  There are many moving parts to administering a GEAR UP grant, but achieving grant objectives is forefront—and that takes effective strategies and interpersonal style to influence and guide others (TEAM) toward accomplishing goals. Balancing individual and team needs with broader organizational realities is one of the greatest challenges of a director.

Of all the GEAR UP programming you have been a part of, what have you enjoyed the most?  If applicable, what would you consider the least favorite? Participating in graduation ceremonies with GEAR UP students and their families is pure splendor! I also love, in a different way, annual planning meetings with our school partners because they drive, and energize, our shared commitment to student success. On another level, participating in the work of the College and Career Readiness Evaluation Consortium (CCREC) is very rewarding, professionally.  

What could you share about your experience implementing 7^th Year services? We did the right thing for our particular project model (pure cohort) and executed well.  We recognized the significance of the seventh year as a one-time occurrence of our grant early on; we didn’t aim to meet every students every need; we regarded PSE institutions as natural allies; and, we didn’t confuse students’ first year needs as one and the same with services.  Consequently, the plan we implemented, by design, was intentional, measureable, feasible, and well informed in terms of research, use of student-level data, and ultimately, the provision of first-year services that either didn’t exist or weren’t adequate when our students matriculated.

As you look back over your years of experience and reflect, what advice would you give other GEAR UP directors?  Continue loving what you do—your leadership matters. If you experience the passion waning (it happens), resolve to reignite it if you can…and if you can’t, resolve to let go. The work is too important, and needs your best.

Teena, thank you for being such an example to the GEAR UP community! #GEARUPworks