WINGS For Kids Hires Local Resident, Denise Blake, as their New Executive Director

WINGS for kids – a nonprofit program that offers a Social Emotional Learning curriculum in an after-school setting – recently announced the addition of Denise Blake as Executive Director of its Atlanta Region. In this role, Blake will lead resource development and community outreach efforts, as well as contribute to administration and evaluation needs.

“We are proud to welcome Denise to the WINGS team,” says Bridget Laird, Chief Executive Officer for WINGS for kids. “Her experience and enthusiasm will be tremendous assets to the program, and we look forward to the contributions she will bring as we continue to grow throughout the Atlanta area.”

Blake has held a variety of key positions in nonprofit, corporate and governmental management. She previously served as a nonprofit consultant where she assisted clients with board governance issues, fundraising strategies, and training and leadership development. Blake has also held leadership positions for a number of organizations, including the Martin Luther King, Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change, the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation and the FaithFactor Program at the Interdenominational Theological Center.

In addition, Blake served as Senior Project Director for Outreach Extensions – a media outreach company – and managed the charitable foundation for former Atlanta Falcons’ defensive tackle Rod Coleman.

“I was initially drawn to WINGS because of its unique program delivery, strong organizational culture and its commitment to professional evaluation to verify its programmatic outcomes,” says Blake. “This is an incredible program, and I am excited to help build on its vision.” 

Blake is a long-time Atlanta resident originally hailing from Santa Cruz, Calif. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Spelman College.

About WINGS for kids

Founded 17 years ago in Charleston, S.C., the WINGS program expanded to Atlanta in fall 2012. WINGS serves a vulnerable population, recruiting students who attend the most at-risk public elementary schools from low-income, predominantly African-American families and is offered at no cost to schools, students or their parents.