Monica Degarmo Email Address

Enrollment Specialist-Parent and Family Advocate

The mission of the Detroit Public Schools (DPS) is todevelop a customer and data-driven student centered-learning environment, in which students are motivated to become productive citizens and life-long learners, equipped with skills to meet the needs of the next customer.

My experience is driven by my passion for urban community development, with a specific interest in education, land use, and urban policy. A native of Portland, Oregon, I am committed to strengthening urban communities and neighborhoods through asset-based community development models, focused on collaboration with local stakeholders in efforts to make a sustainable impact. Specifically, my work experience and academic research is rooted in providing excellent schools that meet the unique needs of low-income students and their neighborhoods. My belief is that education should not only provide a pathway to success for students, but schools as institutions have the power to stand as invaluable assets to the neighborhoods and cities they serve. Providing stability, growth, and ultimately exemplars of community development in action. My graduate school research consisted of two primary parts: how students and neighborhoods are affected by school closures, and analyzing innovative urban initiatives and partnerships that are creatively repurposing closed school buildings. My roles in education have always included serving as a community liaison. Building relationships with community partners, donors, local representatives, and school families to establish a stronger network for the school and its students. Programmatically and academically, I have developed community service models and academic curriculum with an emphasis on experiential and place based learning. I have planned regular professional development trainings for 40+ participants and served on strategic planning and mission evaluation committees. I have participated in community development projects with representatives from the local, state, and federal government departments, and small and large scale private and public organizations and foundations.