BETTY GRANT: Asking the Right Questions

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This profile originally appeared in the fall 2008 edition of The Works' newsletter.

From an early age, Betty Grant could focus on the goal at hand and figure out what it would take to accomplish it.  For instance, on her first day in elementary school, Betty stared at her teary classmates with consternation and some specific, though silent, advice.  “Pull yourselves together, and quick, because we are here to learn to read and we can’t do that if you are crying all over the place.”

Betty’s lively interests and clear, pragmatic vision have enabled her to have an impact on an eclectic range of pursuits and places.  She majored in French and mathematics in her native North Carolina, trained (briefly) as a Cobol programmer in Hartford, managed national database accounts for Unisys, and opened a regional sales office for Cullinet.  She has also launched an executive recruitment firm and toured ______  countries including Columbia, France, Vietnam and Morocco.  She now volunteers her time translating language and culture for Spanish speaking Minnesotans and serves on three non-profit Boards, including The Works. 

Betty joined The Works Board of Trustees shortly before the organization faced the unexpected blow of abruptly loosing the lease on our Southdale site. Betty and a few other brave Board members sorted candidly through constraints and opportunities, then patiently pieced together the strategy, money and moxie to re-open The Works at the Edina Community Center.  Under Betty’s leadership, the Board then set the strategy and processes that have led to solvency, success and huge growth for The Works.

Betty is matter of fact about all these accomplishments.    “I like thinking about the big picture, “  she says, “and I know how to ask the right questions.” 

p.s.  Betty is also an avid bicyclist.

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