Our region’s future is bright thanks to the strong leaders who are navigating change and cultivating successful teams today. These leaders are not only a catalyst for the change that is happening right now, but they are molding and shaping the leaders of future generations. FIRST & 42 is celebrating the region’s stars from the 2020 class of Leadership Kalamazoo with the Leader Spotlight. All eyes will be on the spotlight to learn about these leaders’ “firsts” in life as well as their answers to a few deeper questions about their leadership and vision for our community. Today, it is an honor to have Nkenge A. Bergan in the spotlight. Nkenge is the director of student services at Kalamazoo Public Schools (KPS).

Nkenge has been in the education world starting with her first job out of college teaching special education and also coaching freshman girls’ basketball and volleyball. Today, Nkenge is responsible for the health, safety, and well-being of all 13,000 students in the KPS district during the school day and beyond. “My mission is to ensure that every child has the same opportunity to learn and grow while in our care in the district,” said Nkenge. With a passion for helping our community become trauma informed, Nkenge added her hope that “every system in every sector seek to eliminate policies, practices, and procedures that may be creating more trauma for the very consumers we are serving.” Nkenge has been leading the way for all educators in the district to become more culturally proficient and address biases they may have through a professional development program on “Culturally Responsive Education.” Finally, Nkenge left us with her vision for our community, which is “stronger TOGETHER.” Put your hands together for Nkenge and read on for more on her leadership.

First Things First

WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST JOB OUT OF COLLEGE?

My first job out of college was teaching special education at Douglass Byrd Senior High School in Fayetteville, NC. I also coached freshman girls’ basketball and volleyball.

WHAT WAS THE FIRST TIME IN YOUR LIFE THAT YOU FELT LIKE A LEADER?

The first time I truly felt like a leader was in high school when I organized a demonstration with my classmates regarding the rule against shorts in school! The fingertip rule was ridiculous!

WHO IS THE FIRST PERSON YOU GO TO FOR ADVICE?

The first person I go to for advice is Jesus. I seek daily to ensure my actions would make Him proud and enable His will to be done here in our community. My mother comes right after that!

The Deep Dive

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN IN YOUR CURRENT POSITION? WHAT ARE YOUR DAY-TO-DAY RESPONSIBILITIES?

I have been in my current position since 2013. I am responsible for the health, safety, and well-being of our students during the school day and beyond. I also oversee the student expulsion and discipline policies in the district. My mission is to ensure that every child has the same opportunity to learn and grow while in our care in the district. Through social emotional, physical, and mental supports, my team and I strive to eliminate barriers, create procedures, and secure resources for all 13,000 of our young people. My team is made up of both in-building and district level supports such as behavior specialists, culture/climate coaches and our district chief of campus safety. We also have three nurses and seven office advisors who keep me focused and support our community well.

WHAT IS YOUR PROUDEST LEADERSHIP MOMENT?

My proudest leadership moment was the development and delivery of the “Culturally Responsive Education” professional development program that our district has been committed to over the last seven years.  What began as a burning in my heart and soul has become an annual district focus. Removing students from school for 180 days is not an easy thing to do and, when they began to all look like me, I had to dig deeper. This investigation resulted in professional development for all KPS teachers and staff to take a reflective look at themselves to determine their cultural proficiency and the biases they bring to work daily.

WHAT IS ONE INITIATIVE THAT YOU ARE PASSIONATE ABOUT AND LEADING ON IN THE COMMUNITY? WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO YOU?

I am passionate about our community becoming trauma-informed and that every system in every sector seek to eliminate policies, practices, and procedures that may be creating more trauma for the very consumers we are serving. As an Adverse Childhood Experiences master trainer, together with a small group organized by the United Way, I am currently planning our second annual trauma summit. This is important to me both as a district leader and as a parent. Our young people are a result of our “adulting,” and if we are attempting to raise resilient youngsters, through our own trauma, the cycle will continue. If every organization and system truly investigated their policies and procedures seeking to remove trauma triggers, we will be a stronger community.

WHO HAS SHAPED YOUR LEADERSHIP THE MOST?

My leadership has been shaped by the leadership of my pastor, Dr. Addis Moore. He has been my spiritual guide, and through his leadership, I have found my purpose and understand the responsibility I have on this earth. His Biblical teaching aligned with my moral compass and love for God’s people has given me the freedom and confidence to walk in faith and seek God in others regardless of the circumstances. I do not worry about politics, emotions, or popularity because I am an ambassador for Christ. Also, my elementary principal, Linda Comer, has been an outstanding role model as a school leader!

WHAT IS YOUR VISION FOR OUR COMMUNITY IN THE NEXT FIVE YEARS?

My vision for Kalamazoo is “stronger TOGETHER.” We are a community rich in resources and extremely intelligent leadership. I must believe that we have the fortitude to lead boldly and with love to put down individual agendas and honestly address the systems with a history of inducing trauma, perpetuating racism, and increasing the socio-economic divide. This can be done without blaming and shaming so that our children’s children can benefit, and other communities look to us as an example.