--- title: "Search Institute Spotlight: Meet Ella Dickson" description: Discover how Ella Dickson, Partner Relationship Specialist at Search Institute, builds impactful relationships with partners to support youth thriving through evidence-based strategies and solutions. image: https://blog.searchinstitute.org/hubfs/Ella%20Headshot.png --- Theme + Migration = $1489 (Pay for the Theme Only). [Learn More.](https://www.lpd-themes.com/migration) [![hlogo](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/hs-fs/hubfs/hlogo.webp?width=187&height=90&name=hlogo.webp "hlogo")](https://searchinstitute.org) - [BLOG](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/) - [DONATE](https://searchinstitute.org/donate) - [CONTACT](https://searchinstitute.org/contact) - [RESEARCH](https://searchinstitute.org/research) - [SOLUTIONS](https://searchinstitute.org/solutions) - [INSIGHTS](https://searchinstitute.org/insights) - [FUNDERS & PARTNERS](https://searchinstitute.org/funders-partners) - [ABOUT](https://searchinstitute.org/about) [RESOURCE HUB](https://searchinstitute.org/resources-hub) [Why Relationships Matter and How to Get Started](https://searchinstitute.org/relationships-matter-get-started) Understand the foundations of developmental relationships and the power you have to strengthen those relationships for all young people to learn and grow. [Resources Tailored to Your Role](https://searchinstitute.org/resources-hub/search?query=&page=1&configure%5BenablePersonalization%5D=true&configure%5BuserToken%5D=anonymous-2aec4746-2f17-46a7-871b-a10e30f1f2f7&configure%5BclickAnalytics%5D=true&hierarchicalMenu%5Btaxonomy.lvl0%5D=Resource%20Audience) Tools to support everyone who works with young people — educators, youth program workers, schools and youth program leaders, and community members [Resources Related to the Setting Where Relationships Take Place](https://searchinstitute.org/resources-hub/search?query=&page=1&configure%5BenablePersonalization%5D=true&configure%5BuserToken%5D=anonymous-2aec4746-2f17-46a7-871b-a10e30f1f2f7&configure%5BclickAnalytics%5D=true&hierarchicalMenu%5Btaxonomy.lvl0%5D=Setting) Young people thrive when they experience a broader web of relationships, build strong relationships in a class or program, at home, and across your organization. [Resources on Key Topics](https://searchinstitute.org/resources-hub/search?query=&page=1&configure%5BenablePersonalization%5D=true&configure%5BuserToken%5D=anonymous-2aec4746-2f17-46a7-871b-a10e30f1f2f7&configure%5BclickAnalytics%5D=true&hierarchicalMenu%5Btaxonomy.lvl0%5D=Topics) Relationships are key across several disciplines including family systems, social and emotional development, social capital, and community development. [Resources in Your Favorite Format](https://searchinstitute.org/resources-hub/search?resourceTypes=Activity,Book,Guide,Journal%20Article,Measure%20/%20Assessment%20/%20Evaluation,Relational%20Practice,Report%20/%20Brief,Tool%20/%20Playbook,Video) Explore tools, frameworks, activities, guides, measures, and other research-based resources to build strong relationships with all young people. [![hlogo](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/hs-fs/hubfs/hlogo.webp?width=187&height=90&name=hlogo.webp "hlogo")](https://searchinstitute.org) [![hlogo](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/hs-fs/hubfs/hlogo.webp?width=187&height=90&name=hlogo.webp "hlogo")](https://searchinstitute.org) - BLOG - SHOP - DONATE - CONTACT - [RESEARCH](https://searchinstitute.org/research) - [SOLUTIONS](https://searchinstitute.org/solutions) - [INSIGHTS](https://searchinstitute.org/insights) - [FUNDERS & PARTNERS](https://searchinstitute.org/funders-partners) - [ABOUT](https://searchinstitute.org/about) [![hlogo](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/hs-fs/hubfs/hlogo.webp?width=187&height=90&name=hlogo.webp "hlogo")](https://searchinstitute.org) - [RESEARCH](https://searchinstitute.org/research) - [SOLUTIONS](https://searchinstitute.org/solutions) - [INSIGHTS](https://searchinstitute.org/insights) - [FUNDERS & PARTNERS](https://searchinstitute.org/funders-partners) - [ABOUT](https://searchinstitute.org/about) - [RESOURCE HUB](https://searchinstitute.org/resources-hub) # Blog July 22, 2025 3 Minutes Read By : [Search Institute](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/author/search-institute) Topics Developmental Relationships Research Developmental Assets Social Emotional Learning (SEL) Youth Programs Provide Support Family Engagement Diversity Equity and Inclusion (DEI) SI Spotlight Social Capital Share Power Solutions Youth Thriving Education / School Expand Possibilities Student Voice Challenge Growth Summer Scholars Thriving Youth Voice Express Care Sparks Data Insights Faith Field Partner Spotlight LGBTQ+ Workshops Relationship Ready Schools Conversation Starters Sports Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) # Search Institute Spotlight: Meet Ella Dickson [![Share on twitter](https://7528302.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/7528302/hubfs/raw_assets/public/mV0_d-web-default-modules_hubspot/img/x-twitter-color.png?width=24&name=x-twitter-color.png)](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?original_referer=https%3A%2F%2Fblog.searchinstitute.org%2Fsearch-institute-spotlight-meet-ella-dickson%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dtwitter&url=https%3A%2F%2Fblog.searchinstitute.org%2Fsearch-institute-spotlight-meet-ella-dickson%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dtwitter&source=tweetbutton&text=) [![Share on linkedin](https://7528302.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/7528302/hubfs/raw_assets/public/mV0_d-web-default-modules_hubspot/img/linkedin-color.png?width=24&name=linkedin-color.png)](http://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https%3A%2F%2Fblog.searchinstitute.org%2Fsearch-institute-spotlight-meet-ella-dickson%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dlinkedin) [![Share on facebook](https://7528309.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/7528309/hubfs/raw_assets/public/mV0_d-web-default-modules_hubspot/img/facebook-color.png?width=24&name=facebook-color.png)](http://www.facebook.com/share.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fblog.searchinstitute.org%2Fsearch-institute-spotlight-meet-ella-dickson%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dfacebook) ![](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/hubfs/Ella%20Headshot.png) [Solutions](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/tag/solutions) [SI Spotlight](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/tag/si-spotlight) # Search Institute Spotlight: Meet Ella Dickson By [Search Institute](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/author/search-institute) July 22 2025 3 Minutes Read Partner Relationship Specialist, [Ella Dickson](https://searchinstitute.org/team-members/ella-dickson), builds relationships with the many organizations that Search Institute serves and helps them discover solutions that fit their needs. She is passionate about creating opportunities and optimal experiences for young people to succeed and feel empowered, and is energized by Search Institute’s work in creating practical strategies for adults to build meaningful connections with youth.  How does your role impact Search Institute's work? My role as Partner Relationship Specialist exists to build and support authentic relationships with leaders across the youth support ecosystem—schools, youth programs, youth serving organizations and community initiatives. Every day, I have the privilege of directly connecting with educators, youth workers and leaders who are on the frontlines of nurturing youth potential and supporting young people as they learn, grow and thrive. Listening to their stories is essential—it is the cornerstone of how we shape our solutions and ensure our work remains relevant and impactful. Every conversation I have contributes to our research, sparks new ideas, and improves our solutions. We walk alongside partners to ensure our work reflects the lived experiences of young people and the individuals who are supporting them. These exchanges reinforce the importance of aligning research with practice. Our frameworks and tools are most powerful when they act as a bridge—connecting evidence-based insights with the lived experiences of communities. I see myself as part of that bridge-building process: ensuring the voices of practitioners and families inform our work and that our resources remain accessible and actionable. Ultimately, my goal is to help unite the many people and systems that shape a young person’s life so that, together, we create environments where all young people can truly thrive. As you reflect on your interactions with partners, how have their stories impacted you personally and/or professionally? I am impacted professionally by the stories of our partners, but also personally. Coming from a medical social work background, I have seen firsthand how systemic barriers impact families and limit opportunities for young people. That experience deeply shapes how I approach my work at Search Institute. It has given me a profound appreciation for the complexity of challenges our partners face—and a deep respect for their creativity and resilience in finding solutions. While my role exists to share solutions and research-based practices, I find that partners teach me just as much in return. I’m continually inspired by the initiatives they share and their unwavering commitment to helping each and every young person thrive. This perspective drives me to listen intentionally, build authentic relationships, and work with them and our team to co-create solutions that are both practical and grounded in real-world contexts. Whether it’s finding ways to cultivate belonging at the school district level or launching a new measurement initiative to more holistically understand their youth, I feel privileged to hear the innovative approaches leaders are using to meet the needs of young people all over the world. Their stories reinforce how important it is to shift the narrative about youth. Rather than focusing on problems they’re prioritizing relationships, assets, and strengths. Something as “simple” as being intentional about relationships can feel complex in practice, and that complexity has deepened my respect for the incredible work our partners are doing every day. I know they have a unique ability to recognize the strengths within the populations they serve, and it’s empowering to be offer tangible, research-based solutions to meet them where they are. Personally, I find their creativity and commitment deeply inspiring—they remind me every day why this work matters so much. Search Institute’s research-based frameworks, tools and resources are used around the world to support youth thriving. What insights can you share regarding the impact of our research and solutions globally? One of the most powerful insights I’ve gained is how universal the need for strong relationships and supportive environments is, regardless of geography or culture. Partners around the world come to us with similar challenges: cultivating belonging in schools, engaging families, addressing equity gaps, and ensuring that young people feel connected and valued. These issues transcend borders, even though strategies to address them often reflect unique cultural contexts. One partner may focus on implementing developmental relationship strategies within classrooms, while another explores community-based approaches. At Search Institute, we work alongside organizations across the globe to integrate these same core concepts— strength-based approach, rooted in relationships and centered in youth assets—into their unique contexts. While the implementation looks different in every setting, the underlying principles remain the same: every young person deserves caring relationships and opportunities to thrive. This global reach reinforces the importance of having a shared language and evidence-based frameworks. They create common ground for educators, community leaders, and families, helping align efforts and maximize impact. At the same time, learning from these diverse contexts helps us continue to evolve our research and solutions, ensuring they remain relevant and actionable worldwide. What do you do in your free time? When I’m not connecting with our partners, I love recharging with long walks and a good podcast. I’m always looking for recommendations, so feel free to [drop me an email](mailto:ellad@searchinstitute.org)! I also have a passion for travel. Minnesota is home, but I’m always excited to explore new places. Working with partners across the country and around the globe has added so many destinations to my must-visit list! While at home, I like trying local restaurants with friends and spending time enjoying Minnesota’s beautiful lakes.   [![Solutions CTA Co-Creation](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Solutions%20CTA%20Co-Creation.png?width=2560&height=1000&name=Solutions%20CTA%20Co-Creation.png)](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/behind-the-framework-how-the-developmental-relationships-framework-was-co-created)   [Solutions, ](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/tag/solutions) [SI Spotlight, ](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/tag/si-spotlight) #### Search Institute Author ## Recommended For You [![Whiteboard with messages about student-adult developmental relationships.](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/hubfs/SSN-NYC-Blog.png)](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/partner-spotlight-ssn-bold-work-to-strengthen-student-adult-relationships) [Developmental Relationships](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/tag/developmental-relationships) [Field Partner Spotlight](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/tag/field-partner-spotlight) [Youth Thriving](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/tag/youth-thriving) [Relationship Ready Schools](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/tag/relationship-ready-schools) 2 Min Read ### [Partner Spotlight: SSN’s Bold Work to Strengthen Student-Adult Relationships](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/partner-spotlight-ssn-bold-work-to-strengthen-student-adult-relationships) [Search Institute October 09 2025](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/author/search-institute) [Provide Support](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/tag/provide-support) [Conversation Starters](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/tag/conversation-starters) [Family Engagement](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/tag/family-engagement) [Developmental Relationships](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/tag/developmental-relationships) 2 Min Read ### [Providing Support: Preparing Parents for Transition to Middle School or High School- Part 4](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/providing-support-preparing-parents-transition-middle-school-high-school-part-4) [searchinstitute May 24 2017](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/author/searchinstitute) 3 Min Read ### [Express Care: Preparing for Transition to Middle School or High School \[Part 2\]](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/express-care-preparing-transition-middle-school-high-school-part-2) [searchinstitute May 03 2017](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/author/searchinstitute) ![search-footerlogo](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/hubfs/search-footerlogo.png "search-footerlogo") ## Search Institute 2550 University Avenue West Suite 200N St. Paul, MN 55114 800.888.7828 612.376.8955 i[nfo@searchinstitute.org](mailto:info@searchinstitute.org) - [Research](https://searchinstitute.org/research) - [Solutions](https://searchinstitute.org/solutions) - [Insights](https://searchinstitute.org/insights) - [Funders & Partners](https://searchinstitute.org/funders-partners) - [About](https://searchinstitute.org/about) - [Blog](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/) - [Donate](https://searchinstitute.org/donate) - [Contact](https://searchinstitute.org/contact) - [Subscribe to our Newsletter](https://searchinstitute.org/subscribe-to-our-enewsletter) - [Cancellations, Returns & Refunds](https://searchinstitute.org/cancellations-returns-refunds) - [Public Records](https://searchinstitute.org/nonprofit-status-public-records) - [Permissions Request Form](https://survey.search-institute.org/s3/Permissions-Request-Form) - [Keep Connected](http://keepconnected.searchinstitute.org/) ©2024 Search Institute | [Terms of Use](https://www.search-institute.org/terms-of-use/) Search Institute is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charitable corporation. 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