--- title: "Search Institute Spotlight: Meet Monica Dixon" description: Meet Monica Dixon, Senior Director of Solutions at Search Institute! Monica shares her insights on co-creating tools and strategies to empower youth and adults, and support youth thriving. image: https://blog.searchinstitute.org/hubfs/Monica_Dixon.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 January 23, 2025 2 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 Monica Dixon [![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-monica-dixon%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dtwitter&url=https%3A%2F%2Fblog.searchinstitute.org%2Fsearch-institute-spotlight-meet-monica-dixon%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-monica-dixon%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-monica-dixon%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dfacebook) ![](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/hubfs/Monica_Dixon.png) [Developmental Relationships](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/tag/developmental-relationships) [Workshops](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/tag/workshops) [Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI)](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/tag/diversity-equity-and-inclusion-dei) [Solutions](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/tag/solutions) [Youth Voice](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/tag/youth-voice) [SI Spotlight](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/tag/si-spotlight) # Search Institute Spotlight: Meet Monica Dixon By [Search Institute](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/author/search-institute) January 23 2025 2 Minutes Read As Senior Director of Solutions, Monica Dixon leads Search Institute’s design and continuous improvement teams. She is focused on creating and improving Search Institute's solutions portfolio including resources, professional learning experiences, measurement and continuous improvement tools that empower organizations to make meaningful change in their programs and practices, with a goal of supporting youth thriving. As a lifelong educator who has dedicated their career to helping youth thrive, how would you describe this new chapter supporting youth ecosystems and the adults who support them? This new chapter feels like a natural progression of my journey. My time in public schools and other youth serving organizations has taught me the power of partnerships in creating environments where each and every young person can thrive. At Search Institute, I now have the privilege of broadening that impact by walking alongside youth-serving adults across diverse ecosystems. Together, we are co-creating solutions that will elevate young people’s lived experiences. How is Search Institute approaching Solutions (measurement, learning experiences and tools) in 2025 and beyond? Search Institute’s approach to Solutions is grounded in a commitment to elevate youth, partner insights and equity. We are leaning in to what it means to co-create tools and strategies that both inform and transform practice, guided by these pillars: - Youth-Centered Design:Every solution begins by listening to and learning from youth and those who serve them. We focus on co-creating tools that resonate with real-world experiences and amplify young people’s voices. - Equity and Access: In every step of development and delivery, we prioritize breaking down systemic barriers, by ensuring that our solutions are inclusive, culturally responsive, and adaptable to diverse settings. - Integrated Research and Practice: Our work bridges the gap between evidence and implementation, providing partners with actionable insights and strategies that are grounded in rigorous research. - Sustainability and Partnership: We design for long-term impact, collaborating with partners to embed solutions into their systems in ways that are practical, scalable, and sustainable. At Search Institute, we’re committed to understanding systems of access, opportunity, justice, and power in order to break down barriers and create frameworks and tools to foster pathways for all youth to thrive. How do you see this reflected in Search Institute’s work and the services we offer? This commitment is embedded in the DNA of Search Institute’s work. We view developmental relationships and positive youth development as levers for equity, ensuring that each and every young person has the opportunity to thrive regardless of their starting point.   For example, our frameworks intentionally highlight the systems and contexts shaping young people’s lives—schools, communities, and families. The tools and surveys we develop aren’t just about gathering data; they’re about revealing patterns of inequity and providing actionable steps to create change. In your opinion, what concepts or elements must be top of mind right now when developing new solutions? Search Institute anticipates and solves for needs by developing research-informed frameworks, practices, and strategies that are actionable and adaptable across the youth support ecosystem. Our solutions reflect youth voice and are centered on empowering adults to drive tangible and meaningful change to support youth thriving. When thinking on our work ahead, five key elements stand out: - Cultural Humility: Solutions must honor the diverse identities and lived experiences of young people and their communities. - Simplicity and Accessibility: Tools should be intuitive and actionable for youth-serving adults in busy, high-demand environments. - Strengths-Based Framing: Solutions must center youth’s assets, focusing on what’s possible. - Equity-Driven Design: Development should intentionally address systemic disparities and foster inclusivity. - Collaborative Innovation: The best solutions come from partnerships that blend research with practitioner expertise. Can you share a bucket list item that you hope to accomplish in 2025? In 2025, I aspire to be part of a project that embodies the transformative power of co-creation—a space where youth, families, and practitioners come together to co-design a solution that strengthens the relational ecosystem and supports each and every young person. This hope is rooted in the belief that real change happens when we pass the mic, creating intentional space, place, and time for youth to share their voices, articulate their needs, and imagine what thriving looks like for them. Together, we can build a future that centers their perspectives and fuels their potential.   [![LX Blog CTA](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/hs-fs/hubfs/LX%20Blog%20CTA.png?width=2560&height=1000&name=LX%20Blog%20CTA.png)](https://searchinstitute.org/solutions) [Developmental Relationships, ](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/tag/developmental-relationships) [Workshops, ](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/tag/workshops) [Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI), ](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/tag/diversity-equity-and-inclusion-dei) [Solutions, ](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/tag/solutions) [Youth Voice, ](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/tag/youth-voice) [SI Spotlight, ](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/tag/si-spotlight) #### Search Institute Author ## Recommended For You [![](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/Monica-Dixon.jpg)](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/search-institute-names-monica-dixon-senior-director-of-solutions) 1 Min Read ### [Search Institute Names Monica R. Dixon Senior Director of Solutions](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/search-institute-names-monica-dixon-senior-director-of-solutions) [Search Institute September 08 2024](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/author/search-institute) [![Michael Wright photo](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/hubfs/Michael-Wright.jpg)](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/search-institute-spotlight-meet-michael-wright) [Developmental Relationships](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/tag/developmental-relationships) [Workshops](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/tag/workshops) [Solutions](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/tag/solutions) [SI Spotlight](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/tag/si-spotlight) 6 Min Read ### [Search Institute Spotlight: Meet Michael Wright](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/search-institute-spotlight-meet-michael-wright) [Search Institute April 01 2025](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/author/search-institute) [![Student standing and talking with teacher as students observe](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/hubfs/3-trends-blog.png)](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/field-insights-3-themes-emerging-from-our-partners-in-practice) [Developmental Assets](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/tag/developmental-assets) [Developmental Relationships](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/tag/developmental-relationships) [Solutions](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/tag/solutions) [Field Partner Spotlight](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/tag/field-partner-spotlight) [Youth Thriving](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/tag/youth-thriving) 2 Min Read ### [Field Insights: 3 Themes Emerging from Our Partners in Practice](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/field-insights-3-themes-emerging-from-our-partners-in-practice) [Search Institute October 22 2025](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/author/search-institute) ![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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