Impact & Results
Work that moves communities forward
Dr. Yvette L. Pye brings 20+ years of experience in higher growth, community development, and organizational strategy — grounded in qualitative research and a deep commitment to equity.
Case studies
The work in practice
Developing doctoral leadership competencies at Saint Mary's University
Context
The Ed.D. in Leadership program needed a coherent framework to anchor its curriculum, advising, and student outcomes across a diverse doctoral cohort.
Approach
Dr. Pye developed and institutionalized the Ed.D. Leadership Competencies Framework, integrating adult learning theory, social justice, and qualitative research into the program's core. She taught graduate and doctoral courses, chaired 28 dissertations, and advised more than 120 doctoral learners over nearly two decades.
Outcome
Learners gained stronger research capacity, clearer leadership identities, and the organizational mindsets needed to lead change in their fields. The competencies framework became a lasting institutional anchor for the program.
Leading campus dialogue after the murder of George Floyd
Context
In the wake of George Floyd's murder in Minneapolis, Saint Mary's University needed to respond with more than a statement — faculty, staff, and learners needed structured space to process, reflect, and act.
Approach
Dr. Pye led the Campus-Community Conversations: Race, Belonging, and Shared Histories initiative, facilitating dialogue across the university community. Drawing on her background as an IDI® Qualified Administrator, she also facilitated 100+ intercultural competence assessments and individualized cultural development plans for faculty, staff, and organizational clients.
Outcome
The initiative created meaningful cross-community dialogue at a critical moment. Participants developed more nuanced frameworks for understanding race, belonging, and institutional culture — and the work informed ongoing equity efforts across the university.
Directing youth and family engagement in Minneapolis and St. Paul
Context
Community organizations serving African American, Asian, Latina, Native American, and Somali youth and families in the Twin Cities needed culturally grounded program leadership and coordination.
Approach
Through Dream Big Institute and her role as Program Administrator with Girls Taking Action, Dr. Pye directed community engagement initiatives, coordinated mentoring chapters, supervised mentors, and managed community events. She also brought her GIS and urban geography background to bear on understanding the spatial dimensions of community need.
Outcome
Programs reached youth and families across Minneapolis and St. Paul with culturally responsive mentoring, leadership development, and community engagement — grounded in the assets and histories of the communities served.
The most powerful thing you can do for a community is help it see its own capacity clearly — and then build systems that honor it.
Dr. Yvette L. Pye
Founder, Dream Big Institute
Areas of deep expertise
Where research, geography, and equity meet
Dr. Pye's work draws on a rare combination of doctoral-level geography, 20+ years in higher growth, qualitative research expertise, and deep roots in Twin Cities community development.
Doctoral advising and research development
Having chaired 28 dissertations and advised 120+ doctoral learners, Dr. Pye brings exceptional depth to research capacity-building, academic rigor, and scholarly mentorship.
Intercultural competence and IDI® facilitation
As an IDI® Qualified Administrator, Dr. Pye facilitates intercultural assessments and individualized development plans that help individuals and organizations grow their cultural competence in concrete, measurable ways.
Culturally responsive curriculum and pedagogy
From K–12 to doctoral programs, Dr. Pye designs learning experiences grounded in culturally relevant pedagogy, social justice frameworks, and adult learning theory.
Urban geography and spatial systems thinking
With a PhD in Urban Social Geography from the University of Minnesota, Dr. Pye brings a distinctive spatial lens to community development and educational equity — understanding how place shapes opportunity.
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