Darlene Du Brall

Program Director & Grant Management Professional (CGMS) with 20+ years driving impactful initiatives and securing funding for community-centered programs.

Greater Seattle Areadar@heydarlene.com(360) 349-7511heydarlene.com

$20M+

Grant Funding Managed

15+

Programs Managed

20+

Years Experience

10K+

Lives Impacted

Career

Professional Experience

20+ years leading high-impact grant programs and community initiatives across broadband, digital equity, youth development, and public health.

Grants Program Manager

Docomo Pacific, Inc. — Guam & CNMI

November 2024 – Present

Grant Research/Funding Development:
Research, identify, and evaluate grant opportunities from federal, state, territorial, local, foundation, corporate, and other funding sources.
Develop and maintain a comprehensive database of funding opportunities, application deadlines, and sponsor requirements.
Monitor funding announcements, notices of funding opportunity (NOFOs), requests for proposals (RFPs), and other grant solicitations.
Prepare written grant opportunity summaries, funding analyses, and strategic recommendations for leadership.
Cultivate and maintain relationships with funding agencies, grant sponsors, community partners, and key stakeholders to expand funding opportunities and strategic partnerships.
Proposal Development/Submission:
Lead the development, coordination, and submission of competitive grant applications and proposals.
Draft compelling grant narratives, budgets, work plans, and supporting documentation that align with organizational goals and sponsor requirements.
Collaborate with finance, legal, compliance, operations, and program staff to gather information and develop complete and accurate applications.
Ensure all proposals comply with sponsor guidelines, regulatory requirements, and submission deadlines.
Coordinate internal review and approval processes for grant submissions.
Grant Administration and Compliance:
Review grant agreements, award documents, and funding terms and conditions.
Support post-award grant administration activities, including reporting, documentation, and performance tracking.
Monitor grant compliance requirements and maintain records to ensure adherence to sponsor and regulatory obligations.
Assist with preparation of financial and programmatic reports for funding agencies.
Support audit preparation activities and provide documentation for grant monitoring reviews and compliance assessments.
Maintain organized grant files, records, and reporting systems to support accountability and transparency.

Broadband Policy & Development Project Manager

CNMI Office of the Governor — Broadband Policy & Development Office

October 2023 – November 2024

Program Administration & Implementation:
Support implementation of the State's Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program and State Digital Equity initiatives.
Assist in administering federally funded broadband and digital inclusion programs while ensuring compliance with NTIA requirements, state policies, and grant regulations.
Monitor program milestones, deliverables, and reporting requirements to support successful program implementation.
Grant Management, Proposal Development & Compliance:
Support grant management activities, including application review, subrecipient monitoring, performance tracking, and compliance oversight.
Assist in the development and submission of grant proposals, funding applications, and supporting documentation.
Maintain accurate records and coordinate reporting activities to support audits, compliance reviews, and information requests.
Stakeholder Engagement & Outreach:
Coordinate partnerships with local government, broadband providers, community-based organizations, state agencies, and federal partners.
Facilitate stakeholder meetings, public outreach efforts, and community engagement activities to identify broadband and digital equity needs.
Support collaboration among stakeholders to advance broadband access, affordability, adoption, and digital inclusion goals.
Policy Development, Research & Reporting:
Assist in developing strategic plans, policies, and implementation frameworks for broadband and digital equity programs.
Conduct research and analyze broadband and digital inclusion data to support policy, funding, and program decisions.
Prepare executive briefings, reports, presentations, policy analyses, and other materials for leadership and stakeholders.

Director, CNMI Programs

Hawaii Youth Services Network (HYSN) — Hawaii & CNMI

December 2005 – October 2023

Program Development & Implementation:
Lead implementation of evidence-based health education, youth development, and prevention programs.
Collaborate with schools, healthcare providers, government agencies, and community organizations to strengthen program delivery and capacity.
Adapt curricula and strategies to ensure cultural relevance and responsiveness to diverse communities.
Develop implementation plans, evaluation measures, and program improvement strategies.
Partnership Development & Community Engagement:
Establish and maintain partnerships with public agencies, educational institutions, nonprofit organizations, healthcare providers, and community stakeholders.
Facilitate collaborative initiatives to address public health, youth development, and family well-being needs.
Convene stakeholder meetings and serve as a liaison among communities, agencies, and partner organizations.
Training & Capacity Building:
Design and deliver training, technical assistance, and professional development for educators, healthcare providers, and community organizations.
Provide coaching on evidence-based practices, prevention programming, youth engagement, and safe learning environments.
Communications, Evaluation & Reporting:
Develop educational materials, public awareness campaigns, and health promotion resources.
Monitor program performance, analyze data, and support continuous improvement efforts.
Prepare reports, presentations, and program outcomes for funders, stakeholders, and leadership.
Youth Safety & Prevention:
Support initiatives promoting youth safety, healthy relationships, and abuse prevention.
Coordinate collaborative efforts among schools, service providers, and community organizations to strengthen prevention and response systems.

Adjunct Instructor (Online)

Northern Marianas College

Summer – Fall 2023

Course Instruction:
Taught a foundational undergraduate psychology course focused on the brain, behavior, and mental processes.
Introduced students to major psychological theories, concepts, and research methods.
Fostered critical thinking and application of psychological principles to everyday life.

Prior Experience

Pacific Training SpecialistLife Foundation

Capacity Building & Training:
Supported national training objectives of the Capacity Building Assistance Program.
Developed and implemented training curricula as necessitated by capacity-building plans.
Linked agencies and programs to a comprehensive capacity-building network.
Coordination & Administration:
Coordinated logistics and organized meetings, conferences, and travel with the Pacific Island Jurisdictions.
Co-convened advisory group meetings and conference calls with the Pacific Island Jurisdictions.
Organized and maintained project-related records, files, and resources.
Assisted with progress report writing and documentation.

Prevention SpecialistCoalition for A Drug-Free Hawaii

Program Development & Implementation:
Assisted and collaborated in program development and staffing.
Participated in the development of a statewide needs assessment and plan of action.
Stakeholder Engagement & Collaboration:
Collaborated with various agencies statewide and conducted focus groups.
Provided prevention information and resources to programs and outside agencies.
Research, Reporting & Evaluation:
Conducted a literature review and gathering of data for local and national studies.
Prepared monthly, quarterly, and/or semi-annual/annual statistical and narrative reports.
Assisted with implementation of evaluation activities as required by funding sources.

Impact

Program Successes

Key programs that have driven measurable community impact and organizational growth.

Featured Case Study

CNMI Teen Pregnancy Prevention Program

65% reduction in teen birth rate (ages 15–17)

Led federally funded teen pregnancy prevention education across the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands Public School System, progressing from pilot to full school system implementation.

Key Results

65% reduction in teen birth rate ages 15–17 (CY13–CY21)
75% reduction in teen birth rate ages 18–19 (CY13–CY21)
Fewer sexually active students; increased contraceptive use

OAH Sustainability Case Study · 2018

Integrating Teen Pregnancy Prevention in Schools

4,214+ students served annually across Hawaii

Managed OAH-funded teen pregnancy prevention programs at HYSN building sustainable school-based delivery models.

Key Results

1,621 students (Making Proud Choices) & 2,593 (Making A Difference) served annually at HYSN
3 subgrantees secured new funding; 6 continue TPP education after OAH funding ended
Culturally adapted curricula including local video content for Hawaiian youth

Related Publication

Feldman Farb, A., & Margolis, A. L. (2016). The teen pregnancy prevention program (2010–2015): Synthesis of impact findings. American Journal of Public Health, 106(S1), S9–S15.

View publication

CNMI · 2016

Cross-Agency Child Protection & Prevention Effort

Strengthened child protection systems across CNMI public schools

In 2016, students in the CNMI who participated in the Making a Difference curriculum began reporting experiences of sexual abuse to school staff, demonstrating increased awareness, empowerment, and trust in school support systems. In response, HYSN collaborated with the Sex Abuse Treatment Center (SATC) in Hawaii to implement a culturally relevant prevention curriculum, which included training local staff, counselors, and teachers across elementary, middle, and high schools.

Key Results

Partnered with SATC Hawaii to implement culturally relevant prevention curriculum across grades K-5
Trained local staff, counselors, and teachers in prevention education and trauma-informed response
CNMI public school staff partnered with the Division of Youth Services, Northern Marianas Coalition Against Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault, PSS legal counsel, and the Department of Public Safety
Improved coordination, reporting procedures, and response systems for child sexual abuse cases
Created a more effective, collaborative approach to addressing and responding to student disclosures

Published Case Study · University Press of Kentucky, 2022

Pacific Pregnancy Partnership

Teen birth rate dropped from 97 to 37 per 1,000 (2011–2017)

Built capacity for teen pregnancy prevention in the Northern Mariana Islands through culturally adapted evidence-based programs — documented in a published academic chapter on Indigenous public health.

Key Results

Teen birth rate: 97 → 37 per 1,000 girls ages 15–19 (2011–2017)
HS students ever had sex: 46% → 34% (2011–2017)
Students drinking/using drugs before sex: 30% → 24%

Related Publication

Clark, J. F. (2022). Chapter 6 — Successful Interventions that Improve Sexual Health in American Indian, Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Communities. In Burhansstipanov, L., & Braun, K. L. (Eds.), Indigenous Public Health. University Press of Kentucky.

Insights in Public Health · HJMPH 2015

MPC+ for Foster Youth in Hawai'i

43 foster youth served; outcomes comparable to non-foster youth MPC participants

HYSN adapted the Making Proud Choices (MPC) evidence-based curriculum for foster youth (ages 12–21) across four Independent Learning Programs on O'ahu, Kaua'i, Maui, and the Big Island. The adapted program — MPC+ — included trauma-informed content, inclusive language, and expanded modules on healthy relationships and emancipation.

Key Results

43 foster youth participated in MPC+ across Hawai'i as of December 2013
Post-test gains comparable to other students who completed standard MPC training
94% got correct answers on behaviors to prevent HIV, STDs, and pregnancy
92% report they can say 'no' to sex and unsafe sex
Program adapted with trauma-informed practice, inclusive language, and foster care-specific modules
HYSN received OAH approval to use TPPPP funds for MPC+ implementation

Related Publication

Smith, T., Clark, J. F., & Nigg, C. R. (2015). Building support for an evidence-based teen pregnancy and sexually transmitted infection prevention program adapted for foster youth. Hawai'i Journal of Medicine & Public Health, 74(1), 27–32.

View publication

Geographic Reach

Pacific Region Impact Map

Click a region to explore broadband and public health initiatives across Hawaii and the CNMI.

Pacific Ocean

Public Health

Broadband / Digital Equity

Select a region

Click Hawaii or CNMI on the map to explore initiatives.

Funding

Grants & Contracts Portfolio

A 20+ year record of securing and managing federal, state, and private funding across public health, education, and broadband equity.

$19.8M+

Total Funds Awarded

Grants & Contracts

Center for Substance Abuse Prevention

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration

2002–2004

Planning grant for substance and HIV prevention in girls in the state of Hawaii

$350,000

Capacity Building Assistance Program (CBA)

Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum (APIAHF)

2004–2005

Provide CBA to health departments and community-based organizations in the Pacific

$300,000

Promoting Science Based Approaches Project

U.S. Centers for Disease Control

2005–2010

Building capacity for teen pregnancy and STI prevention

$1,123,750

CDC Competitive Supplement

U.S. Centers for Disease Control

2008–2010

Teen pregnancy and STI prevention

$225,000

Replication of Evidence-Based Programs (Teen Pregnancy Prevention Partnership of the Pacific)

Office of Adolescent Health

2010–2015

Teen pregnancy and STI prevention using evidence-based programs

$4,999,995

Personal Responsibility Education Program – Competitive

Family and Youth Services Bureau

2012–2021

Teen Pregnancy and STI Prevention, Northern Mariana Islands

$2,250,000

Competitive Abstinence Education Program

Family and Youth Services Bureau

2014–2016

Teen Pregnancy and STI Prevention, Hawaii

$429,777

Bullying Prevention Grant-in-Aid

City & County of Honolulu

2016–2017

Bullying prevention – curriculum and video development and professional training

$43,469

Personal Responsibility Education Program – State

Family and Youth Services Bureau

2016–2024

Teen Pregnancy and STI Prevention, Northern Mariana Islands; afterschool program

$2,000,000

Pono Choices Facilitator Support

Association of Maternal & Child Health Programs

2019–2020

Teen Pregnancy & STI prevention using Hawaiian cultural curriculum

$15,000

Adolescent Reproductive Health Collaborative Learning

Power to Decide

2020–2022

Partnerships for adolescent reproductive health

$10,000

Sexual Risk Avoidance Education

Family and Youth Services Bureau

2020–2024

Promote adolescent reproductive health

$1,023,768

Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment Program (BEAD) – Digital Equity Planning Grant

National Telecommunications and Information Administration

2023–2024

Digital Equity Planning Grant / Digital Equity 5-year Plan

$150,000

Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment Program (BEAD) – Planning Grant

National Telecommunications and Information Administration

2023–2024

BEAD Planning Grant

$1,250,000

Safe Spaces for Youth Pilot Project

Hawaii State Office of Youth Services (contract)

2023–2024

Planning and coordination for Safe Spaces for Youth Pilot Project

$479,384

Broadband Technical Assistance Program

US Department of Agriculture

2023–2024

Broadband Technical Assistance and Training

$500,000

Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment – Digital Equity Competitive Grant (State)

National Telecommunications and Information Administration

2023–2024

Digital Equity Competitive Grant (State)

$2,500,000

Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment – Digital Equity Capacity Grant (State)

National Telecommunications and Information Administration

2023–2024

Digital Equity Capacity Grant (State)

$2,100,000

Expertise

Skills & Competencies

Program Management

Strategic PlanningProgram Design & EvaluationLogic Models & Theory of ChangeStakeholder EngagementCross-Sector CollaborationPerformance Metrics & KPIs

Grant Management

Federal Grant WritingBudget DevelopmentCompliance & ReportingGrant Lifecycle ManagementFinancial Oversight

Leadership

Team Building & MentorshipChange ManagementBoard RelationsCommunity OrganizingPublic Speaking

Technical

Data Analysis & VisualizationMicrosoft Office SuiteProject Management ToolsSurvey & Evaluation DesignReport WritingPrompt EngineeringWorkflow Automation

Education

Education & Certifications

MS – Psychology

Capella University · 2020

MA – Education

Western Baptist University · 2014

BS – Behavioral Science

Chaminade University · 2009

AA – Liberal Arts

Leeward Community College · 2004

Certifications

Certified Grants Management Specialist (CGMS)
National Grants Management Association · 2026
Google Project Management
Google · 2021
Strategic Prevention Framework (SPF) Application for Prevention Success Training (SAPST)
Prevention Technology Transfer Center Network (PTTC) · 2026
Introduction to Data Analytics
Coursera Certificate · 2022
Youth Mental Health First Aid USA Instructor Course
National Council for Behavioral Health · 2019
Sexual Abuse Prevention Curricula, Training of Trainers
Sex Abuse Treatment Center of Hawaii · 2017
"Community FUNdamentals" Community Mobilization Training (Training of Leaders)
Tenacious Change · 2017
Get Set for Success — Assessment, Logic Modeling, and Intervention Mapping
CADCA Institute Regional Training · 2015
Trauma-Informed Care Training of Trainers
HYSN · 2015
Managing Federal Grants and Cooperative Agreements
Management Concepts · 2014
Making A Difference TOT
Healthy Teen Network · 2013
Making Proud Choices! For Youth in Out-of-Home Care
The National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy · 2012
Draw the Line/Respect the Line TOT/Facilitator
ETR Associates · 2012
Be Proud! Be Responsible! TOT/Facilitator
Sociometrics · 2011
HIV Prevention & Adolescent Reproductive Health
CDC STD/HIV Prevention Training Center, University of Hawaii · 2009

Recognition

Awards & Publications

Awards

2008

Horizon Award for Excellence in Health Education

U.S. Centers for Disease Control

2009

Bette Takahashi Service Award

Planned Parenthood of Hawaii

2016

Excellence in Community Communications and Outreach Award

U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration

Publications Featuring Programs

HYSN Case Study

Burhansstipanov, L., & Braun, K. L. (Eds.). (2022). Indigenous public health: Improvement through community-engaged interventions. University Press of Kentucky.

HYSN Issue Brief

Feldman Farb, A., & Margolis, A. L. (2016). The teen pregnancy prevention program (2010–2015): Synthesis of impact findings. American Journal of Public Health, 106(S1), S9–S15.

https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2016.303367

Insights in Public Health · HJMPH 2015

https://media.base44.com/files/public/69c09520d8bbd13910a11f4e/512f4ba53_BuildingSupportforanEvidence-BasedTeenPregnancy.pdf

Endorsements

What Colleagues Say

Testimonials from partners, supervisors, and collaborators across 20+ years of impact.

"Her ability to lead a team while maintaining focus on project objectives has been nothing short of remarkable. Dependability is one of Darlene's greatest strengths — she has always been someone I could count on to deliver high-quality work, even under pressure."

Glen Hunter

Special Assistant for Broadband Policy & Development

CNMI Office of the Governor

"Darlene has strong relationship building skills and is committed to excellence in all she does. She has an in-depth understanding of Pacific Island cultures and greatly contributed to the positive outcomes that HYSN has achieved in its work."

Judith F. Clark, MPH

Executive Director

Hawai'i Youth Services Network

"Darlene approached it with grace, intelligence, and the spirit of mālama, fostering strong pilina (relationships) throughout the process. If she faced stress or challenges behind the scenes, she never allowed them to impact the quality or positivity of her work."

Laura Brucia Hamm

Chief Quality Improvement Officer, Hale Kipa & Board Member

Hawai'i Youth Services Network

"She is a thoughtful listener who understands the cultural needs of many of the diverse ethnicities in the CNMI and is gifted with being able to work with parents, students, and teachers to help meet each school's unique needs."

Melisha San Nicolas

State Program Officer for Equitable Services

CNMI Public School System

"Many replied with some version of the same thing: 'Darlene asked me, and I'd do anything for her.' This spoke volumes about the relationships she had built with people. It is a strength she has only built upon over the years."

Tom Klaus

Former Senior Associate, Advocates for Youth

Frederick, MD