Staff Highlight: Dana Forbes

Meet Dana Forbes, Front Steps’ Human Resources Manager!

With nearly two decades of experience in HR, Dana brings a people-first approach to every part of her work. Since joining Front Steps, she’s been dedicated to fostering a supportive, inclusive, and mission-driven workplace where every team member feels valued and empowered. In this Q&A, Dana shares her journey into human resources, what inspired her to join Front Steps, and how she finds joy both in and outside of work.

Q&A Interview:

1. Can you share a little about yourself and your professional background?

   • I have over 19 years of experience in Human Resources. My journey began as an Associate Support Department Supervisor and evolved through roles such as Human Resource Generalist, Human Resource Business Partner, and most recently, Senior Human Resource Business Partner before joining Front Steps. Throughout my career, I’ve had the privilege of supporting teams across logistics, retail, and distribution, always with a focus on people-centered leadership and organizational growth.

2. What drew you to this kind of work, and how did you get started in the field of human resources?

   • In college, I initially planned to become a Business Education Teacher but later changed my major to Business Administration.  I’ve always been passionate about advocating for fairness in the workplace, which led me to pursue a minor in Pre-Law and later a Master’s in Organizational Management with an emphasis in Human Resources. HR became the perfect intersection of my passion for people, fairness, and organizational success.

3. What inspired you to join Front Steps and take on your role as an HR Manager?

   • I was inspired by Front Steps’ commitment to making a tangible difference in people’s lives. The organization’s focus on providing stability, dignity, and pathways to independence for those experiencing homelessness deeply resonated with me. I wanted to use my HR experience to help support that mission through people, culture, and operational excellence.

4. In your own words, what does Front Steps’ mission mean to you?

   • To me, Front Steps’ mission means providing more than just a place to stay, it’s about offering hope, compassion, and the opportunity for individuals to rebuild their lives. It reflects a belief that everyone deserves dignity, respect, and a fair chance at stability and success.

5. How do you see your role contributing to that mission?

   • My role is to ensure that our people, the heart of our organization, are supported, valued, and empowered to do their best work. By fostering a positive, equitable, and compliant work environment, I understand my role is to ensure that our staff can stay focused on what they do best: serving our community and changing lives.

6. What do you enjoy most about working with the Front Steps team?

   • I truly enjoy the collaboration and compassion that everyone brings to their work. Each person I’ve met is deeply committed to our mission and genuinely cares about the people we serve. It’s inspiring to be part of a team that leads with empathy and purpose every day.

7. What’s one thing you’ve learned about our staff or organization since joining Front Steps?

   •  I’ve learned that each of you is incredibly passionate about your role in supporting the unhoused and our Veterans. The level of dedication, teamwork, and heart that goes into everything we do is truly remarkable.

8. What’s a memorable moment or accomplishment from your time here so far?

   • For me, one of the most memorable moments has been getting to know everyone personally—learning about their roles, their stories, and what motivates them. Building those relationships has been one of the most rewarding parts of my time here.

9. Outside of work, what are some things you enjoy doing in your free time?

1. • I’m an avid sports fan, especially football and basketball, and a big TV and action movie buff. I also love traveling, visiting historical cities, beaches, and photographing lighthouses. Exploring new places and learning about their stories brings me a lot of joy.

10. What’s one fun fact your coworkers might not know about you?

• • I absolutely love music, especially classic R&B. I enjoy going to old-school concerts with my daughter and dancing to the music, it’s always the best time! One fun fact is that I once got to dance on stage with the legendary R&B group Whodini, when they visited my university and the crowd started shouting my name. It was such an unforgettable moment!