When Bilda Acuña Small began her tenure at Girls Preparatory School in 2014, she led the marketing and communications team to develop strategic messaging that best conveyed the school’s mission and programs. Before the start of this school year, she added the admission and enrollment component of GPS to her role.
"Bilda’s impressive work in marketing and communications and the natural alignment of that department with admission work made her the right person to lead us into a new realm of enrollment management,” said Head of School Dr. Autumn A. Graves. “I look forward to working alongside her and her teams as we continue our success with welcoming new students and their families to GPS.”
Now as the school’s chief enrollment and communications officer, Ms. Small finds herself in a unique and advantageous position: leading both teams with thoughtful attention paid to how the message of GPS’s distinctive position in our community best serves girls and their families, said officials.
“Five years ago I left a former career with a desire to be a part of something that would impact the lives of girls and help define their futures,” said Ms. Small. “I found that here at GPS. We are committed to each girl—ensuring that her experience at our school not only brings out her fullest potential but also allows her to discover hidden talents and skills she will use for a lifetime.”
Ms. Small has spent the majority of her 25-year career in marketing and communications roles for corporations and nonprofits. She has served on the board of Girls, Inc., and was a La Paz Latina Leader of the Year recipient. She was also named one of the top five Latina Executives of the Year by LATINA Style Magazine.
"I am constantly in awe of GPS girls and how an all-girl environment empowers them to be themselves, find their voices, and embrace their intelligence,” said Ms. Small. “There’s nothing these girls can’t accomplish. It never crosses their minds that they can’t. I’m excited to help more Chattanooga-area families explore the possibilities of GPS for their daughters.”
For more information about the enrollment process or to speak to Ms. Small or anyone on our Admission team, please call 634-7644 or visit GPS.edu/Inquire.