Dulany Reeves Dent grew up in Wilmington, Delaware, with her older sister and supportive parents who stressed that “family is everything.” In college, Dent earned her bachelor’s degree in economics from Colgate University and her MBA in finance from the Wharton School of Business. Dent’s education equipped her with the valuable skills to build and grow companies. She believes that purpose-driven, values-based businesses can be a force for meaningful social change.
Twenty years ago, Dent purchased The Nanny Network, the same company she and her husband Matt utilized for childcare. In February, Dent launched The Good People Care Alliance, which offers neurodivergent support, eldercare, childcare and tutoring in the DMV.
Dulany and Matt, a Baltimore native, have three children — son Gray (20), and daughters Charlotte (18) and Maddie (13). They live in Towson.
This interview was edited for length and clarity.
Tell me about your family.
Like many families, we’ve spent years balancing careers, school schedules, sports, activities and all the unexpected moments that come with parenthood. Being a mother has been one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences of my life, but it’s also given me a deep understanding for the village it takes to help working families thrive.
What drew you to The Nanny Network?
I played three varsity sports in high school and two in college. I am competitive and a team player, and I thought those two characteristics would allow me to succeed in a male-dominated field. I thought I could find an employer with a team culture, offering a well-balanced, flexible pathway for me to succeed in my career and as a mom. Unfortunately (or fortunately), that’s not what I found, and it was the catalyst for me acquiring The Nanny Network.
In many ways, my children shaped my career. Navigating the realities of working motherhood helped me understand how critical quality care and support systems are. As clients, we experienced firsthand the tremendous value that trusted caregivers provide to families. We saw the opportunity to build upon a strong foundation and expand the company’s impact.
How are The Nanny Network (TNN) and Good People Care Alliance (GPCA) different?
Both organizations share a commitment to supporting individuals and communities through high-quality, compassionate care. TNN matches working families with professional caregivers, while GPCA brings together organizations, employers, healthcare providers, educators and community partners to address larger workforce and care challenges. GPCA services are designed for employers that want to provide quality caregiving support to their employees. We support working parents seeking reliable childcare, families caring for children with special needs, neurodivergent individuals, older adults who wish to age with dignity and families navigating complex caregiving responsibilities. Both organizations are working toward the same goal: ensuring that people have access to the care and support they need to live and work successfully.
As a successful entrepreneur, what advice would you give to young women pursuing their dreams?
Believe in your ability to learn and grow. It’s not how far you fall, it’s how high you bounce. You do not need to have every answer before you begin. Some of the most important lessons come from taking action, making mistakes and staying resilient through challenges. Surround yourself with people who support your growth, seek mentors and don’t be afraid to take calculated risks. Most importantly, pursue work that aligns with your values. Success is much more meaningful when it is connected to purpose.
What ideals do you hope to pass on to your children?
We hope to instill kindness, integrity, curiosity and a strong work ethic. We want our children to understand the importance of treating others with respect, contributing to their communities and standing up for what they believe in. We encourage them to be lifelong learners and to recognize that success is not just about personal achievement but about how you positively impact others.
Family Favorites
Restaurants: Tark’s, The Food Market, Petit Louis
Vacation Spots: Stone Harbor, NJ; Squam Lake, NH; Snowmass, CO
Activities: Skiing, Orioles games, live music, board and card games, time with our extended family who we are very close with and our dog, Bailey.
