Dr. Dakesa Piña is the inaugural vice president for diversity, equity, and inclusion at Illinois Wesleyan University. Previously, Piña worked as Illinois State University's first college-level EDI officer for the College of Education. She completed her doctorate degree in Marriage and Family Therapy at Texas Tech University, her master's degree at Indiana State University, and her bachelor's degree at Bowling Green State University. Piña has been a member of NADOHE for two years.
Piña enjoys providing training on a variety of different topics including difficult dialogues, cultural competency, and cultural humility. When not working or volunteering with organizations such as Jack and Jill of America, Inc., Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc., and For a Better Tomorrow, Piña spends time with her husband, two children, and friends.
Why are you a member of NADOHE?
I am a member of NADOHE because NADOHE is the premier national organization for diversity leaders in higher education. NADOHE resources such as the NADOHE Communication Guide, Framework for Advancing Antiracism Strategy on Campus, and NADOHE Standards 2.0 are foundational to the success of my work.
Can you describe your work as the new VP of DEI at IWU?
I became the vice president of diversity, equity and inclusion at Illinois Wesleyan University on July 1. One of my first priorities is to institute an educational campaign about my responsibilities as VP of DEI and unify our campus on the definitions of diversity, equity, inclusion, anti-racism, and access. The NADOHE Communication Guide has been essential in planning this campaign.
What advice would you give to early-to-mid-career DEI leaders in doing this work in the current climate?
I would encourage early-to-mid-career DEI leaders to spend most of their time building positive relationships with people in and out of their university community. When discussing with your leadership what you need to make your role successful, you should discuss the importance of spending time building relationships similar to the time your advancement leader spends on relationship building. Having strong relationships is the foundation to removing barriers.
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