About Dia/Debrah

I have extensive experience in leadership and administration, marketing, nonprofit management, accreditation, foundation work and grant writing, project management, recruitment and retention of staff, and, most importantly, DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion).

I have worked with individuals from over 100 countries, striving to ensure that they feel welcome in their communities. I have designed training programs and curriculum for non-profit organizations, businesses, and universities. I have over 10 years' experience building and running successful nonprofits, and I have overseen lifelong learning programs. I have worked with non-traditional and international employees, staff, and students. And I have experience in the areas of diversity, pluralism, LGBTQ+, and cultural awareness to help employees and staff feel accepted and seen. I also have been lucky enough to work abroad in Japan, Brazil, and Italy. 

I am proud to say that I have published an LGBTQ+ Young Adult novel series under a pseudonym.

Finally, yes, my given name is Debrah, but if you're a friend, I prefer that you call me Dia.

Thanks for stopping by!

Current Nonprofit Board Experience

Commissioner
City of Hartford LGBTQ+ Commission, Hartford, CT, three year term, 2024-2027

Board Member
The Peace Center of Connecticut, Hartford, CT, 2024 - present 

DEI Standing Committee Member
Hartford Symphony Orchestra, Hartford, CT, 2024 - present

Board Member
​CT Lyric Opera, New London, CT, 2024 - present

Committee Member
​Out Film CT, Hartford, CT, 2023 - present

Board Member / Chair, Communications Committee
​Asylum Hill Neighborhood Association (AHNA), Hartford, CT, 2023 - present

College-Level Courses Taught

BEHSCI101: Intro to the College Experience
COMM100: Grammar for Communicators
COMM182: Writing for New Media
COMM192: Public Speaking
CONTED290: MAT Study Prep
CONTED292: Brain Fitness
ENGL100: Writing and Thinking
GEN101: Intro to English Composition
GEN102: Intro to Communication​
Intensive ESL Courses
Adult Basic Education Courses

Recent Programs Completed

2024 cohort
UConn Encore CT
2024 cohort
Leadership Greater Hartford - Quest

Education

Ed.D. coursework in
​Adult Education Administration
Pennsylvania State University

M.Ed., Adult Education & Training
TESOL Certification
Seattle University

B.A., Education / Liberal Studies
California State University, Fullerton

Messages from Former Students and Staff

"I am truly grateful for you helping me. Every time I get the chance, I always tell people how thankfuI am for you and how much I miss you on campus!"
--message from a former staff member, Fall 2022
"I wanted to reach out and tell you how much of an impact you've had on my semester and my life. Thank you for being amazing!"
--message from a student, Fall 2021​
​"Thank you so much for being supportive and understanding this semester. I am not going to lie, you are the best professor I have ever had. You make college writing enjoyable and have taught me how to write papers in a day rather than two weeks like I did before. I hope I get the chance to have another class with you."
--message from a student, Spring 2021​
"I really truly enjoyed this class and the way you taught it. I definitely am a much better writer than when I entered SU. I think you are the type of teacher that makes college worth it. Thank you for being there for me to talk to, even if it was not about class or any of the assignments. I hope to be able to take one of your classes again in the future and I would love to be able to stay in touch with you after this class is over!
​Thank you for everything you have done!"
--message from a student, Fall 2020
"Thank you for showing her the way. Thank you for empowering her. Thank you for reassuring her that she has what it takes to get the job done--that she can do it!"
​--letter from a fellow supervisor, Spring 2020