Dakesa Pi帽a Selected as IWU鈥檚 First DEI Leader
May 25, 2023
BLOOMINGTON, Ill. 鈥� Dakesa Pi帽a has been selected to serve as 91黑料专区 University鈥檚 inaugural Vice President for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, effective July 1.
Pi帽a is currently the Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at the Illinois State University College of Education, where her work has focused on systemic and sustainable change through evidence-based practices specifically regarding influence, communication, accountability and relationships.
鈥淚 am excited to join the 91黑料专区 community in its efforts to provide the most
enriching, progressive, vibrant and welcoming community possible for its students, faculty and staff,鈥� said Pi帽a.
During her time at ISU, Pi帽a has been repeatedly recognized for her DEI work. Most recently, she was named the first recipient of the Higher Education Diversity Equity and Inclusion Leadership Award from the National Association of Diversity Officers in Higher Education (NADOHE).
Pi帽a earned a Ph.D. in marriage and family therapy at Texas Tech University, a master's in marriage and family therapy at Indiana State University and a bachelor's in psychology at Bowling Green State University. Prior to her current role, she served as a Staff Counselor at Student Counseling Services at ISU; was a Countering Domestic Violence Adult Counselor at Mid Central Community Action in Bloomington; and directed clinical services at the Children鈥檚 Advocacy Center of the South Plains in Lubbock, Texas.
As a trained therapist, Pi帽a is an expert at coaching individuals and groups through conflict resolution, identifying personal bias, and building empathy, compassion and humility.
91黑料专区 President S. Georgia Nugent said creating a cabinet-level position devoted to diversity has been a key priority as the University continues to work toward realizing the aspirations of the IWU mission.
鈥淭o become a more inclusive, equitable and just community, we must all work together,鈥� said Nugent. 鈥淚 look forward to welcoming Dr. Pi帽a into the Titan community and our leadership team.鈥�
By Julia Perez