A Letter from Dawn Hooper, CPA -Interim Executive Director  

A little about me

 With over 20 years of financial leadership experience, 15 of those years in the nonprofit sector, I thrive at the intersection of purpose and passion.  My executive roles at esteemed organizations like Susan G. Komen and the Texas Women’s Foundation have empowered me to drive significant contributions and advance organizational success. Appreciating the value of inclusion, I seek to engage all constituent voices to create a workplace and community where everyone feels valued and heard. While I excel in collaborating with team members to streamline internal business operations through system and process enhancements, I also value working with external experts to develop exceptional programming that meets our stakeholders’ needs. The ongoing injustices in our society continue to fuel my personal passion for DEIB and my commitment to creating communities where everyone feels like they genuinely belong.

Your Interim Executive Director  

I am honored to serve as the National Diversity Council’s (NDC) Interim Executive Director. Since joining the NDC team last year as the Chief Financial Officer, I have seen the organization’s impact through our various initiatives, services, and resources. During my time as CFO, I have implemented strategic system improvements to integrate our work across all mission points and have led our team to tighten internal controls. With our mission of fostering diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging in the workplace and community, I am committed to: 

  • Leading with transparency, integrity and trust
  • Implementing innovative ideas and collaborative concepts from our partners, team, and community
  • Maintaining stability within the organization while addressing operational and strategic opportunities
  • Amplifying the message of our DEIB impact through our events, services and resources
  • And continuing the mission driven work of the NDC nationally and beyond

 

The road ahead 

As we navigate this period of transition, I want to assure you that our commitment to DEIB remains steadfast. I am confident that we will continue to advance our goals and positively impact our local workplaces and communities. I am a firm believer that change can bring fresh perspectives and renewed energy, and I am dedicated to ensuring that our organization not only maintains its momentum but also builds on our successes. In collaboration with passionate leaders and organizations that are dedicated to this cause, we will continue to serve as the national voice of DEIB.