Diane is an attorney and non-profit executive with twenty-six years of experience at the local and national level driving innovative strategies and developing transformative partnerships that support long term growth in communities impacted by systemic inequities. Diane plays a pivotal role at the U.S. Dream Academy, initially serving as the founding executive director, then as the chief strategy officer. She now serves as the chief executive officer, and has spearheaded innovative strategies and forged transformative partnerships to fuel the organization’s long-term growth. She led the national expansion of the U.S Dream Academy from its first location in Washington, D.C. to ten different states. She also led a violence reduction initiative in Ward 7 in collaboration with twelve community-based organizations, which led to the reduction in juvenile crime while building community connection. She earned her law degree from University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law. 

Diane has also studied at both Harvard University and Stanford University in nonprofit leadership, and is passionate about building next-level leaders. She consults with other nonprofit leaders of color to help build organizational capacity and sustainability. She has enjoyed being a mentor to three young people for over a decade who are all now leaders in their fields.

Diane has received a number of community service awards and has served on several boards. Currently she serves as the vice chair on the board of directors for Baltimore City Head Start. In 2013, she was selected as one of Maryland’s Top 100 Women by the Daily Record for her professional accomplishments, community involvement, and mentoring. In October 2018, Diane received the Icons and Innovators for Social Justice Award at the BE SOCIAL for Justice Gala, presented by BronxConnect, Africa Rising, and the Christian Cultural Center. In 2018, she was asked to be one of five non-profit leaders represented on stage at Michelle Obama’s “Becoming” Tour in Washington, D.C., and was recently awarded a Community Service Award from Stennis Enterprises for her work in San Bernardino, California.