For as long as they can remember, Dani Lacio has always wanted to help people. “I wanted to be for someone else what I needed in my journey.”
As a means to that end, Dani pursued Drury’s Master of Nonprofit & Civic Leadership. But right before graduation in May 2021, Dani was contemplating their next steps. So, they reached out to their advisor, Charles Taylor, for guidance.
“Charles knew my goal of wanting to be a part of creating growth and acceptance in the community. He advised I look into the graduate certificate in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Leadership. I’m so thankful I did.”
The DEI Certificate, in consultation with faculty and community partners with expertise in diversity, inclusion, and social justice, was designed to prepare students to understand the systems change process through a cultural-conscious lens. Dani was a part of the first DEI certificate cohort in August 2021.
“Regardless of how progressive or unbiased we may feel we are, this program helped me with personal growth that I didn’t realize I needed to make. It taught me how we make systemic changes. It took my MNCL degree one step further, opening doors to opportunities I never thought I’d be offered.”
The DEI certificate is for any passionate individual, as a standalone credential or as an add on to any master’s degree:
- 4 courses offered 100% online. Finish in 9 months.
- 8-week sessions allow you to focus on one course at a time.
- Applied projects are relevant to the issues in the community and the workplace.
A year later, Dani is the Equality Organizer for PROMO, a state-wide LGBTQ+ advocacy organization with a mission to confront systemic inequities. And in March 2023, they were honored as a member of the Springfield Business Journal’s 40 Under 40 class of 2023.
“I have attained my goal of wanting to help others because I have the great privilege to work for PROMO. Advocacy and legislation are how we do our work and while it can be emotionally and mentally exhausting, I’m so thankful for the privilege to be a part of this work of protecting LGBTQ+ Missourians. Adding the DEI certificate to my MNCL has contributed to me reaching this goal.”
Interested in more information about our DEI certificate? Contact us here.
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