Dan'Talisha Deans (MSW 2012), Director of Development, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging
On a very high level, I am mother to a handsome 2-year-old boy named Levi. In my personal time I enjoy spending time with family, dancing, writing, and singing. I am also a professional recording artist with various projects that are on streaming platforms. I am also a praise and worship leader at my local church.
Current job description
Reporting to the Vice Chancellor for Individual Giving, Schools and Centers, this position will serve as a member of the Individual Giving leadership team with top-line responsibility for fundraising targeted towards promoting diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging at Pitt. The successful candidate will develop and implement a comprehensive plan and strategies to drive engagement and fund raising among diverse constituencies broadly construed, including BIPOC communities, LGBTQIA+, people with disabilities, veterans, and first-generation students with focus on participation, pipeline development, and major gifts fundraising. They will also partner with PAA, OEDI, Student Affairs, schools and centers on alumni engagement and fund-raising strategies as part of the larger Pitt/PAE to-be-developed comprehensive DEIB plan and serve as content expert and thought leader on DEIB fund raising.
Part-time job title: Adjunct Professor, Howard University School of Social Work
Job Description: I am an adjunct professor for Howard University's master's in social work program. I currently teach the following courses throughout the academic year: Social Work and the Black Perspective; Advanced Policy Analysis; Social Work Practice with Communities and Organizations; and Advocating for Oppressed and Marginalized Communities.
Where do you call home today?
Lorton, VA (DMV)
Who inspires you in your work?
Honestly, my family and individuals who are directly impacted by the work that social workers do are the ones who inspire my work. As mentioned in another response, I witnessed members of my extended family suffer from substance abuse challenges and have had my relatives enter the foster care system at very young ages. This was difficult for me to witness as an adolescent. I've seen the direct impact of how a lack of resources for basic needs has impacted communities in a negative way. I simply wanted to be a part of the solution, not just for my family, but for others who need someone to advocate for their basic human needs on a micro, mezzo, and macro level.
What is your biggest professional accomplishment?
Securing my first dream job as a Presidential Management Fellow at the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and working at the White House under the Obama Administration as a Management and Leadership Director in the Presidential Personnel Office.
How has the social work education you received at Pitt helped you in your career?
I would say that Pitt SSW prepared me well for my current role. As a student in the MSW program my concentration was in Community Organizing and Social Administration. The curriculum of this program included courses on fundraising, working with diverse populations and communities, human service management, research, and planning. The skills I gained from these courses have helped develop me into the professional and leader I am today. Pitt SSW also afforded me the opportunity to gain long-lasting mentors to include Keith Caldwell, Director of Impact and Continuity - Community Engagement Centers and Tracy Soska, Associate Professor Emeritus, who have both been by my side on my professional journey since I was a student. I can't thank them enough for how they have supported me. Lastly, under the leadership of former SSW Dean Lary E. Davis, who has since passed away, I had the opportunity to study abroad in Cuba with the Center on Race and Social Problems (CRSP) and was later hired as the first Project Coordinator for CRSP.
What is the most significant thing you learned at Pitt SSW?
I learned the important skill of advocacy on a macro level. I also learned that it is extremely important for social workers to have a seat at the table when it comes to policy and political advocacy.
What motivated you to pursue a degree in social work?
My lived experiences - First and foremost, I have a genuine love for people and for seeing people grow into their best selves. It is no secret that social work is a helping profession, and social workers contribute much of their time helping support the basic rights of humans. Additionally, I saw a lot of challenges in my extended family to include some of my cousins being put into the foster care system, and family members losing their children due to substance abuse issues. It was always heartbreaking to watch such circumstances unfold in my own family. I wanted to be part of the solution for others who struggle with these issues, the systemic pressures instituted in our society, and other social justice causes. I've always been seen as a person that others look to for guidance and trust. I wanted to hone that strength for a greater cause.
What's your favorite memory of the Pitt SSW?
One of my greatest memories as a MSW student at Pitt was serving as the Action Chairperson for Civic Action Movement (CAM), a student-led organization with a mission to equip the community to advocate and address issues of social justice. One of the major projects I led was an effort called Appetite for Advocacy: Political Empowerment in Social Work. My team and I worked together to invite social workers in politics to serve on a panel to educate, empower, and encourage our social work students. At that time, I had already had a goal to work in the federal service, but I think this nurtured my desire to want to be a Presidential Management Fellow. I've always enjoyed making this kind of impact in public service.
How much do you rely upon your Pitt SSW network in your work today?
I am still very well-connected to my Pitt SSW network in various ways. Most recently, I have been able to call on my classmates to be guest speakers for the social work classes that I now teach at Howard University. They are always happy to do it. I love allowing them to share their professional experiences with my students as a part of their learning journey. Another very special moment occurred at Pitt's first Black Alumni Reunion Weekend hosted by PAA. I was asked to sing "Lift Every Voice and Sing" at the awards dinner and many of my Pitt SSW classmates showed up to support me during this time. What a great feeling!
Lastly, I would be remised if I didn't mention very important mentors in my life from my Pitt SSW experience. Pitt SSW afforded me the opportunity to gain long-lasting mentors to include Keith Caldwell, Director of Impact and Continuity - Community Engagement Centers and Tracy Soska, Associate Professor Emeritus, who have both been by my side on my professional journey since I was a student. I can't thank them enough for how they have supported me. Lastly, under the leadership of former SSW Dean Lary E. Davis, who has since passed away, I had the opportunity to study abroad in Cuba with the Center on Race and Social Problems (CRSP) and was later hired as the first Project Coordinator for CRSP.
What advice would you have for young Pitt SSW alumni?
One of my favorite acronyms is OFLAG, coined by TRP Enterprises. It reminds me that everything in life is an Opportunity For Learning And Growth. In my life, I've had a lot of challenges and hurdles that I've encountered along with my successes. Rather than be stifled by those "curve balls" or "brick walls" (shameless plug for my song "Brick Wall" which can be heard on any streaming platform), I decided to rise above the challenges in front of me and make sure I noted any lessons from them because they would only make me stronger. So, my encouragement to students is to remember OFLAG on their journeys and to say to any challenges they face "brick wall get out my way!"