OUR HISTORY
Diversity Leadership Alliance guides leaders in transforming culture to build an inclusive community where each person is equally respected and empowered.
Diversity Leadership Alliance began as a Phoenix-based diversity leadership round table in 2002. Leaders from various organizations and businesses came together to discuss organizational challenges and potential solutions for business success. Diversity Leadership Alliance was officially formed in 2003 with the collaboration of several major companies in Arizona.
Our goal is to provide a forum for diversity and inclusion dialogue and offer learning opportunities to enhance professional development, understanding, promotion, and management of diversity as an essential part of business success. Organizations that understand, recognize, and value diversity can attract and retain top talent and have a competitive advantage in the marketplace.
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Our Mission
Guide leaders in the transformation of culture to build an inclusive community.
Our Vision
Be an inclusive community where each person is equally respected and empowered.
Our Strategies
Provide educational opportunities, tools, and resources to build an inclusive community.
Assist students transitioning from high school to college or work.
DIVERSITY LEADERSHIP ALLIANCE
Building an Inclusive Community
Where each individual is equally respected and empowered.
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Since 2001 the Diversity Leadership Alliance (DLA) has been working to transform the culture of Arizona and cultivate an inclusive community. Founded by a small group of local community and corporate leaders, DLA is one of the premiere Diversity Education organizations in the country, recognized and highly regarded by internationally known diversity thought leaders. Operating as a 501c3, the DLA offers a range of strategic learning and engagement opportunities for business and community leaders. Recognized by international diversity experts
DLA’s focus is straightforward and compelling yet simple:
- Provide thought provoking educational opportunities, tools, and resources to build an inclusive community to benefit member organizations and the community at large.
- Nurture and grow students through Youth Education and Leadership programs as they transition from school to adulthood and become career ready or college bound.
DLA is a forum for dialogue and exploration. It is where you can acquire diversity experience, knowledge, and competencies; access metrics and tools, which are critical to measuring success of diversity initiatives; find best practices from organizations that face similar marketplace and employment situations; engage senior management in discussion and initiatives involving workplace diversity; network with other professionals to share knowledge and stay up to date on current diversity leadership, management, and community issues; and contribute to building a community where ALL individuals are welcome to contribute to the success and well being of its members.
Diversity Leadership Alliance is an opportunity to be involved in a “community across organizations” that creates a sustained presence for advancing diversity in the workplace, the community, and Arizona.
2025 Board of Directors
Their continuous contribution, unwavering support and dedication to the work of Diversity and Inclusion is commended.
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Joanna de’Shay
Executive Director
CEO & Designer
Black Russian Label
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Marion Kelly
Co-Founder
Director, Office for Community and Business Relations, Mayo Clinic Arizona
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Phil Pangrazio
Executive Director
ABILITY 360
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Francisco Lucio, J.D.
Assistant Dean
Diversity and Inclusion
University of Arizona
College of Medicine – Phoenix
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Dominic Bartola
CMO
qBotica
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Tondra Richardson
Director, Diversity and Inclusion
University of Phoenix
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Michelle Gray
Founder
Integra HR Consulting, LLC.
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Gibs Saint Paul
Director of Customer Modernization
Salt River Project
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Kate Morris
President and General Manager
KPNX 12 news – Phoenix
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Barry G. Stratford
Associate Attorney, Partner
Perkins Coie Law Firm
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Reid DeSpiegelaere
Chief Development Officer
Every Child Pediatrics
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Greg Troutman
Senior Tax Audit Manager
City of Phoenix
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Erick Garcia
Advisor – Equity, Inclusion & Diversity
Enterprise Office of Equity, Inclusion & Diversity
Mayo Clinic
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In Memorium
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Christine French
Diversity Leadership Alliance Founder
It is with deep sorrow and pain that we inform you about the death of our beloved DLA Founder, Mother, Grandmother, Community Leader, Mentor and Friend Mrs. Christine French. Christine passed away at home on Monday, June 3rd 2019. She is survived by her husband Phil French and their two daughters Paula and Claire and 5 grandchildren.
None of us were expecting the sudden passing of our Angel Christine and while we are shocked and filled with grief, we know that Christine would want us to celebrate her life and legacy instead of mourning her death.
DLA and the Arizona Community have lost a compassionate visionary and courageous activist that fought every day for Equity, Inclusiveness and Justice and the world has lost an amazing human being. Those of us who have been fortunate enough to know and work with Christine have lost a dear friend, inspiring mentor, a confidant, transformational leader and trusted advisor.
No words can adequately express our sadness at Christine’s sudden passing or our gratitude for the opportunity to work alongside her in this fight for Equity. We will honor her memory by re-dedicating ourselves to continuing this great fight and serving as a beacon of light and a voice for those who feel like they have no voice. DLA is her Legacy and we will uphold it through our vital work and actions. Rest Easy our Good and Faithful Servant for your work here is done.
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Diversity Leadership Alliance Education Committee Chair
Robert (Bob) Enderle heard the trumpets calling and went with grace to join his Heavenly Father and the angels on December 8, 2017. He spent his final days surrounded with love from his wife, children, grandchildren, siblings, and friends. He was born a poor boy in Missouri and worked hard to earn his undergrad degree from St Procopius College (Benedictine University) and an MBA from Loyola University. His baseball pitching talent helped him achieve this and even earned the eyes of his beloved St Louis Cardinals. He spent his life making sure everyone felt a part of his family, as he lived the belief “strangers are the family you haven’t met yet.” Being a true example of practice what you preach, he dedicated his time being active in multiple leadership and diversification boards, such as Diversity Leadership Alliance, untapped Arizona, Project Search and Internal Coaching Cadre at Medtronic. Services were held on Friday, December 22, 2017 at 1 pm at St Andrew the Apostle Catholic Church In lieu of flowers, Bob requested that attendees spread his passion for helping others by donating in his honor to: Diversity Leadership Alliance, Prostate On-Site Project, or by sharing a simple act of kindness with a stranger. We could list all of his accomplishments and accolades, as well as continue on about how much he is loved and adored, but what he would really want, is for you to listen and not just be heard, so we can all better understand each other.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is the diversity equity inclusion training delivered?
Our diversity equity inclusion training is delivered through a mix of interactive workshops, online courses, and live webinars. These formats include activities, discussions, and multimedia resources to engage participants and enhance learning.
Can the training be customized for specific organizational needs?
Yes, we offer customized training solutions tailored to meet the unique needs and goals of your organization. We work with you to design a program that addresses your specific challenges and objectives related to diversity and inclusion.
How long do the diversity and inclusion workshops last?
Diversity and inclusion workshops vary in length depending on the content and format. Workshops and webinars typically last between 1 to 3 hours, while more comprehensive courses can extend over several days or weeks.
Are the training programs suitable for remote teams?
Absolutely. We offer online training options that are well-suited for remote teams, allowing participants to engage with the material from anywhere. Our virtual sessions include interactive elements to ensure effective learning and participation.
How do I measure the effectiveness of the diversity leadership program?
We provide tools and resources to help measure the impact of the training. This includes pre- and post-training assessments, participant feedback surveys, and follow-up evaluations to track progress and identify areas for continued improvement.
Are there any prerequisites for participating in the training programs?
No specific prerequisites are required. Our programs are designed to be accessible to individuals at all levels of experience and knowledge. We provide foundational information and build on it to address more advanced concepts as needed.