Diane Dean departed this life on February 18, 2022, after a brief illness.  She was born in Detroit, Michigan to Edward Dean and Ada Spann Dean.

Graduating from Cass Tech High School in Detroit, Diane went on to attend North Carolina A&T State University where she received her bachelor’s degree with honors.  Always valuing higher education, Diane obtained a master’s degree from Indiana University and was inducted into Pi Lambda Theta, an honor society. Diane advocated continuous development and education for all professionals. Following her own guidance, she completed numerous certifications and fellowships throughout her career. Most recently, she earned a certificate in management development from the Cornell University School of Industrial and Labor Relations.

Diane spent most of her impressive career in the private, educational, and non-profit sectors at organizations including Girl Scouts of the U.S.A., the National Action Council for Minorities in Engineering, Inc., the UCLA Anderson School of Management, the University of Southern California, and Occidental College.  As an adjunct, Diane taught courses in financial resource development, ethics, public policy and executive management for nonprofit organizations at Columbia Business School's Institute for Not-for-Profit Management and William Paterson University Cotsakos College of Business.

Notably, Diane established The Dean Consulting Group putting to use her national and international expertise in the not-for-profit and higher education fields as a consultant and coach.  The Victoria Emerging Leaders Program and Nonprofit Professionals of Color Collective, programs of Rutgers Business School’s Institute for Ethical Leadership, were some of the platforms enabling Diane to employ her excellent communications and coaching skills to raise the bar of professional development for executive and emerging leaders.

Diane was a proud member of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated.  She walked in the footsteps and continued the legacy of her mother, Ada Dean.  Through this sisterhood, she too fulfilled a lifelong commitment to service as Chapter Vice President and Graduate Advisor.  Diane was a loyal, active, and committed AKA Lifetime Member.  

Diane’s commitment to service extended to numerous organizations through roles as a board member, chair, and volunteer. These organizations include the Association for Talent Development - New York City Chapter, Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP-IHQ), Association of Girl Scout Executive Staff, National Association of Student Personnel Administrators (NASPA), National Urban League, and many more.

An avid reader, Diane found her kindred in the like.  In 1989 she joined The Literary Society, a now 40-year old New York City book discussion group based in Harlem.  She often remarked that the society’s discussions were her lifeline to ideas and thoughts on politics, art and culture of the African diaspora.  Her books were always famously tabbed with points she wanted to remember and question.

Arguably, a close second to books, was Diane’s love of music. Classic rhythm & blues topped her music charts.  Theater, concerts, genealogy, coding, and travel enriched, filled, and fulfilled a life well-lived and deeply plumbed.

Diane’s legacy is the indelible impact she made on countless lives and leaders, and the ripple effect on their communities that will continue to benefit from her wisdom long into the future. Diane’s memory will live on in the hearts of her dear friends, family members, colleagues, and students.