Proudly Introducing Daryl Dixon – Director of Equity and Inclusion

If you’ve already had the pleasure of meeting Daryl Dixon, you’ll understand our enthusiasm for bringing him on board as Cascade’s new Director of Equity and Inclusion. And if you haven’t yet had the opportunity, we want to help make that happen.

During Daryl’s recent interview with us, we asked him how he approached his DEI work. He said, “I do not approach my work with the attitude of being the ‘expert’; I approach it with the understanding that I am still learning and trying to do what I can to help people understand others different from themselves so we can make the workplace a better place for everyone.” As Daryl’s interview progressed, we soon came to recognize that his 20+ years of experience in the area of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion is driven by his desire to help organizations achieve a truly inclusive work environment: an environment where every employee feels recognized, appreciated, valued and that their talents are being optimally utilized.

How it all started for Daryl

It all started as a child, growing up in the south during the Civil Rights era. When Daryl was nine years old Dr. King was assassinated. His parents took him to Spelman College to view King’s body. Yet he was only nine, his parents could no longer hide the ugly truths about racism in their lives. It made Daryl realize why his family and friends were not allowed to go to certain movie theaters or amusement parks and stores. The fact was, in his community his world was all African American. All of his teachers were Black, all of his classmates were Black, all the professionals like doctors, lawyers, dentists, etc. were Black. However, at the age of 10, through his participation in the Atlanta Boy Choir, Daryl got his first experience of interacting with white people. His friends soon became both Black and white.  At the very young age of 10 he knew that he wanted to help people understand people that were different from themselves in order to make the world a better place.

And there’s more

• Daryl has delivered Diversity and Leadership training in all 50 states.
• He was the first African American to sing in the Vatican for Pope John Paul II.
• He performed solo in the White House as a guest of Coretta Scott King.

Please join us for a virtual meet and greet with Daryl on either Tuesday, December 15th or Thursday, December 17th, from 12:00 pm. to 12:45 pm. He’ll share information on upcoming DEI trainings he will be hosting, and other new DEI services that Cascade will be offering in 2021. There will also be a time for Q&A.

 We look forward to introducing you to Daryl!