Winter
2024
A Magazine from the School of Social Work
In October 2022, University of Pittsburgh School of Social Work graduate Dan’Talisha Deans (MSW ’12) became the inaugural director of development for diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) in the University of Pittsburgh Division of Philanthropic & Alumni Engagement. Deans is based in Washington, D.C., but visits the Pittsburgh campus regularly to connect with colleagues, fellow alumni, and donors. We recently caught up with her to ask more about her new role and what it’s like returning to Pitt.
Welcome back to Pitt! Can you share more about your role at the University?
“My position is responsible for fundraising that promotes diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging at Pitt. Specifically, this role is responsible for developing strategy that drives engagement and fundraising among diverse populations, particularly underrepresented communities, with a focus on participation, pipeline development, and major gifts fundraising. This role includes collaborating and partnering with [the] Pitt Alumni Association; the Office for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion; [the Division of] Student Affairs; schools; and centers in order to move the needle in this work.
“I would say that Pitt Social Work prepared me well for this role. As a student in the MSW program, my concentration was in Community Organizing and Social Administration (now called Community, Organization, and Social Action). 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 to develop me into the professional and leader that I am today. The school also afforded me the opportunity to gain long-lasting mentors that include
Keith Caldwell (MSW ’02), now executive director of place-based initiatives in Pitt’s Office of Engagement and Community Affairs, and Tracy Soska (BA ’74, MSW ’78), clinical 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 Dean Larry 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 are some projects that you are excited to work on this year?
“At this point, I am still settling into my role and taking the time to identify areas of priority. As I continue to have conversations with internal and external stakeholders about DEIB ideas, goals, and efforts, I will then be able to identify more projects in this space. Right now, my first call to action is to develop and implement a strategic plan that focuses on fundraising among diverse constituencies inclusive of, but not limited to, BIPOC communities, Latinx communities, LGBTQIA+ communities, people with disabilities, veterans, first-generation students, and other underrepresented communities. Some of the projects that will be added to my portfolio include an effort called Elevate All Pitt Voices, continued work around the National Pan-Hellenic Council pilot project, and the Investing in Our Future campaign led by the African American Alumni Council.”
Thinking back on your time at Pitt Social Work, what are some of your fondest memories?
“One of my greatest memories as an MSW student at Pitt was serving as the action chairperson for the Civic Action Movement, 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 had the opportunity to lead 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, which I became in 2014. I have always enjoyed making this kind of impact in public service.”
On your days off from work, what do you enjoy doing for fun?
“Well, since graduating from the MSW program, I gained a very special title. That title is ‘Mom.’ In my time off, it brings my heart the greatest joy to spend time with my 1-year-old son, Levi. He is a pretty amazing little guy, and I’m better because of him. I also thoroughly enjoy music. In addition to my role at Pitt, I am a professional recording artist and have released projects that include my album, ‘Breaking Free,’ and single, ‘Butterfly.’ ”
Is there anything else you would like to share with your fellow alumni?
“One of my favorite acronyms is OFLAG, coined by TRP Enterprises, Inc. 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, 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 everyone is to remember OFLAG on your journeys and to say to any challenges you face, ‘Brick wall, get out of my way!’ ”