Dell Darnell, MA

Experience

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  State of Michigan

  Jan 2006 - Jan 2008

  UIA Federal Claims Examiner
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  Orphan Justice Mission

  Jan 2009 - Jan 2012

  International Program Director

  Oversaw annual program budget of $300,000. Reviewed and approved project proposals and budgets, dialogued between development team and Ugandan stakeholders to ensure projects progressed as planned, adhered to financial parameters, and incorporated sustainable practices. Managed a team of 12 U.S. based volunteers and two interns.Traveled bi-annually to Uganda project sites to monitor progress, evaluate efficiency, and strategize solutions with Ugandan project staff and community leaders. Show less

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  Dell Darnell Consulting

  May 2014 - now

  Co-Authored City of Kalamazoo’s first Transgender Anti-Bullying Policy. Consulted on HRC Scorecard review and policy recommendations.Conducted stakeholder meetings, policy review, and research/analysis of quantitative and qualitative data to provide strategic and actionable DEI work plans that promote equitable policies, practices, and procedures.Provided facilitated trainings, keynote speeches, and customized workshops to increase DEI efficacy and cultural competency & inclusion for businesses, non-profit organizations, mental health & social service providers, K-12 educators, colleges/universities, and faith-based institutions.Collaborated with KDPS to develop and facilitate new course to build and expand LGBTQIA+ cultural competency and efficacy within law enforcement. As a Police Academy Instructor, this role complements my ongoing consultancy with the City of Kalamazoo on anti-discrimination policies and DEI initiatives. Together, we're building a foundation of understanding and respect, crucial for the safety and well-being of LGBTQIA+ individuals within the legal and public safety spheres.Awarded OutFront Kalamazoo’s Always OutFront Award (2022). Show less Increased organization’s web traffic by 152% in 9 months through a website redesign and implementation of new brand communication strategy.Created and implemented new strategic communication and marketing plans for various non-profit organizations - tailoring content messaging and delivery vehicles to appropriate audiences. Evaluated client organizations’ program activities; suggested areas of focus and strategies to increase effectiveness.Drafted and edited all organizational material to ensure message is clear and consistent with organization’s brand and vision.Produced biweekly blog and newsletter via MailChimp. Managed all technical aspects of organization including Wordpress, MailChimp, Event Brite, and social media. Show less

  • Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging Consultant

    May 2016 - now

  • Web Design & Marketing Consultant

    May 2014 - May 2016
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  INTERNATIONAL CHILD CARE (USA), INC

  Jan 2015 - Jan 2016

  Director of Giving & Donor Relations
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  GIRLS ON THE RUN OF GREATER KALAMAZOO

  Oct 2016 - Jun 2017

  Program Director
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  WGI

  Jun 2017 - May 2019

  Marketing Director

  Lead company through an acquisition by authoring national press releases and facilitating a complete rebrand of all marketing collateral, website, national conference appearances, and negotiated ad/media buys.Developed, communicated, and implemented a redesigned proposal submission process for one division, which was then adopted company-wide resulting in a more strategic Go/No Go process and an increased project win rate overall.Drove position forward through creation of cross-division training and personnel development within marketing team. Developed a strategic editorial calendar informed by and aligning with the company’s strategic business development plan.Lead all division marketing efforts for $7.6m sales in 2018. Show less

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  The Dapper Hammer

  May 2018 - Apr 2024

  Founder, Owner

  Owner & Founder of Michigan’s first queer & trans-owned teaching wood shop - a safe, inclusive space for LGBTQIA+ folks, POC, women, youth, and others not traditionally represented in the trades to learn basic carpentry & home improvement skills.Awarded Chamber’s Choice LGBTQIA+ Owned Business of The Year (2022).

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  OutFront Kalamazoo

  Oct 2022 - Sept 2024

  Designed and facilitated DEI trainings for more than 50 organizations within Southwest Michigan including Kalamazoo County Government, City of Kalamazoo, Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety, WMED, Bronson, Pfizer, Stryker, DHHS, KIA, Kalamazoo Public Schools.Launched new partnerships across organizations and government entities to identify and reduce systemic barriers of access and implement new services aimed at increasing equity and social determinants of health among marginalized communities.Led the redevelopment and relaunching of two housing programs for unhoused youth resulting in safe, affirming housing for LGBTQIA+ youth in Kalamazoo County.Consistently described as “approachable, relatable, and empathetic” by training participants, community partners, and supervised employees.Awarded National Diversity Council’s DEI Leader Award (2024). Show less

  • Director of Services

    Sept 2023 - Sept 2024

  • Program Manager

    Oct 2022 - Sept 2023
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  Kalamazoo County Government

  Sept 2024 - now

  Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion