Darjené Graham-Perez Ed.d.

Darjené Graham-Perez, Ed.D. has a diverse and extensive work experience. Darjené is currently serving as the Director of People and Culture at Walden Family Services, where they are responsible for developing and executing human resources strategies with a focus on equity, inclusion, and belonging. Darjené also served as the Human Resources Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Manager at Walden Family Services, where they established and built foundational work in an anti-racist organization.

In addition to their work at Walden Family Services, Darjené has also held various leadership positions. Darjené was the Assistant Director of Early Childhood Programs at San Jacinto Unified School District, where they provided leadership and strategic planning to achieve program goals while promoting equity and respect among staff members. Darjené also served as the Director of Redeemer by the Sea Kindergarten & Preschool, where they led the school's operations impacting over 200 students and successfully managed a $1M budget.

Darjené has also been actively involved in their community, serving as a Board Member for both North County Lifeline and MAAC (MAAC Project). Darjené has also taught as an Adjunct Professor at Therioa Technical College and worked as an Early Childhood Education Specialist at Keiki O Ka Aina Family Learning Center.

Overall, Darjené Graham-Perez, Ed.D. has demonstrated a strong commitment to equity, inclusion, and social justice throughout their career in various leadership and teaching roles.

Darjené Graham-Perez, Ed.D. has an extensive education history spanning several years. Darjené obtained a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in Child Development from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, graduating in 2009. Following this, they pursued a Master of Education (M.Ed.) degree in Early Childhood Education and Teaching at the University of Hawaii at Manoa, completing their studies in 2011.

In 2015, Darjené enrolled at the University of Southern California, where they earned a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) degree in Educational Leadership and Administration, General in 2018. This further elevated their expertise in the field of education.

In addition to their academic achievements, Darjené has also obtained various certifications related to management, equity, diversity, and inclusion. Darjené completed the Management Development Program for Nonprofit Leaders at the HARVARD BUSINESS SCHOOL ALUMNI CLUB OF SAN DIEGO in March 2023. In May 2022, they participated in The Equity Journey 3.0: What’s Fair? Exploring Social Justice in America program offered by the Fieldstone Leadership Network SAN DIEGO. In June 2021, they acquired the Racial Equity Consciousness certification from the University of Pittsburgh.

Furthermore, Darjené has been proactive in pursuing professional development opportunities related to diversity, equity, and inclusivity. Darjené obtained the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in the Workplace Certificate from USF Corporate Training and Professional Education in May 2021. In March 2021, they completed the Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging course offered by LinkedIn. Additionally, they obtained the Program Director Permit from the Commission on Teacher Credentialing in February 2020, enhancing their skills in educational leadership.

Although it is mentioned that Darjené has completed an Inclusive Leadership: The Power of Workplace Diversity program at the University of Colorado Boulder, specific details such as the completion date are not provided.