Our Story: Building the Future of Responsible Communication
Our Story
The Diversity Action Alliance was founded in 2019 by 15 communications trade organizations with a shared goal: to improve the recruitment, retention, and representation of underrepresented professionals in the communications industry.
That foundation remains central to our work — and the industry’s needs have continued to evolve.
How We’ve Grown
As the role of communicators has expanded, so has DAA’s approach.
Today’s communications leaders are more than messengers, they:
advise executives
shape reputation,
mitigate risk
guide organizational behavior
All while maintaining multi-stakeholder credibility in an increasingly complex and diverse world.
DAA has responded by widening its focus to include leadership alignment, accountability, and responsible communication practices that resonate across audiences, cultures, and markets.
Inclusion is not siloed. It is embedded in how teams operate, lead, communicate, and grow.
What We’ve Built
DAA equips communications professionals with the tools, frameworks, and learning needed to:
Navigate stakeholder diversity and complexity
Lead with integrity and mitigate bias
Guide messaging that aligns with modern business and stakeholder expectations
Ensure every team member has fair access to opportunity, recognition, promotions, and career mobility
Our work strengthens communication systems from the inside out so organizations can act with purpose, clarity, and credibility.
Snapshot of Our Journey: 2020–2025
DAA has evolved from a pledge-based initiative to a trusted hub for inclusive communications leadership.
2019 – Founded to advance workforce representation across the communications profession
2020–2022 – Launched benchmarking tools and best-practice resources; introduced the DAA Diversity Gala
2023 – Launched the Inclusive Communications Leadership Certification (ICLC); expanded mentorship through M.A.P.S.
2024 – Introduced G.E.M.S. Honors, the Alliance Roundtable Report, and the Voices of Impact Survey
2025 – Transitioned into an independent nonprofit to scale programs and partnerships
DAA Past Chairs
Click here to see our current Board leadership.
Patrick Ford
2019- 2020 Founding Board Chair
Patrice Tanaka
2020 Board Co-Chair
Denise Hill, Ph.D., APR
2021 Board Chair
Charlene Wheeless
2022-2023 Board Chair
Join Us
Explore how your organization can become a DAA signatory or strategic partner.
Advance responsible leadership in your industry
Equip your teams with best-in-class insights and learning
Strengthen your brand’s voice and stakeholder trust
Interested in getting started or have questions? Contact Kelly at Kelly@diversityactionalliance.org to get started!