I design
programs
that impact underrepresented groups in a positive way
...and help organizations build effective inclusion strategies.
ABOUT
Darlene Jackson is the CEO & Executive Director of the venerable theatre arts organization, Collaboraction, and a respected member of Chicago's creative community with 20 years of experience designing and curating programs emphasizing inclusion and equity. Darlene is a proven leader, advisor, strategist, and consultant to organizations looking to improve results and outcomes.
Darlene's work as an artist, creativepreneur, ethnomusicologist, and program designer has inspired and operationalized change, building more inclusive creative programming for various nonprofits since 2000. Her deep commitment to amplifying and uplifting equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) frameworks through keynote appearances, curricula, and community outreach is a powerful call to action, activating organizations to make structural changes as we collectively build a more just world.
PROGRAMMING HIGHLIGHTS
Grammy-nominated gospel music star Sir the Baptist speaks to a packed room of Columbia College Chicago students about "Breaking Into the Business." This program, a collaboration with Grammy U, was co-curated, planned, and executed by Darlene Jackson in conjunction with Columbia's Music Department. The program served more than 125 attendees, increased Grammy U membership by 33%, and improved the engagement of music majors with Career Center services, immediately showing an uptick in weekly appointments with advisors.
CODE - Cultural Opportunities and Diversity Expo
CODE (Cultural Opportunities and Diversity Expo) began in 2019, designed and planned by Darlene Jackson as an interactive and immersive program with the intention of highlighting companies committed to EDI principles, sharing strategies from creative leaders of color that uplift future hires from BIPOC/ALANA/AAPI communities, and providing a platform and forum for representation, mentorship and networking. Columbia's first-ever diversity fair, the groundbreaking expo has served 1000 students in its first two iterations, led to numerous mentoring, internship and job opportunities, and the development of partnerships with 100 groups in Chicago's business sector. CODE was awarded an Academic DEI Grant in 2022.
"Up Close & Personal with R&B Singer Mario" was co-curated, planned, and implemented by Darlene Jackson in strategic partnership with Grammy U. Columbia College Chicago students received practical advice on music business topics such as touring, label deals, and representation. A press junket for the college radio station WCRX and a local morning show, The Jam on WCIU, took place before the discussion. The 200 thrilled attendees took advantage of this opportunity to engage with a beloved musical icon while networking and gaining key takeaways and invaluable industry insights.
Careering While Queering - LGBTQIA+ Career Program
“Careering While Queering” is an innovative program bringing together LGBTQ professionals and allies to speak about workplace challenges and strategies to inspire and inform students. The moderated discussion and experiential/interactive programming is a collaboration between Columbia College Chicagos' Career Center, Library, and Office of Student Diversity and Inclusion (SDI). The well-received program became a once-a-semester series, now in its fourth year, and was a finalist in the 2020 Career Leadership Collective Awards. It also directly led to the creation of The Rack by the office of SDI, where clothes and toiletries are made available to students (queer, transitioning, or other) in need. Darlene creatively addressed the intersection of careers and LGBTQ and designed and established an especially needed inclusive forum for identity, visibility, community, and belonging.
SPEAKING
As a sought-after presenter and public speaker, Darlene's influence and potent, informed storytelling boost any panel, conference, workshop, or podcast. Her presence on radio, television, and film spans her entire career. She mentors and advises individuals and groups from many experiences that fuel her professional insights and thought leadership.
Select Talks:
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A Woman In A Boy's Club: Break Barriers to Participation & Create Lasting Impact
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Branding Yourself as a Creative
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Branding Yourself on a Budget
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Connecting to Marginalized Groups/Clients: Designing for Intentional Outreach
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How I Landed The Most Fun Job In The World: Careers and Manifestation
How I Landed The Most Fun Job in The World!
In addition to my professional pursuits, my creative practice over the last two decades has established my brands, DJ Lady D and D'lectable Music. You can find out more about my international touring, record releases, and music industry impact HERE.
BRANDING
AS FEATURED IN
PHILANTHROPY
Love is her brand—charity and volunteering are natural extensions. Darlene has worked intimately with the Grammys (Chicago Chapter), Girls Rock Chicago!, Collaboraction Theatre, Honey Pot Performance, and countless other nonprofit organizations.
#giving #artsadvocacy
