Dwan Adams (she/her)

Dwan brings over 25 years of experience in public service, with a strong focus on international development, human rights advocacy, and diplomacy. She holds a B.S. in Broadcast Communications and Cultural Studies from Xavier University of Louisiana and completed UNCF's Institute for International Public Policy at Lincoln University. Dwan's global leadership journey began with a dedication to making a difference, where she worked in Tanzania on Women in Economic Development initiatives through Operation Crossroads Africa (OCA), simultaneously contributing to academic methodology training and HIV/AIDS public health outreach. 

Her passion for driving change and promoting intercultural understanding was further honed during her tenure at Turner Broadcasting in Atlanta, Georgia, where she was engaged in multimedia strategic planning and diverse community initiatives with organizations like the Trumpet Awards Foundation, Turner Women Today, and Women in Communications. 

Dwan's commitment to multinational advocacy and peacekeeping operations took her across the globe, from Haiti (ServeHAITI) to Mongolia (Peace Corps 07'-09'). She designed sustainable classroom models, researched water sanitation, provided diversity and inclusion training, and offered vital medical support. Her dedication to positively impacting the world led her to pursue a Master's in Public Administration at the Andrew Young School of Public Policy, where she studied the intersection of culture, organizational leadership, and policy. 

As a collaborative leader, Dwan has been instrumental in advancing global coalition building. Her leadership roles in sustainable development, including as a Regional Supervisor for the Peace Corps, have allowed her to build bridges and foster collaboration. She has also made significant contributions through her board appointments with Global New Orleans, the Police Community Advisory Board (7th District), and as an inaugural member of the New Orleans Community Global Mental Health initiative, “Friendship Bench NOLA.” As a Divergent Cultural Strategist and Co-Founder of two social impact startups, she focuses on advancing New Orleans to the global economy and grassroots coalition building in equity and policy. 

As Assistant Director of Social Justice and Student Leadership Programs at Tulane's Center for Public Service and lead for the Center’s Strategy for Tomorrow planning, Dwan is dedicated to inspiring and supporting the next generation of community-focused global leaders and social impact entrepreneurs. Her passion for international affairs, health equity, intergenerational preservation, and wellness remains unwavering. Her journey embodies a lifelong commitment to creating meaningful change, shaped by
continuous learning and growth.