Senior Director, Leadership and Transformation
ext. 111
DeLa Dos is the senior director of Leadership & Transformation for ARL. In this role, DeLa leads the Association’s Learning Network and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives. The intentional coordination of these efforts strengthens cohesion across ARL’s learning portfolio and reinforces the Association’s commitment to equity and inclusion throughout its programs. DeLa’s portfolio includes the ARL Leadership Fellows program, Intensive Learning program, Leadership and Career Development Program, and Kaleidoscope Program as well as the ARL Institutes.
DeLa brings 20 years of experience in higher education and nonprofit settings. They joined ARL in 2021 as senior director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion; just over a year later, in partnership with the ARL Board of Directors, Learning Network and DEI committees, and senior leadership, they led the strategic integration of two distinct program areas into the Leadership & Transformation portfolio. Grounded in a commitment to access, equity, and shared learning, this approach aligns capacity-building efforts with the removal of systemic barriers—enhancing overall impact while honoring and sustaining the distinct expertise of each area.
Prior to joining ARL, DeLa served as a consultant with a nonprofit DEI firm and as a higher education administrator overseeing social justice education and multicultural affairs. In these roles, they developed a nationally recognized framework that engaged thousands of learners in critical exploration of topics such as diversity, inclusion, bias, privilege, oppression, humility, and allyship. They also created and led a nationally recognized program focused on intersectionality, leadership, and community organizing. Additionally, DeLa has taught as both an instructor and adjunct faculty member in undergraduate and graduate programs.
DeLa holds a PhD in counselor education and supervision with a cognate in educational leadership, as well as an MS in community counseling from Mercer University. They earned a BA from Emory University with majors in dance and movement studies and religion, and a minor in sociology.
