"Joyous Word"

Diane's desire to make a difference in the world took her on a journey that led her to culturally-rich Liberia. She lived there from 1979-1984, owned a successful business, served as a midwife, and witnessed the 1980 military coup. Diane also volunteered with the World Health Organization and the International Red Cross. Her novel FREE SOIL (2010) is a dramatic account of Liberia's complex history.

Diane has more than 20 years of executive nonprofit leadership experience.

In 2012, Diane launched Thembi Speaks LLC as a full-time enterprise. Thembi Speaks is an international management consulting firm that facilitates change management strategies, customized training and development, executive coaching, and women’s empowerment. In 2012, Diane attended the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women 56 Session in NYC and traveled to Bangkok, Thailand to provide the Emerging Leadership Program to World Bank employees.

Diane has a master’s degree in education from University of Cincinnati and certifications in organization development from University Associates and leading learning organizations from Innovative Associates.