Diana L. Brown
By Rodney Wayne Branche
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Copa: Where are you from?
Diana: I am a proud first-generation American and I grew up in South Florida. My maternal grandparents were diplomats. My grandfather was an ambassador to Ethiopia and France. The paternal side of my family were business owners in the islands. I have lived in Washington DC for the past 18 years. My husband is from DC and my children were all born here, so this is home. Copa: Which schools have you attended and what degrees have you earned?
Diana: I earned my undergraduate degree at Harvard University. I majored in economics, with a minor in psychology. I also earned my MBA in international business and a Master’s in Science, with a concentration in statistics, from the George Washington University School of Business. Copa: At what time in your life did you realize that you had leadership capabilities?
Diana: As far back as I can remember, I always fought for what I believed to be right, and always tried to find solutions to problems and challenges. I was involved in numerous clubs and activities. Even in high school, I was quite astute at fundraising. As a result, I had the respect of many of my peers and they would often come to me for advice or to lead a project. In college, I worked as an assistant director for the METCO program (The Metropolitan Council for Educational Opportunity, Inc.) in Boston. METCO is the organization that was responsible for integrating the public schools. While I was in college, they had an exceptional tutoring program for the “best and brightest” students in the inner city. The summer program was designed essentially to prepare them for the upcoming year. These kids were not required to attend, they came so that they could get ahead. I was impressed by how hard they worked. I learned so much from them. This experience planted the seeds for my passion of working with rising youth leaders and exposed me to the challenges of running a nonprofit. As a result, I have dedicated most of my life to philanthropy and working with nonprofits, especially those dedicated to helping develop minority and youth leadership. Copa: How would you define leadership and responsibility?
Diana: This is an interesting question, and a subject that I discuss with my youth leaders constantly. The way I tend to think of leadership and responsibility are almost complimentary. Responsibility is having the ABILITY to respond to something, in other words, being “Response- Able.” There are many people who choose not to respond to their responsibilities, and that is unfortunate, because when one chooses not to do so, they also relinquish their power to influence. Leadership, on the other hand, is the ACTION of responding. Leaders have chosen to act and therefore, are able to actualize their vision, purpose, goals, desire, etc. Leaders execute their power. Copa: What is your personal philosophy to life and the pursuit of happiness?
Diana: As, I tell my children, “we must do well so that we may do good” and that is my philosophy to life. I believe that those of us who have had the opportunity to live well, or have a good education, have a responsibility to share what we have learned with our community. I believe one person can make a difference and contribute to a solution. And that, to me, is meaningful. As for the pursuit of happiness, I always say that “life is not a dress rehearsal so get your show on the road”. I try to be present in every moment so that I can enjoy my journey. I want to remember as much of my life as possible. Copa: Does it really take a village to raise a child? If so why?
Diana: It most definitely takes a village to raise a child. I have three children and I know all too well how much goes into it. I think of a village as different communities that reinforce the values and character traits that I wish my children to have. I therefore try to find environments that reinforce their strengths and talents. I seek out mentors that will support them and people who will love them. I take parenting very seriously. I have dedicated my life in trying to raise young adults with strong character traits. Part of developing a village is putting them in situations and opportunities to help them grow and experience challenges so they may discover their voice and their passion. Alexander, Christopher, and Sophia truly are my pride and joy each and every one of them has accomplished so much in the short time that they have been here. Alexander works with the United Nations and is an honor student at Morehouse. My second son, Christopher is a rising junior in high school with his eyes set on the Naval Academy to study cyber security and ethical hacking. He's been in the Naval Sea Cadet program for the last 4 years and leads his unit. And my daughter, Sophia, is a national competitive gymnast and writer. When I think of everything I've done throughout my career, and all the opportunities that I've had, I am most proud of the three human beings that I am privileged to raise. |
Copa: Who has inspired you the most?
Diana: My late maternal grandmother is my number one inspiration. She dedicated herself to my education and my upbringing. As her first grandchild, I was a welcome distraction. She poured her heart, her time and her energy into my development. She taught me so much about history, (our family’s history, world history, the history of the Americas and African history). Given everything that's been going on in the world recently, I can't express how grateful I am to have had that education and perspective. As the wife of a diplomat, she had traveled and met many political figures. She shared her stories and the political challenges with me. She helped me understand that all things were possible as long as I was willing to put in the work to achieve it. She taught me to push myself, speak truth to power and expect excellence from myself, even when it was difficult. I am proud to say that I have passed on these teachings to my children, and hope that they will pass it on to theirs.
Grandmother - Yolande Léon
Copa: Please share some information about your Grandfather.
Diana: Ernest Elizée served as an ambassador from Haiti to Ethiopia between the years of 1957 - 1967. One of his dreams was to establish a strong trade between the first black independent country in the western hemisphere with an independent country in Africa. He was the one who arranged for Halle Selassie to visit the West Indies. He studied in France. Prior to becoming the ambassador he was a senator in Haiti. He came to the US in 1967. I was a baby when he died. Grandfather - Ernest Elizée
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Christopher Taylor
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Sophia Taylor
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Alexander Taylor
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Copa: What does the future hold for Diana Leon Brown?
Diana: I have so much that I want to do, and I pray to God that I am blessed with the time and the energy to do it. I will continue to work with young entrepreneurs, young leaders, young learners. I love working with socially responsible organizations that are trying to make a difference. I really do believe that organizations can do well and do good and make the community stronger. I have spent my entire life developing relationships in different sectors and helping form cross-sector partnerships that strengthen different communities and missions. So, I will continue to do that. I hope that my work will empower and strengthen under served leaders and organizations.
Diana: I have so much that I want to do, and I pray to God that I am blessed with the time and the energy to do it. I will continue to work with young entrepreneurs, young leaders, young learners. I love working with socially responsible organizations that are trying to make a difference. I really do believe that organizations can do well and do good and make the community stronger. I have spent my entire life developing relationships in different sectors and helping form cross-sector partnerships that strengthen different communities and missions. So, I will continue to do that. I hope that my work will empower and strengthen under served leaders and organizations.
Copa: How does it feel to be Copa Style Magazine’s 2020 Community Leader of the Year?
Diana: I have to say, I was so surprised when I was contacted. It really feels nice and so humbling to even be considered, especially given how many people in DC are doing so much. I am so grateful. It is such a privilege. So, Thank you, again for the recognition and the honor.
Diana: I have to say, I was so surprised when I was contacted. It really feels nice and so humbling to even be considered, especially given how many people in DC are doing so much. I am so grateful. It is such a privilege. So, Thank you, again for the recognition and the honor.
