This month’s guest is Darien Thompson. Darien serves as the Director of Student Success and Urban Engagement for Enrollment Management and Student Affairs where she plays a role in recruitment, retention, professional development, community engagement, and belonging. She co-chairs PNW’s Cultural Heritage Committee and leads efforts for MLK Day, Black History Month, and Juneteenth celebrations.

Darien comes to PNW from the Daniels School of Business on the West Lafayette campus where she served as the Associate Director of Diversity Initiatives. Darien also served as the Director of BOP Future Scholars and sits on the board of directors for the Purdue Black Alumni Association. She was awarded Staff Member of the Year by Purdue’s Black Caucus of Faculty and Staff.

Darien earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Hospitality and Tourism Management and MBA from PNW. A fierce competitor and a member of the 1,000-point club, Darien was a four-year letter winner for the PNW women’s basketball team where she averaged 19.2 ppg and was voted CCAC All-Conference. She helped lead the Pride to a regular season and conference tournament championship along with three NAIA tournament appearances and was the Vice President of the Student Athletic Advisory Council.

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Presented by the Leadership Institute and Society of Innovators at PNW, Lunch and Lead is a free virtual speaker series designed to help community and business leaders develop knowledge and skills while raising awareness of best practices from other leaders across Northwest Indiana and beyond.