“I have a deep moral obligation to leave this world a better place than I found it. Being raised in the south during a tumultuous but long overdue fight for equal rights solidified my commitment to help. I am committed to being aware of my privileges and talents and using both to contribute to our collective efforts toward equity. I have had the good fortune to dedicate my life’s work to improving situations and opportunities for those who have been marginalized or are unable to access the resources and support they need.”

Dr. Dorothy Dillard founded Commons Collaborative LLC, a consulting firm leveraging a collaborative network of experts to meet organizations where they are and facilitate a growth process to guide them to where they want to be. As the founding Director of the Center for Neighborhood Revitalization and Research (CNRR) at Delaware State University, she expanded and advanced translational research through practice research partnerships. Dr. Dillard also has over 35 years of consulting experience, working with governmental agencies, nonprofits, foundations, and institutions of higher education. She has dedicated her academic and consulting work to better understanding policies, programs, organizations, and systems from multiple perspectives, including the lived experience, to create equitable, feasible, and sustainable change. She integrates her management, project development, assessment, and consulting skills to work collaboratively, improving organizational and program effectiveness for greater impact. She has garnered over $15 million in federal funds and private funding to assist social service providers improve and expand programs. Each of these research practice projects advanced service delivery by incorporating data-based decision making. Dr. Dillard serves on an array of committees and Boards and she has a strong record of publication in academic and practice journals.