Dr. Dawn Emerick is changing the way we lead in the US by developing 1 Million Trauma Informed Leaders by 2031. An ambitious goal to say the least, but she has assembled “A diverse set of experts from across the country representing the fields of change management, non-profit and corporate leadership, *DEI, human resources, corporate training, trauma-informed practice and healing modalities…”.
*DEI – When discussing diversity initiatives in the workplace or in other organizations, many professionals reference the term DEI, which stands for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.
Like a string of beads, it is our unique differences and intricacies that make us so appealing and attractive. We would not be as beautiful if we were all the same. It’s the contrast and asymmetry that makes us worth while.
— Lindsey Lunsford, M.E.M., Second Edition DEI Fellow
It is here where we encourage innovative change. While change might seem hard, especially related to diversity, equity, and inclusion, it is not impossible; it requires strong change agents (a village) and YOU! We encourage you and your village to be the change you want to see. This tool has: resources, discussion, and expert interactions that will aide you in your change management journey. Go ahead, explore, innovate, and continue to build the change you want to see.
— Shatomi Luster-Edward, Ed.D., First Edition DEI Fellow
Dr. Emerick is the CEO of Dawn Emerick Consulting , host of the Leadership Uncensored Podcast and founder of The Institute for Trauma-Informed Leadership and Change Management. She is a speaker, trainer, coach and delivers trauma-informed leadership and change management training to small and medium-sized, public and private organizations.
Leadership Uncensored was inspired by people who have shared their stories and emails with me over the years about the challenges, heartbreak and rewards of leadership. Bottom line? It’s really hard! We often see, read and listen to thought leaders discuss the “10 most important qualities of a leader” or “Top 5 ways to motivate staff”. Inspiring? Yes. Realistic to operationalize? Maybe. Relatable? No really.
-Dr. Dawn Emerick | Leadership Uncensored Podcast
She believes that the “American workplace is in the midst of a mental health crisis, one exacerbated by COVID-19, race and social justice, and political division which has impacted each member of the workforce in unique ways.”
“The Institute for Trauma-Informed Leadership and Change Management (The Institute) is a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing the standards of excellence while promoting trauma free leadership and change management theory, research and practice. We help leaders recognize the growing social and emotional needs of their workforce and give them the evidence-based tools and training imperative to creating emotionally safe and productive environments. Businesses need to urgently create a culture of healing to effectively lead today’s workforce. ”
Dr. Emerick was recently one of the featured speakers at TEDx Jacksonville. *TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience.
Dawn Emerick, EdD | America’s Workplace Mental Health Crisis
As the former health department director of the country’s seventh largest public health system, Dawn Emerick has witnessed this trauma firsthand. She believes we need a mental health revolution, one that starts with all of us demanding trauma-free leadership and a psychologically safe workplace culture that focuses on each employee’s fundamental human needs.
-TEDx Jacksonville
Dr. Emerick was joined on the stage at TEDx Jacksonville 2021, “Embrace”, on October 23 at The Times-Union Center for the Performing Arts, by eight speakers and two musical performers, as well as returning host, Hope McMath.
Other speakers (topics) included Delaney Liskey | Building Patient Research Partners , Deyona Burton | What’s in a Name? , LaTonya Summers, PhD | Know Pain, Know Gain , Michelle Ramos, JD, PhD | Philanthropy Must Be Decolonized , Nicol Headley | Violence Is Not Inevitable , Sara Ting | Advancing Equity through the Arts and Vishavjit Singh | Changing the World One Story at a Time .
** Dawn Emerick is a graduate of Frostburg State University and holds a degree in Health Education; she also is a two-time alumnus of the University of North Florida where she received her Masters in Public Administration and Doctor of Education Leadership. In 2018, she was accepted into the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health’s Population Health Management graduate program. More recently, she became a Prosci® Certified Change Management Practitioner and certified in Mental Health First Aid. She is a member of the Association of Change Management Professionals, Association of Consultants to Nonprofits, International City/County Managers Association, and Engaging Local Government Leaders.
