Meet Chiany Dri

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Chiany Dri. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Chiany below.

Chiany, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?

I found my purpose through a combination of personal experiences, community work, and a deep passion for justice. Growing up, I was always drawn to advocating for those who I felt were treated unfairly, noticing how deeply systemic inequalities impacted people’s lives and the lives of my family and myself. My early career in nonprofits and education opened my eyes to the ways in which organizations and businesses could either uplift or silence voices. As a teen mom and systems impacted youth, I saw the ways in which leaders reduced these experiences to flaws of people’s character and choices. As a mixed-race Black and Latin American person, I saw how decision-makers looked over my peers and I for promotions, big projects, and basic respect because of our gender, race, or both. While these experiences (along with many others) were deeply upsetting, I knew I wanted to be part of the solution by channeling that frustration and grief into creating spaces where everyone felt seen, heard, and valued.

As I delved deeper into diversity, equity, and inclusion work, I began to understand that this work wasn’t just about changing policies but about healing. Healing communities, healing workplaces, and healing from the generational impacts of inequity. My commitment to trauma-informed practices and embodied DEI coaching is what came from the realization that meaningful, sustainable change happens when we address both the mind and body, when we bring empathy, awareness, and action into our work.

I discovered and continue to discover that my purpose is to help others transform their work, transform their ideas, transform their vision for the workplace into spaces of belonging and justice, where people can thrive and bring their full, authentic selves to their work. This journey has been a constant evolution, and each step has reaffirmed my dedication to guiding others toward greater inclusivity and connection.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

At The Inclusion School, I provide DEI consulting and training services that focus on creating spaces where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued. What’s special about our work is that it goes beyond surface-level diversity initiatives — we dive deep into embodied DEI practices, trauma-informed frameworks, and justice-centered approaches to create sustainable frameworks for change. Our services are designed to help organizations and individuals develop inclusive cultures that prioritize equity and belonging in everything they do.

What excites me most about this work is seeing the transformation that happens when people truly commit to learning and unlearning. It’s not just about checking boxes; it’s about shifting mindsets, education, and creating environments where everyone can thrive. We also provide a unique blend of practical tools and human-centered approaches, ensuring that clients not only understand the “why” behind DEI but also feel empowered to implement it effectively.

Our offerings offer online, self-paced DEI courses and certificate programs, designed for those who want to deepen their understanding of DEI and make a meaningful impact within their organizations. In 2025 we will be offering a live-virtual 7-week Certificate Program in DEI that we’re getting ready to launch applications for! I’m also excited to continue growing our partnerships with socially conscious businesses and nonprofits, helping them build more inclusive, equitable workplaces through training and strategic planning.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Looking back, three qualities that were most impactful in my journey were empathy, resilience, and the ability to listen deeply. Empathy has allowed me to truly understand the experiences of others and to center our DEI work with a human-centered mindset. Resilience helped me push through challenges and setbacks, especially in spaces where change can feel slow or resisted. Resilience is the reason I am here today to share my own story and to stand in solidarity with the stories of others. And deep listening allowed me to hear what wasn’t being said — the underlying concerns, fears, and needs that often shape people’s experiences in ways that aren’t immediately visible or clear.

For those early in their journey, I’d advise developing empathy by staying curious and open to learning from perspectives and experiences different from yours. Engage actively with people whose experiences differ from yours, and actively listen without judgment. Resilience is often built from our own vulnerable experiences and from the ways we choose to or are forced to move forward. It comes from a deep and unshakable hope for a future that holds less struggle, challenge, and pain. We can tap into our own sense of resilience by being brave enough to remember those moments, to talk about them, and model what it means to continue holding hope for our collective futures. As for deep listening, practice it in all interactions. Be present, ask questions, and focus on understanding rather than responding. These skills will ground you in the work and give you the tools to make a meaningful impact in any work that you do.

Tell us what your ideal client would be like?

My ideal client is someone who is genuinely committed to creating lasting change within their organization or community. They understand that diversity, equity, and inclusion work is not about quick fixes but a long-term investment in culture and people. They’re open to learning and unlearning, willing to reflect on their own biases, and eager to take actionable steps toward a more inclusive environment.

Ideal clients also value justice-centered and trauma-informed approaches, recognizing that true inclusion goes beyond diversity metrics — it’s about fostering belonging and addressing systemic inequities. Whether it’s a nonprofit, school, or socially conscious business, the best clients are those who are ready to engage in the deep, sometimes uncomfortable work of transforming their spaces into ones where everyone feels like they belong.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://theinclusionschool.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/officialinclusionschool/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chianyadri/

Image Credits

Headshot: Joy Newell
https://www.joy-newell.com/