I’ve had the good fortune to work closely with Dr. Dana Starr Cummings on several higher education focused philanthropic initiatives.

She is a strategic thinker that is capable of thinking through all angles of complex situations, leveraging her emotional intelligence to understand how to best tackle the challenge at hand.

She is a solutions oriented leader, but at the heart of it all, is her strong moral compass whereby she tackles her work with a passion and conviction that is both admirable and contagious.

I’ve worked with Dana in a variety of professional capacities for more than 25 years. She has an uncommon ability to unlock the full potential of those with whom she works, and she is incredibly passionate about the power of philanthropy to solve society’s most pressing challenges.

Strong leadership and inspired philanthropy are among the most powerful forces at work in our world, and Dana knows how to harness both to advance worthy causes.

When challenging issues emerge, Dana is among the first calls I make. And when she launched DSC Consulting, I immediately engaged her to expand my team’s capacity. Dana is a trusted colleague and consultant, and I recommend her without hesitation.

When you work with Dana, you get the best of both worlds. You can expect a professional through and through with insights and ideas focused on supporting whatever the mission, cause, goal or endeavor.

At the same time, she is relatable. She is down-to-earth and has a style that empowers those around her. When you meet someone who has worked with or for Dana, the common thread is that each person has a positive experience where they felt supported.

Due to her personality, integrity and relatability, Dana’s teams don’t have to achieve. They want to achieve. They want to do good for themselves and for her. It is a quality hard to find in today’s leaders.

Dr. Dana Starr Cummings is a force of nature. She leads with a finely honed emotional intelligence that builds trust quickly and empowers clients to take their work from good-to- great to achieve transformativegoals.

A subject matter expert in higher education, philanthropy, strategic planning, and leadership development, Dana is quick to diagnose challenges and offer innovative solutions to impact catalytic change.

Dana has curated over two decades of content expertise related to fundraising, higher education, strategic planning, and organizational leadership.

I would confidently pass her the ball for the game-winning shot every time. Even more impressive than that distinction, however, is the person behind the expertise. Dana is tenaciously outcomes-oriented and data-driven, but equally kind and open-minded.

Working with Dana ensures the rare opportunity to work with a thought partner and advisor who will absolutely deliver results while making the process as enjoyable as it is productive.

Dr. Dana Starr Cummings is an amazing leader, higher education professional, and passionate advocate for women.

She is brilliant and also amazingly accessible as a master relationship builder.

Over the 15 years I have known Dana, I have watched her conquer every challenge she has undertaken. She is committed and tenacious and will serve her clients well, with dedication, heart and determination.