Our Story: Building the Future of Responsible Communication

Our Story

The Diversity Action Alliance (DAA) is a strategic coalition of senior communications executives, brand advisors, and agency leaders committed to shaping a more representative and forward-thinking communications industry.

We began in 2020 with a focused mission: to improve the recruitment, retention, and representation of underrepresented professionals in the communications industry. That foundation remains central to our work. But as the industry evolves, so has our approach.

Today, we’ve widened our lens to focus on building systems of accountability, advancing leadership alignment, and helping organizations embed responsible communication strategies that resonate across audiences, cultures, and markets.

Our goal is to ensure that inclusion isn’t siloed — it’s embedded in how teams lead, communicate, and grow.

DAA equips professionals with the tools, data, and frameworks needed to lead responsibly, navigate complexity, and guide messaging that aligns with modern business expectations.

We help build strong communication systems from the inside out — so brands can act with integrity, lead with purpose, and thrive in a rapidly shifting landscape.

Why We Exist

Communicators stand at the center of business, public trust, and cultural relevance.


Today’s leaders in corporate communications, brand strategy, and public affairs are expected to advise CEOs, shape reputations, mitigate risk, and guide organizational behavior — all while maintaining credibility and clarity in a noisy, divided world.

At DAA, we provide communication leaders with the structure and strategy to meet those demands, including:

  • Developing frameworks for responsible communications and decision-making

  • Data-backed benchmark for team structure and workplace practices

  • Brand messaging strategies aligned with business goals

  • A national network of industry leaders committed to measurable results.

Snapshot of Our Journey: 2020–2025

DAA has grown from a pledge-based initiative to a trusted hub for strategic leadership in communications.

2020 – Founded with a bold goal to evolve workforce representation across the profession by 2025

2021–2022 – Launched industry benchmarking tools and a best practices resource hub, rolled out the DAA Diversity Gala as a place for recognition and networking.

2023 – Rolled out the ICLC certification and expanded our mentorship network program, MAPS to be an official partnership with Arthur Page Society.

2024 – Introduced our recognition platform, G.E.M.S and introduced the Alliance Roundtable Report and Voices of Impact Survey.

2025 – Transitioned into a fully independent nonprofit to scale programs and partnerships

Who We Serve

DAA is built for those who shape public narratives and drive reputation:

  • Chief Communications Officers & VPs of Communications

  • Senior Brand, Marketing & Reputation Leaders

  • Agency Executives & Strategic Advisors

  • Corporate Affairs & Public Policy Communicators

  • Communications Educators & Emerging Talent

Whether you're building campaigns for a Fortune 500 brand, leading agency growth, or mentoring the next generation of communicators — this is your community.

Our Philosophy

Representation is a strategy.
Clear communication is a business advantage.
And credibility is built from within.

We believe the future of this profession belongs to those who lead with clarity, measure what matters, and aren’t afraid to ask better questions.

Join Us

Explore how your organization can become a DAA signatory or strategic partner.

  • Advance responsible leadership in your industry

  • Equip your teams with best-in-class insights and learning

  • Strengthen your brand’s voice and stakeholder trust

Interested in getting started or have questions? Contact Kelly at Kelly@diversityactionalliance.org to get started!