Rachel DeSoto-Jackson

Rachel DeSoto-Jackson provides UDL-driven instructional design and training in empathetic communication, de-escalation, and enhanced verbal and nonverbal skills. With over a decade of experience, she has developed strategic programs that foster inclusive learning environments, train leaders in DEI best practices, and facilitate meaningful discussions on equity. Her work spans higher education, corporate consulting, and arts-based initiatives, making her a recognized voice in the field.

As Director of the Center for Teaching Excellence at Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP), Rachel leads university-wide faculty training and DEI initiatives. She manages strategic planning, collaborates with the Office of the Provost, and oversees professional development programs. Under her leadership, IUP successfully transitioned to a new Learning Management System, improving faculty engagement and accessibility. She also directs an interdisciplinary team and manages a significant budget, ensuring that resources effectively enhance teaching practices.

Beyond administration, Rachel is a tenured IUP professor specializing in applied theatre, Latinx performance, and leadership training. She designed and launched a DEI-focused certificate program, equipping students and professionals with equity-driven skills. Her work in simulation performance integrates theatre with real-world applications, training actors to serve as Simulated Patients (SPs) in healthcare education. She ensures that medical students develop strong communication and patient-care skills by following best practices from the Association of Standardized Patient Educators.

Rachel’s influence extends beyond academia through her work as a DEI consultant. She provides executive coaching, corporate training, and policy recommendations for major organizations, including Sheetz, Virginia Public Media, and the National Organization for Rare Disorders. Through Avent Diversity Consulting LLC and RDJ Creative Consulting, she develops customized DEI training programs and empathy-based initiatives for institutions such as the Smithsonian Institution, the University of Pittsburgh, and Saint Vincent Hospital. Her consulting work helps businesses and nonprofits create inclusive workplaces and implement sustainable DEI strategies.

Her leadership in equity and inclusion is evident in her extensive roles. As Director of DEI Student Training at the Frederick Douglass Institute, she led training programs across 14 universities, launching the “Let Me Speak” initiative to foster inclusive dialogue. She has also served as a grant reviewer for the Pittsburgh Mayor’s Office of Gender Equity and the MAP Fund’s Social Justice Arts & Culture category, ensuring that resources support impactful DEI initiatives.

Rachel holds a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Performance Pedagogy and a Master of Arts (MA) in Theatre & Performance from the University of Pittsburgh, where she also earned a Bachelor of Philosophy (B.Phil) in Theatre & Film Studies. Her academic expertise bridges social justice, applied theatre, and community engagement, allowing her to connect performance with DEI advocacy.

Her dedication to service is reflected in her work with numerous organizations. She has served as President of Pedagogy and Theatre of the Oppressed, Inc., an international group dedicated to using theatre for social change. She is a Smithsonian Latino Center board member and chairs the Difficult Dialogues Initiative at IUP, which fosters discussions on race, identity, and equity. As a IUP’s President’s Commission on Diversity and Inclusion commissioner, she actively influences institutional policies and programs.

Rachel has pursued professional development and specialized training, earning certifications in ATIXA-Title IX and Disciplinary Board procedures, Anti-Racism Pedagogy, Diversity Awareness, and the Undoing Racism program by The People’s Institute for Survival and Beyond. These credentials enhance her ability to facilitate workshops, guide policy development, and support organizations in creating inclusive environments.

Her research and scholarship contributions are substantial. She authored The Performance of Caring: Theatre, Empathetic Communication, and Healthcare (Routledge, 2018) and contributed to A Process-Oriented Approach in Applied Theatre Programming with Youth (Routledge, 2022). Her co-authored article, The Year in Review: 2020-2021 Letter from the Co-Presidents, published in the Pedagogy and Theatre of the Oppressed Journal, highlights her thought leadership in DEI and applied theatre.

Rachel has secured over $750,000 in grants to support DEI training, applied theater initiatives, and interdisciplinary research. Her expertise in managing large-scale projects has had a lasting impact on institutions and organizations seeking to integrate equity-driven strategies into their work.

Whether through teaching, consulting, or leadership roles, Rachel DeSoto-Jackson continues to push boundaries, ensuring that DEI principles are embedded in institutions, businesses, and communities. Her work empowers individuals and organizations to create lasting change, making her a leading advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion across multiple fields.