Rachel DeSoto-Jackson is the kind of leader who doesn’t just talk about inclusion—she builds it into every system she touches. Based in Murrysville, Pennsylvania, Rachel has spent over a decade using instructional design, performance, and DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) strategy to transform how people learn, lead, and communicate.
She’s not limited to one space. In higher education, she directs Indiana University of Pennsylvania’s Center for Teaching Excellence. In the corporate world, she helps organizations like Sheetz and the Smithsonian build inclusive environments. In the arts, she brings empathy to the stage through applied theatre and healthcare training.
We sat down with Rachel to learn more about how she started, what she’s learned, and where she wants to go next.
How did you get started in the industry?
I’ve always believed in the power of stories. Theatre was the first space where I saw how people could connect across difference. It opened the door to bigger questions—about culture, identity, and justice.
While studying theatre at the University of Pittsburgh, I started looking for ways to use performance beyond entertainment. That’s when I discovered applied theatre. It became my way of helping people understand each other, whether in a classroom, a hospital, or a boardroom.
From there, my focus grew into DEI and communication training. I realized that many of the same skills I was teaching actors—like empathy, presence, and listening—were the exact tools people needed in leadership, education, and healthcare. That connection shaped everything I’ve done since.
What advice can you give future leaders in your industry?
Start with people. Too often, we jump to strategy, tools, or policy—but none of that works if you don’t take the time to really understand people’s lived experiences.
Whether you’re building a DEI program or designing a course, listen first. Create space for voices that don’t usually get heard. Then build from there.
Also, don’t be afraid to evolve. What worked five years ago might not work now. Social dynamics shift. Technology changes. Stay curious. Keep learning.
Lastly, lead with empathy. It’s not just a soft skill—it’s a leadership skill. Empathy helps you navigate conflict, build trust, and create cultures where people feel valued.
What do you want to focus on over the next 10 years?
I want to deepen my work in training systems—especially in healthcare and higher education. There’s a huge opportunity to bring empathy-based models into those spaces in a more intentional way.
I’m also excited about continuing to build interdisciplinary teams. The best results come when you bring educators, artists, scientists, and community leaders together to solve big problems.
On a personal level, I want to keep creating spaces where tough conversations can happen safely. Whether through theatre, training, or dialogue, we need more places where people can process issues like race, identity, and power without fear or judgment.
And of course, I want to keep mentoring the next generation of educators and DEI leaders. We need fresh voices, and I want to help lift them up.
Key Takeaways
Rachel DeSoto-Jackson’s work shows how theatre, empathy, and strategy can create powerful change.
She started in performance but found her calling in connecting people through education and equity. Whether training faculty at IUP, consulting for national institutions, or guiding DEI strategy for businesses, she leads with presence and purpose.
Her message to future leaders is simple but strong: Listen first. Lead with empathy. Keep growing.
As she looks ahead, Rachel is focused on building long-lasting systems for inclusive education and communication. She believes in creating safe spaces for hard conversations—and she’s doing just that, one program at a time.
For those in search of a blueprint for meaningful, people-centered leadership, Rachel DeSoto-Jackson offers a clear path forward.
Do you want to see more of Rachel? Follow her on Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, and visit her website!
