Rachel Desoto-Jackson

Rachel DeSoto-Jackson is a leader in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), education, and applied theatre. With over a decade of experience, she develops programs promoting inclusive learning, training leaders, and fostering meaningful discussions on equity. Her work spans higher education, corporate consulting, and arts-based initiatives.

As Director of the Center for Teaching Excellence at Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP), Rachel oversees faculty training and DEI initiatives. She manages strategic planning, collaborates with university leadership, and directs professional development programs. Under her leadership, IUP successfully transitioned to a new Learning Management System, improving faculty engagement and accessibility.

Rachel is also a tenured IUP professor specializing in applied theatre, Latinx performance, and leadership training. She created a DEI-focused certificate program and integrates theatre into healthcare education by training Simulated Patients (SPs) to improve medical communication skills.

Beyond academia, Rachel provides DEI consulting, executive coaching, and corporate training for organizations like Sheetz, Virginia Public Media, and the Smithsonian Institution. She has served as President of Pedagogy and Theatre of the Oppressed, Inc. and a board member of the Smithsonian Latino Center.

Holding an MFA and MA in Theatre & Performance from the University of Pittsburgh, Rachel combines social justice, applied theatre, and community engagement. She has secured over $750,000 in grants to support DEI training and research.

Her work is rooted in education, inclusion, and the transformative power of theatre. Whether teaching, consulting, or leading initiatives, Rachel ensures DEI principles are embedded in institutions, businesses, and communities, making her a driving force for equity and inclusion.