About Us
What We're All About
President of the Board
Elsa-Sofia Morote, Ed.D., Ph.D., Professor of Public Policy at John Jay College of Criminal Justice, and President of the Dowling International Academy (DIA-NY). DIA-NY is a non-for-profit organization dedicated to support the career advancement of leaders and scholars to reach the 3 I’s Inquiry, Innovation and Impact to elevate the well-being of the society as whole. Dr. Morote, has two doctoral degrees and was a senior post doc at MIT. She has more than 25 years in higher education where she has had senior leadership roles serving students from pre-college to doctoral level. She has served as Founder Director of the International & Diversity Institute at Dowling College, Dean workforce development at Farmingdale State College, and Dean of Graduate Studies at John Jay College. In those roles, she drove student enrollment and retention, built partnerships with social agencies, strengthened connections with alumni, was able to secure funding close to $3.7 Million, and increased student and faculty diversity. She has published over 50 peer-reviewed articles, books, and book chapters, and mentored 200 dissertations. She is the recipient of 20+ honors, such as best mentor, best research papers, and community advocate.
Our Vision
Who We Are
“Inclusive leaders create environments where faculty and students can teach and learn; successful faculty create outstanding students”
DIA-NY is a non-for-profit organization dedicated to support the career advancement of leaders and scholars to reach the 3 I’s Inquiry, Innovation and Impact to elevate the well-being of the society as whole
- DIA-NY by provide critical competencies for educators and leaders in education in areas of professional growth for faculty that have been historically overlooked. We equip educational leaders with
We equip faculty with
INQUIRY
• Quantitative research skills
• Qualitative research skills
• Publication of research Training
• Book and Chapter publications training
INNOVATION
• The faculty innovator
• The faculty entrepreneur within the organization
• Grant writing skills
IMPACT
• the social and emotional skills essential for building relationships in schools.
• Educational leaders with collective intelligence
• Leadership to innovation
Dr. Michelle Gantt
Dr. Michelle Gantt is the Vice President of Operations at Dowling International Academy (DIA). She is also the CEO and founder of Good Morning Parents, a parenting and leadership company. She is dedicated to the field of parenting, education, leadership and understanding the effects of parental incarceration, with over 21 years of experience in the federal prison system, excelling from a correctional officer to a national supervisory position. Dr. Gantt received a national award for establishing groundbreaking policies and programs in federal prisons that enhanced the professional and personal development of correctional staff and incarcerated individuals. She also co-authored “Raising Scholars from Infancy to Adulthood: Preparing Our Children for College and Demolishing Prison Walls.” Currently she is a board member of the NY Zero to Three Network. Her experience as an author, educator, auditor and supervisor helps leaders to build culture within agencies and communities. Dr. Gantt is committed to increasing educational and professional opportunities for underrepresented educators and leaders.
Dr. Hamid Ikram
Dr. Hamid Ikram is an experienced faculty member in higher education, having worked in New York and overseas for over a decade. He is the Vice President of Academics at Dowling International Academy (DIA). He is also the Managing Editor of the International Journal of Faculty and Leadership Development, demonstrating his involvement in scholarly activities and publications related to faculty and leadership development. He received his doctorate from Dowling College, where he served as the President of International Students and was a US Exchange Scholar. His engagement in academic and international exchange programs highlights his global perspective. Dr. Ikram was honored with the 2018 Digital Inclusion Award from WCET and GlobalMindED for his efforts in promoting digital inclusion and advancing technology access and participation. As a first-generation immigrant and college graduate, Dr. Ikram is committed to promoting diversity and supporting underrepresented educators. He believes in fostering inclusivity within the academic community and aligns with the broader goals of creating an inclusive and diverse educational environment.
Dr. Nalini Singh
Dr. Nalini Singh is an educator and leadership coach, ranging from P-12 to higher education. She is the Vice President of Public Relations of Dowling International Institute (DIA). With over 30 years of experience in the school system and a retired Principal, Dr. Singh has an extensive knowledge in leadership, pedagogy, diversity, equity, SEL and many other initiatives, which provides her the opportunity to support under-represented educators and leaders through professional development and coaching. Dr. Singh is currently an adjunct professor, College Advisor, Consultant, Coach, Administrator and Business Owner, continuing to make a positive impact in the field of education. Dr. Singh graduated with a degree in Doctor of Education, Administrative and Instructional Leadership, focus on Emotional Intelligence. Dr. Singh is also a member of the Gray Fellows for Principal Excellence, where principals were provided the support to develop their personal self-knowledge of strengths. Dr. Singh continues to be part of this program attending wellness retreats and being part of Star Factor Coaching where she has had the opportunity to coach principals and other educators. Ultimately, understanding that education is the great equalizer in our world today.