Lonnie Dafney is a strategic thought leader with more than 20 years of proven experience and knowledge in the areas of diversity, equity, inclusion, human resources, executive coaching, talent management, team engagement, and leadership and management development.

Lonnie was hired as the first Diversity Equity and Inclusion Director for EMC Insurance Companies; providing her with an opportunity to create as well as broaden organizational business drivers and strategies that will permeate throughout the culture in ways that will be felt for years to come.

Lonnie is a certified Human Resources professional and sits on boards of West Des Moines Historical Society, Junior Achievement of Central Iowa, United Way of Central Iowa-Women United and a Commissioner for the West Des Moines Human Rights Commission. Lonnie is also an elected official. She was elected in 2019 as the first African American Board Member of the West Des Moines Community School District.

Lonnie’s passion is working with youth, mentoring, and encouraging people to find ways to be the best versions of themselves that they can be.