Dawn Y Graber
Your Women's Equity &
Culture Strategist
I’m Dawn Y. Graber, and I believe deeply in the transformative power women bring to the marketplace. Helping leaders and organizations unlock that power—and achieve unbridled success—is my greatest joy.
I partner with executives and teams who are curious and committed to truly listening to their women leaders. When you do, you not only keep them on your team—you create a workplace culture where their influence shines freely.
The research is clear: organizations are stronger, more innovative, and more financially successful when women’s voices are present at every decision-making table.
Whether through 1:1 senior executive consults, team coaching, or company-wide educational initiatives, I help leaders elevate their culture so it works for women—and by extension, for everyone. I bring leadership expertise shaped by years in education, nursing, and now six years as a certified Process Consultant and International Coach Federation coach. I help leaders strengthen their self-awareness through Emotional Intelligence development and Enneagram-based tools, as well as team-focused practices that deepen trust, insight, and collaboration. Let’s explore what will keep your high-impact women leaders thriving in your organization. Because you truly can’t afford to lose her.
Executive Process Consultant Certified from the Society for Process Consulting
Women in Leadership Cornell University Certificate
Professional ACC Certified Coach from the International Coaching Federation
Master of Arts in Education in Curriculum & Instruction
Integrative Enneagram Certified Practitioner
Emotional Intelligence North America Mygrow Champion
Change out- WE ALL HAVE THE POWER OF INFLUENCE.
Why Women's Equity Work Matters to Me
I believe every person is created in the image of God. That means each of us—regardless of gender—carries unique gifts meant to be shared in our workplaces, communities, and homes for the flourishing of all.
For years, I didn’t question why leadership around me was almost exclusively male. I was called a “born leader” and assumed my time would come. But as my career advanced, I began noticing cracks in the system. I realized that in order to be considered, I needed more credentials—while men in the same positions did not. I learned that opportunities for women were often framed as “second place”—safe stages, smaller assignments, women’s retreats—while the positions of influence and power remained out of reach.
When I was encouraged to consider an executive role, it became painfully clear: women had never held the position, and when my name surfaced, I was labeled as “too strong.” I later recognized this for what it was: classic gender bias. Instead of sponsorship, I was told I was being “protected” from criticism—another barrier disguised as care. I waited for doors to open, not realizing I needed allies willing to help kick them open. Eventually, I realized my voice was being sidelined, and the environment was no longer safe for me to thrive.
That awakening propelled me into deep study and research on gender equity. As an educator and lifelong learner, I became consumed with uncovering the realities of gender bias—not just in pay, but in advancement, opportunity, and representation. I saw how easily women (like me, and like my daughters and granddaughters) could internalize bias as a personal shortcoming rather than recognize it as a systemic barrier. And I became determined to change that story—for them, and for all leaders.
Today, this is my calling: to help organizations recognize the subtle and systemic ways bias still shapes our workplaces. Good intentions aren’t enough. Culture change takes intentional work, tools, and courage. My mission is to equip leaders with those tools so every voice can shine freely, every leader can rise fully, and every organization can thrive by unlocking the full breadth of human talent.
Because the truth is this: we are better together—when every gender is free and welcomed to bring their very best to work.
Why a Process Consulting approach
As a certified Executive Process Consultant, I bring an approach that values listening, collaboration, and growth. Process consulting means I don’t arrive with pre-packaged answers—I partner with you to uncover deeper purpose, strengthen relationships, and co-create solutions that last.
I am also a member of the Community of Practice of Design Group International, a trusted network of independent consultants who share resources, learning, and collaboration when needed. While I remain your primary partner, I draw on this community when additional expertise will serve your organization best—ensuring no challenge is too complex to address.
This work matters to me because I believe every person is created in the image of God. Each of us—regardless of gender—carries unique gifts meant to be shared for the flourishing of all. Too often, baked-in cultural biases keep women’s leadership from being fully recognized. I help organizations through this process consulting approach that addresses barriers, strengthens leadership, and builds cultures where women—and everyone—can thrive. Let’s explore how this approach can unlock your organization’s full potential."
IN EVERY ENCOUNTER, WE EITHER GIVE LIFE OR WE DRAIN IT. THERE IS NO NEUTRAL EXCHANGE.”
-BRENNAN MANNING
Do you know what a life-giving workplace looks and feels like for the women in your organization?
Some of you may want to know me better before deciding to work together—I totally get that. So here’s a little window into what makes me, well, me.
My days are fueled by my Christian faith, the joy of young grandchildren, and a lively colony of relatives next door. I thrive under the sun, beneath blue skies, surrounded by green trees (yes, I’ve been known to chat with them), and near the Gulf waters of Florida.
I’m a lifelong book lover, consider northern Michigan my soul’s sanctuary, and eat popcorn with the same dedication as my Grandpa Chet—frequently and in generous amounts! Rows of journals line my shelves, filled with decades of thoughts and stories. (A girl can dream that someday, her family will pore over them, uncovering life lessons long after she’s gone. A little wishful thinking never hurt anyone!)
Health and fitness are lifelong pursuits for me—I love experimenting to find what truly works. My mom and I share a love of aqua exercise classes. Every morning, I wake up grateful for the next 16–18 hours and the chance to be a blessing to whoever crosses my path.
I’m passionate about meaningful self-care—for myself and others—and I live for our loud, chaotic family dinners. Building peace, fostering cross-cultural understanding, and expanding equity access are commitments close to my heart.
My grandkids? Absolute soul friends. My mom? The unquestionable shero. And my husband, Doug? The patient, steady counterbalance to my whirlwind—proof that opposites not only attract but endure, even when life gets crazy.
And if I wore buttons, they’d be bursting with pride over my incredible adult kids and their spouses (Andy/Lisa, Brad/Brenna, Chelsey/Alan, Stuart/Shina). The lives they're building, the love they pour into their families, and the way they partner with me—patient, intentional, and full of heart—leave me in awe.
