Title: Social Equity Director
Company: Oregon Department of Early Learning and Care
Location: Portland, Oregon, United States
Koffi Dessou, social equity director at the Oregon Department of Early Learning and Care, has been recognized by Marquis Who’s Who Top Executives for dedication, achievements, and leadership in diversity, equity, inclusion, belonging, and human rights.
With 34 years of experience to his credit, Dr. Dessou has excelled at the Oregon Department of Early Learning and Care as social equity manager in 2023 and social equity director since 2023. He began his career as an assistant project manager at Hydro-Quebec International in Lomé, Togo, from 1990 to 1991. He garnered a stellar reputation with the United States Department of State at the United States Embassy in Lomé, Togo as a personnel assistant from 1991 to 1996, a development program manager from 1996 to 1999, and a political, economic, and commercial specialist from 2000 to 2008.
Dr. Dessou’s professional journey spanned a diverse array of roles, each contributing to his impactful career trajectory. Beginning as an executive assistant from 2008 to 2010, he swiftly transitioned into the role of an inter-group dialogue program development specialist from 2010 to 2012. Continuing his dedication to fostering inclusivity, he assumed the position of program coordinator, specializing in equity training and education, from 2012 to 2017.
In 2017, he stepped into the role of equity and business operations manager, where his strategic vision and commitment to equitable practices flourished. His leadership journey reached new heights as he assumed the directorship of the Office of Equity and Human Rights from 2017 to 2019, followed by his tenure as deputy director until 2022. Parallel to his dynamic contributions to equity and human rights, Dr. Dessou also shared his wealth of knowledge as an assistant professor at the American College of Healthcare Sciences from 2021 to 2023, enriching the academic landscape with his insights and expertise.
Dr. Dessou has found further success as a business consultant, social equity trainer, and coach at Koffi Dessou Consulting since 2014. He has been the executive director of the Ovazu Foundation since 2016. He has been active as a part-time professor at Warner Pacific University since 2020 and was a social equity manager of the Oregon Department of Early Learning and Care in 2023.
Before embarking on his professional path, Dr. Dessou pursued an education at the Université de Lomé in Togo, West Africa, where he earned a superior diploma in business administration, management, and operations in 1990. He continued his academic efforts at the University of Phoenix, graduating with a Bachelor of Science in management in 2010, a Master of Business Administration in 2012, and a Doctor of Business Administration in 2018.
Beyond his responsibilities within the field, Dr. Dessou has participated in numerous endeavors outside of his professional circles. He held executive and leadership positions with REAP USA, TOGO CORE, The Togo Community in Oregon, and WorldOregon. He volunteered with immigrant and refugee community organizations. In addition to his primary vocation, he remains affiliated with various organizations in relation to his areas of expertise. He was a member of the Association for Talent Development, the Project Management Institute, the National Society of Leadership and Success, the Society for Human Resource Management, and Delta Mu Delta.
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