About

Dee Atkins is a Certified Diversity Professional whose career reflects a

commitment to civil rights and racial equity. She has more than 20 years of

combined experience in corporate leadership, community outreach, and

nonprofit development.

As the Chief of Community Engagement and Equity at Thresholds, one of Illinois’

largest providers of mental health and substance use treatment services, Dee

partners in the organization’s strategic efforts for social justice by conceptualizing

and facilitating discussions related to diversity, equity, and inclusion. The work

she performs internally is dedicated to creating a sustainable, inclusive

organizational culture. Externally, Dee identifies partnerships that can lead to

systemic change within Chicago’s disinvested communities and marginalized

populations.

She currently holds many civic-minded roles including: The City of Chicago

Mayor’s Equity Advisory Council; Community Liaison for the Healthy Chicago

Equity Zone initiative; inaugural ForbesBLK member; Business Leadership Council

(BLC) member; Community Advisory Council for West Side United; and

Community Engagement Council at Northwestern Memorial Hospital.

Most recently, Dee became a 2023 Crain’s Notable DEI leader. That same year she

received a Chicago Defender Women of Excellence Award for her ability to inspire

others, her vision and leadership, exceptional achievements, and participation in

community service.

Dee has earned a Master of Science in Journalism and Integrated Marketing; and

a Bachelor of Arts in Communications.

Her personal quote is, “In the tapestry of humanity, the threads of equality must

weave through every shade. Stand firm, speak loud, and let justice be the melody

of our shared journey.”