Darlene King to be Finlandia University’s 2020 Virtual Commencement Speaker

Finlandia University is proud to announce the executive director of the Michigan Diversity Council (MIDC) Darlene King, ’90 Graduate of Suomi College, as the Virtual Commencement Ceremony Speaker on May 21, 2020 at 6 p.m.

“Darlene King’s vocational path began when she first arrived on the campus of Suomi College.  At her parents’ suggestion, Darlene was urged to consider this ‘far away’ place – for exactly that reason.  As she adjusted to the abrupt change in physical location and culture, Darlene’s experiences grew more intentional, leading to a life enriched with purpose, inclusion, and diversity, bound together by her strong Faith.  If there is anyone who epitomizes the phrase ‘living a purpose-filled life’, it is Darlene King.” – Karin Van Dyke, Finlandia University’s Vice President of Advancement

King began her career with the MIDC, a division of the National Diversity Council, in 2015. As the executive director, her charge is working with corporations and organizations in developing diversity and inclusion initiatives, programs, processes, and procedures. She also oversees the growth of the council in the area of business development throughout the entire state of Michigan. King earned her National Certification as a Certified Diversity and Inclusion Professional in 2018.

Having been through adversity in her life King will act as a voice of encouragement during the unprecedented times that graduates are being faced with during COVID-19. Her upbeat and determined demeanor will act as a support and congratulations to Finlandia University’s class of 2020.

King has a passion for people and earned a bachelor’s degree in public relations and marketing from Wayne State University in Detroit. She also owns Life’s Journey Training and Consulting. Competing in today’s global market, Life’s Journey offers services in industries ranging from education to automotive, medical, non-profits and manufacturing. Its area of expertise consists of diversity and inclusion, leadership development, marketing, and public relations. Life’s Journey has provided service deliverables to Wayne County Head Start Programs, Wayne Metropolitan Community Action Agency, The Order of the Fisherman, The Detroit Medical Center, Revival Home Health Care, RTM Music Group, Real Times Media, Stonecrest Behavioral Health, Detroit Area Agency on Aging, Universal Studios, Detroit Community Schools, MASCO Corporation, Diversity Lansing and many more.

She says her faith in God, family, passion for people, and her love of traveling and gardening are the drivers that keep her on a “Life’s Journey”.

More information on Finlandia University’s 2020 Virtual Commencement can be found https://www.finlandia.edu/virtual-ceremonies/