Diana Walker is affectionately celebrated as a dedicated leader, mentor, mother, and friend. She is married to her supportive husband, Adam, and her passion for community service began in Gary, Indiana. Growing up in a large family, Diana’s warm spirit and ability to light up a room have consistently defined her character.

In 1999, she founded the TJ Support Brokerage Firm Inc., which provided essential services to individuals with disabilities in Dane County. Over her 16-year tenure as the Executive Director of this non-profit organization, Diana successfully led a team of 14, fostering collaboration with community partners and funders. Diana’s unwavering commitment was recognized in 2003 when she was appointed as a Community Service Commissioner by former Mayor Dave Cieslewicz of Madison. Notably, she became the first African American approved for the City of Madison’s community service loan program in its 25-year history. Her efforts underscore a profound dedication to advocating for marginalized communities.

Diana also founded the Madison Apprenticeship Program (MAP) program in 2005 after recognizing that the critical gap in the Allied area was the lack of investment in its people. By knocking on neighborhood doors and identifying their needs, Diana discovered that many had marketable skills but lacked confidence and direction. She crafted a 12-week curriculum that empowered participants with essential job skills while also focusing on restoring their self-esteem. MAP provided individuals with the tools to succeed.

In addition to her work with MAP, Diana has a rich professional history that includes owning her own small business, serving as a case manager, and functioning as an education and employment training specialist. As a private consultant and Education and Employment Specialist at Children’s Wisconsin, Diana developed the Ready Set Go program, a 10-week trauma-focused initiative aimed at helping clients confront past traumas to enhance their personal and professional growth. 

She earned her Bachelor’s degree from Concordia University in 2002. 

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Diana’s spiritual journey is evident in her ordination as a Minister in 2012, where she served as a Pastor in Madison, Wisconsin. Her love for singing, dancing, and cooking enriches her personal life, while her role as the Housing Services Director of The Salvation Army of Dane County allows her to share her extensive knowledge and compassionate nature with the community.

Diana Walker’s unwavering dedication to helping others reflects her belief that her life’s purpose is to empower and uplift those around her, making a lasting impact on the lives she touches daily.