Contact: Nicholle Granger
ngranger@voaches.org
November 30, 2021 Lanham, MD
Dayena Corcoran is a retired correction professional with the State of Maryland Department of Public Safety & Correctional Services. She began her 30-year career as a correctional officer in 1988 and worked her way to the head of the Division as the first female Commissioner of Correction via numerous appointments as head of Case Management, Facility Administrator, Warden and Assistant Commissioner. Although Dayena was recognized for many accomplishments, she relished mentoring others most.
She earned a BS in Management from Morgan State University and a MS in Management from Johns Hopkins University’s Police Executive Leadership Program.
Although Dayena no longer works full-time, she remains busy through her work with her sorority, Zeta Phi Beta, Sorority, Incorporated and as well as VOACC.
“When I’m not devoting my time to the community, I enjoys reading, traveling and taking advantage of the outdoors in sunny Florida.”
We asked Dayena a few questions…
What about VOACC inspired you to first join the Board of Directors?
I had some knowledge of VOACC through my career in corrections. Then I had the opportunity to learn more about the services offered, the mission and values. The thought of joining a group of individuals whose passion was to help others succeed, excel and just survive was exciting to me. The concept of a Church Without Walls made feel that I could grow spiritually too. What a bonus!
What are you looking forward to the most in your role on the Board? What are your goals?
I am looking forward to the outcomes of the work of the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Task Force’s internal and external vision. We get to show staff, community stakeholders and those we serve that we value their contributions, opinions and differences. I am proud to work with a group that is setting the standard for others to follow in this arena.
Specific goals among other things include a board and organization that is consistently diverse in ways that you can and cannot see, equity in opportunities made available for staff and persons served and inclusivity of opinions of employees throughout the organization in decision-making for things that truly matter. And finally, the ability to see through documentation the on-going journey of all these things.
What does being “Called to Care” mean to you personally?
To me being called to care is when you recognize that you could easily need any of the services offered by VOACC and there’s a tugging at your heart telling you to take action. How can we in good conscience sit back and do nothing while others suffer spiritually, mentally and physically? God commands us to help others; therefore we should head that command by coming together, using our spiritual gifts and making purposeful decisions that positively impact others’ situations.
You can learn more about Dayena here.