DRN Contact Us / Staff Directory

Deborah J. Johnson, PhD

Director, Diversity Research Network
Office for Institutional Diversity and Inclusion

Professor of Human Development and Family Studies

Bio: Dr. Deborah J. Johnson's research explores racially and culturally related development, parental racial socialization and coping, cultural adjustment from early childhood through emerging adulthood, in both domestic and international children and youth.  Racial-ethnic identity development and the coping skills as a protective mechanisms of African American and other children in diverse settings, has been a central interest. The ongoing cultural adjustment of Sudanese refugees continues to be a focal area in which themes of resilience and identity as resilience, sense of purpose as resilience, have been emphasized. Current work focus on the influence of early bias preparation and coping at the intersection of gender and race among African American and Latina College women, and the impact on their well-being and school performance. We continue our work with South Sudanese refugees focusing on gender as well as tridimensional aspects of identity alignment, resilience and adjustment processes, moving to use of a national assessment of resettled South Sudanese.  Recent global explorations emphasize positive youth development, public policy impact on the experience of oppression and identity reformation of immigrant and refugee groups, specifically, Indigenous Australians and Roma youth in Bulgaria. Recent books include, Identity Re/Formation among Immigrant Youth and Families (upcoming); Children and Prejudice (in press, 2018); Vulnerable Children: Global Challenges in Education, Health, Well-Being, and Child Rights (2013); Black Educational Choice in a Climate of School Reform: Consequences for K-12 Student Learning and Development (2011). 

Micaela Flores

Assistant Director, Diversity Research Network

Bio: Micaela Flores (she/her/ella) is the Assistant Director for the Diversity Research Network, or DRN, in the Office for Institutional Diversity and Inclusion, or IDI. She is responsible for providing managerial and operational support for the DRN, a cornerstone of support in the retention and success of Michigan State University faculty and scholars at the intersection of diversity and excellence. Flores is committed to upholding the DRN as a resource for enhancing research productivity, grant and publication output, and meaningful collaborative research opportunities.

Prior to joining IDI, Flores served as the Assistant Director of Admissions for the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, or DVM, program at the MSU College of Veterinary Medicine, where she also worked as the Recruitment, Admissions and Scholarship Counselor for the DVM program and the Advising, Outreach and Retention Coordinator under the King-Chavez-Parks Select Student Services grant. She also spent a few years working to increase college access in Detroit as a high school College Adviser with the MSU College Advising Corps and in Chicago, Illinois, as the College Access Coordinator at the University of Illinois System.

Flores earned her undergraduate degree in interdisciplinary studies in social science with a cognate in sociology and concentration in community relations, along with a specialization in Chicano/Latino studies as well as a master of arts in higher, adult and lifelong education with a graduate certificate in teaching and learning in postsecondary education from MSU.

Lilian Akawobsa, MBA, PHR, SHRM-SCP 

MHRLR Student, School of Human Resources and Labor Relations

Graduate Assistant: DRN Development and Outreach Assistant Coordinator

 Bio: Lilian Akawobsa (she/her/her) is a dedicated HR professional with nearly a decade of experience in various human resources functions. Currently a Master of Human Resources and Labor Relations student at Michigan State University, she drives diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives within organizations. As a Graduate Assistant in Diversity Research Network Development and Outreach, Lilian is actively involved in research and outreach efforts to improve workplace cultural competency. 

Lilian’s extensive background includes supervising recruitment, hiring documentation, performance, termination, and benefits management for over 2,000 employees while maintaining a remarkable 98% customer satisfaction rate. Her expertise extends to navigating complex international visa and immigration issues, policy development, and benefits administration, which has further honed her research capabilities and compliance knowledge. With a passion for education, she has also trained more than 100 HR students, leveraging both experiential and theoretical teaching methods to enhance their understanding of human resources management.

Lilian holds an MBA focusing on Management, Accounting, and Finance from Andrews University and a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting from Valley View University. She has further distinguished herself as an Adjunct HR Faculty member and has held various managerial roles emphasizing her commitment to employee engagement and organizational success. 

A recognized leader in her field, Lilian is known for her empathetic approach and strong ability to balance the workforce's needs with the organization's strategic objectives. Additionally, she is a licensed insurance and financial agent who provides free financial strategy education. Lilian helps individuals and groups maximize their benefits packages by navigating the complexities of securing the best life insurance and living benefits. Lilian is with family or engaging in volunteer work in her spare time and is dedicated to advocating for diversity and inclusion within all aspects of her professional endeavors.

Kayla Chiquita Lewis 

MSW Student, School of Social Work

Graduate Assistant, Diversity Research Network

Bio: Kayla Lewis (she/her/hers) a driven and adaptable social work graduate student at Michigan State University with a solid background in animal science and a passion for serving marginalizes communities. Currently pursuing her Master of Social Work with a Bachelor of Science in Animal Science, Kayla combines her academic foundation in animal industry with extensive hands-on experience in youth programs, student support services, and leadership roles.

Kayla has a strong track record of supporting young people through her roles as a Program Assistant with TRIO Student Support Services, where she developed co curricular programs and contributed innovative ideas to enhance student support initiatives. Additionally, at  the Detroit Zoological Society’s Safari Summer Camp, she led groups of youth, facilitating engaging activities that blend learning with fun. Her role as a Program Aide at Michigan State University’s TRIO Office further showcases her dedication to student success, as she assisted first-year students with academic advising and goal-setting, fostering meaningful connections and supporting academic success.

In addition to her work experience, Kayla has demonstrated her leadership abilities through roles such as President of the African American Celebratory program and Member at Large for the Black Student Alliance, where she advocated for the Black community and promoted Black pride and unity on campus. With a unique blend of skills in social work, animal science, and youth support, Kayla is dedicated to making a positive impact in the lives of children, adults, and animals alike.

Octaviano Blanco

Master's student, Advertising and Public Relations

Student Employee, Social Media Coordinator, Diversity Research Network

Bio: Octaviano Blanco (he/him/his) is a motivated and versatile master’s student in Advertising and Public Relations at Michigan State University with a strong background in leadership and a dedication to supporting communities and fostering inclusion. Starting college in 2018 as a first-generation college student, Octaviano overcame challenges such as academic probation and severe anxiety, demonstrating resilience by returning to his studies and excelling in leadership roles.

Octaviano has an extensive record of leading and participating in impactful initiatives. He served as a project leader for Sigma Lambda Beta, where he facilitated projects that strengthened community ties and encouraged personal growth. His passion for supporting student engagement is reflected in his current role managing social media for the Diversity Research Network, where he creates content that highlights diversity and inclusion efforts.

Octaviano has cultivated strong communication and collaborative skills. His leadership journey also includes helping with social media for DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) initiatives and preparing educational presentations, demonstrating a thoughtful approach to academic and community-based projects.