Dr. Dèsa Karye Daniel is an accomplished assistant professor at the University of Colorado Denver and a licensed mental health counselor in New Mexico and Colorado. With a focus on racial and ethnic dynamics within academic environments, her research delves into the experiences of Black and Brown college students, highlighting the unique challenges faced by Black womxn in leadership roles. Dr. Daniel's work investigates the effects of stress and racial battle fatigue on BIPOC womxn professionals, emphasizing the psychological impacts of systemic racism. She is a strong advocate for a more inclusive multicultural counseling curriculum and critically analyzes institutional responses to protests and the dismantling of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives on college campuses. Additionally, her research explores student and faculty attitudes toward pro-Palestinian advocacy, aiming to unpack the complexities of activism in contemporary contexts. Dr. Daniel earned her doctorate in counselor education from the University of New Mexico and holds dual master’s degrees from New Mexico State University. Beyond her academic pursuits, she provides affirming cultural care to communities in Colorado and New Mexico through direct clinical work and by supervising clinicians in training at Umoja Behavioral Health and Wellness.