In a world where leadership often follows the status quo, Dana H. Born stands out as a refreshing disruptor. A former brigadier general in the United States Air Force, Born's career path is an inspiring tale of breaking barriers and embracing education with a refreshing perspective. Born served in the Air Force from 1984 to 2013, and during her service, she shattered glass ceilings and became a key figure recognized for her exceptional leadership skills. Currently, as a faculty member of Harvard's Kennedy School, she is molding the leaders of tomorrow, tapping into her wealth of experience from her military service.
Throughout her military career, Born demonstrated a particular commitment to inclusivity and education. She became the first woman to hold the position of Dean of the Faculty at the United States Air Force Academy, where she served from 2004 to 2013. Her appointment was not just a milestone for women but also a significant step towards diversified leadership in the military. As a liberal-minded writer who celebrates diversity and inclusion, it’s invigorating to see such barriers being dismantled.
Born's academic credentials are equally impressive, empowering her voice in a traditionally male-dominated field. She holds a Bachelor of Science from the United States Air Force Academy, a Master’s in Experimental Psychology from Trinity University, and a Doctorate in Industrial and Organizational Psychology from Harvard. Her passion for understanding human behavior aligns with a Gen Z perspective that values empathy and inclusivity in leadership. Moreover, as an educator, she emphasizes the importance of moral courage, ethical responsibilities, and leading by example—values that resonate with young people worldwide.
At the heart of her teachings lies an empathy-driven approach that encourages students to be open-minded, which resonates deeply with those of us who prefer not to see the world in black-and-white terms. Dana H. Born instills in her students a passion for making a positive difference in the world, something Gen Z deeply identifies with, given our heavy focus on social justice and environmental issues.
Discussing military service can sometimes be uncomfortable for those who lean politically liberal, given the complexities and moral dilemmas involved. Yet, Born’s role as a leader in an institution like the Air Force challenges the narrative that military service is strictly about rigid discipline and hierarchical obedience. She showcases that the armed forces can also be about serving the greater good and pushing for progress, through innovation, and by challenging outdated norms.
Born’s post-military career further cements her role as a transformative figure. She stands as co-chair of the Council of Young Global Leaders (YGL), an initiative under the World Economic Forum which aims to drive positive change across the world. Her involvement here underscores a commitment to nurturing leadership in diverse fields and supporting young voices in global dialogues. This aligns with the sentiment that young people should be actively involved in creating the world they aspire to live in.
It's worth acknowledging that some might view her military background as a contradiction to progressive ideals. While military forces have historically been perceived as conservative bastions, Dana Born disrupts this assumption by using her influence to advocate for progress and diversity. It’s a reminder that individuals can embody seemingly opposing traits—like discipline and creativity, stability, and change.
Her career is not just about her achievements, but about the dialogue she creates. As Dana H. Born forges new paths in education and leadership, she brings a refreshing perspective to issues that often polarize. Her story is not just one of personal triumph but a testament to how structured systems can evolve to embrace change. Her life prompts a reevaluation of what leadership in the modern era could—and should—look like.
In this rapidly evolving world, Dana H. Born serves as a symbol of how traditional leadership molds can be broken to forge paths that align with the dynamic values of today’s generation. Her work allows us to envision a future in which diverse voices are not merely included but amplified. It inspires hope that leadership, seen through lens of empathy and inclusivity, is not just possible, but viable. Her story challenges us to rethink leadership, from those setting policy to those forging it anew.