With a proven track record in scaling operations and implementing best practices, DaWana's expertise lies in creating infrastructures that drive process improvement and managing change effectively. Her previous role as senior vice president of youth development operations at the YMCA of Metro Chicago showcased her ability to optimize operations to serve Chicagoland children with high-quality educational programs. Under her leadership, the association received significant funding awards, including a $1.4 million innovation grant from the MacArthur Foundation.

Before her tenure at the YMCA, DaWana served as a performance management consultant with Chicago Public Schools, where she spearheaded efforts to instill a culture of continuous improvement within administrative departments. Her contributions led to the development of policies, solutions, and best practices for schools and district administrative functions.

DaWana holds a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from Hampton University and an MBA from Indiana University. Committed to community service, she currently sits on the Advisory Board of the David Lynch Foundation, Chicago, advocating for at-risk populations' access to transcendental meditation practices.