Danya Perry

Danya Perry serves as the Director of Diversity, Equity, & Inclusivity with Wake County.  In this role, Perry leads Wake County’s efforts to advance diversity, build equity, and accelerate inclusion.  From creating a clear vision and providing strategic direction, Perry seeks to promote belonging and support working environments where all have an opportunity to succeed. 

Prior to joining Wake County, Perry held two critical leadership positions for the Raleigh Chamber of Commerce.  He served as Vice President of Diversity, Equity and Inclusivity, where he led the Triangle DEI Alliance, and as Director of Equitable Economic Development.  In these roles, he supported efforts to build inclusive prosperity and support our historically underrepresented businesses and residents. 

Prior to joining the Raleigh Chamber, Perry worked for Communities in Schools of North Carolina for 12 years, most recently serving as Vice President of Youth Development.  Perry is native to North Carolina, hailing from New Bern before earning a BA in Political Science and MA in Public Administration from North Carolina State University.  He is also a passionate social justice activist, youth advocate, and capitalizes on any opportunity to volunteer and facilitate positive change in the community.   Perry loves music, laughs, and seeks every opportunity to work across difference.  He lives by the acronym coined by a former mentee – P.E.A.C.E.  (Proper Education Always Causes Elevation).