Daniel Pierson '81

Andrew Purnell Jr. Trailblazer Award Winner

• Retired associate director of diversity, equity and inclusion, Eli Lilly and Company; Whitestown, Indiana

• Major: Accounting

“My life purpose is to contribute positively to the lives of people in my community.”

Daniel Pierson embodies this purpose through systemic impact, visionary leadership, and multi‑layered community engagement. His career spans corporate, nonprofit, education, mentoring, technology, and media sectors, where he has consistently disrupted the status quo to create lasting change.

At Eli Lilly, Pierson directed $16 million toward diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, ensuring that equity extended beyond corporate walls into the broader community. His commitment to education reform is evident in his work with the Indiana Math and Science Academy, where he influenced over 1,000 students, and the Urban Technology Academy, where more than 50 youth gained critical tech training. In media, Pierson has amplified Black voices through publications and business directories, advancing representation and advocacy.

His community engagement reflects both scale and depth. Through Big Brothers Big Sisters and the Uplift Foundation, nearly 1,000 young lives have been supported with mentorship, matches, and scholarships. As a leader in Omega Psi Phi’s social action initiatives, Pierson mobilized over 10,000 people and facilitated 200 scholarships across five states, demonstrating regional impact with national resonance.

Pierson’s leadership extends to building infrastructure that sustains transformation. The Uplift Foundation’s 37,000‑square‑foot facility purchase represents more than real estate—it is a hub for long‑term community empowerment. His scholarship disbursements of $45,000 and mentorship of 50+ students underscore his dedication to educational equity and generational uplift.

Strategic communication and policy influence are central to Pierson’s approach. His editorial and vice‑presidential roles in BDPA and Black Media highlight his ability to use storytelling as a tool for economic and cultural progress. Within educational coalitions and the Illinois State University Black Colleagues Association, he invests in both current students and future leaders, ensuring that his alma mater remains a pipeline for excellence and empowerment.

Across every initiative, Pierson demonstrates that leadership is not about programs alone but about constructing legacies. His work bridges generations, sectors, and communities, leaving behind structures and narratives that endure. As a trailblazer, he exemplifies Illinois State University’s values of service, innovation, and impact, proving that one individual’s purpose can ripple outward to transform thousands of lives.

Daniel is a 1981 graduate of Illinois State University. He is married to Tina Davis and a father to Simone Pierson of Dallas.