Diedre F. Houchen, Ph.D.

Dr. Houchen joined Allegany Franciscan Ministries in mid-2024, as the first Director of the new Climate Justice & Care for Creation Initiative. In this role she is responsible for strategic planning, managing critical partnerships, overseeing grant making processes, and making recommendations for the Climate Justice & Care for Creation Initiative, one of Allegany’s key strategic priorities. Specifically, Diedre cultivates relationships with and communication to stakeholders, identifies and creates opportunities, develops strategies, and manages investments that address the disproportionate impact of climate change on communities of color and other marginalized communities.

Diedre is an interdisciplinary strategist working at intersections of race, place and community, with a thirty-plus year career trajectory of leading, consulting, teaching, and supporting others. Prior to joining Allegany Franciscan Ministries, she served as the inaugural Equity and Community Outreach Manager for Alachua County, Florida. Born in Brooklyn, NY, transplanted to Florida, and schooled in the South, she is a sought after speaker, leader and teacher and is also an award-winning writer. Diedre earned her BA, MA, and PhD from the University of Florida.

Diedre loves to dance and enjoys the freedom and ease of unscheduled days to refuel and be creative.