Growing up, Diane Duke moved around quite a bit. Her father was in the Coast Guard, so the family spent time in Virginia, Florida, Texas, and Oregon, where Diane graduated from high school. She earned her BA in Sociology and MBA from the University of Oregon before embarking on a career in the world of nonprofits.
An opportunity at Friends For All (FFA) led her to Memphis – and this year, the highly regarded resource for compassionate healthcare celebrates 40 years with Diane at the helm as CEO and President. Get to know this week’s FACE of Memphis!
How did your career path lead you to Friends For All?
I have worked for nonprofits throughout my career, beginning with the YMCA in Eugene, OR. I worked for Planned Parenthood in Eugene and the Free Speech Coalition in Los Angeles before my move to Memphis.
I was ready to leave LA. As I looked at other opportunities, I came across the position at the then — Friends For Life. I looked into HIV rates in Memphis and realized there was an opportunity to do meaningful work here.
What lessons did you learn along the way that have helped you become successful?
Being in control is an illusion, flexibility is key. Mistakes happen; it is what you do with them and what you learn from them that counts. Trust and respect are the foundations of a healthy work environment. Finally, give yourself grace.
How would you describe your leadership style?
Definitely team-oriented. I am fortunate to work with brilliant people throughout our organization, and I have an incredible Board and Leadership Team. I love to have debates and substantive discussions where innovative ideas can flourish, and we can make sure we have the information we need to make sound decisions.
What do you think Friends For All brings to the Memphis community that no other non-profit organization offers?
First, I have to say that Memphis is so fortunate to have many exceptional nonprofits doing amazing work, many of whom are our coalition partners.
Our focus is on reducing the number of new transmissions of HIV. Memphis is second in the nation for new transmissions — a complex issue as these high rates are a symptom of larger health and well-being issues in our community. Friends For All not only provides direct care to people with HIV but also focuses on the social drivers that lead to high rates of infection. Unless and until we address poverty, homelessness, food insecurity, lack of education, and health inequities, our community will continue to suffer from high rates of HIV and other health and social issues. Friends For All provides services to address all of these drivers under one roof.
What are some examples that illustrate the impact FFA has on the community?
Through the innovation of the incredible team at FFA, we created the first PrEP and PEP clinic in the Mid-South. PrEP and PEP are HIV preventative medications in which effectiveness rates are in the upper ninetieth percentile. The clinic is wildly popular and has gone a long way in keeping Memphis’s rates from being even higher.
The stigma around HIV and many of the social drivers of health significantly impede the progress of a healthy community. We at FFA have been fighting the stigma for our entire existence. However, we’ve made a conscious decision to focus on supporting the dignity of everyone who walks through our doors. Through the beautiful environment of our new space, the fun and innovative programs in our Wellness University, our cooking classes with recipes for our food pantry bags, and so much more, we believe that regardless of someone’s HIV or socio-economic status, everyone deserves to be treated with dignity. We know it makes a difference when we hear the laughter and joy throughout our building. Impact isn’t just providing a service, it is bringing a smile to someone’s face.
Friends For All is celebrating 40 years this year! What are you doing to mark the occasion?
On March 20, we are throwing a “$40 for 40 Years” telephone, text, and email telethon. Volunteers will be contacting our supporters throughout our community to ask them to contribute $40 for our 40 years of service.
On March 22, FFA will hold our open house birthday party at our headquarters at 1548 Poplar from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. We will have cooking demonstrations, dance classes, talks, tours, and of course … cake! Everyone is invited; bring the kids, it will be a fun-filled event.
Switching gears a little, what do you love most about Memphis?
Los Angeles was a beautiful place with beautiful people, but it lacked depth. Memphis has SOUL! People belly-laugh here, they greet you with a smile, and perfect strangers will walk up to you in the grocery and pay you a compliment. I love that! And …. OH, THE FOOD!
Where can we find you when you aren’t working?
Hiking at Overton Park or Shelby Farms with my dog.
What is your best piece of advice?
Live life with intention.
Aside from faith, family, and friends, name three things you can’t live without.
My dog Clu, yoga, and watching RuPaul’s Drag Race with friends.
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For more inspirational FACES of Memphis, click HERE!
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