Dr. Gwendolyn Delores Dailey, Ed.D., stands as a beacon of resilience, dedication, and transformative leadership, her life defined by significant achievements and deep familial bonds. As a high school dropout, Gwendolyn has persevered, overcoming adversity to achieve her dreams and inspire others. She proudly holds the distinction of being a “Triple Tiger” from the University of the Pacific, earning her bachelor’s degree in 2013, her master’s in 2017, her certificate in Nonprofit Leadership in 2020, and her doctorate in 2024.

Her tenure at Pacific was marked by rich engagement. Gwendolyn resided on campus for over a decade, worked in the Office of Admissions, and expanded her perspective through a transformative internship in Washington, D.C. She also served as an advisor to the Black Student Union and as a representative on the Bias Response Team, furthering her commitment to fostering equity and inclusion.

Gwendolyn’s journey back to academia began at San Joaquin Delta College after a 35-year hiatus, fulfilling a promise to her late mother to return to school. At Delta, she became the first African American female Student Trustee, advocating for students and establishing the Wall of Fame to celebrate college student achievements. Her leadership as President of the Black Student Union significantly enhanced academic achievement and retention for Black students. She also created the inaugural California Community College Black Student Union Conference and spearheaded cultural competence initiatives, organizing events that celebrated the uniqueness of various ethnicities and cultures, fostering greater inclusion and understanding.

Gwendolyn specializes in achieving exceptional outcomes in key areas: increasing student agency and engagement, boosting scholastic achievement, improving parental engagement and academic/procedural understanding, and enhancing student retention. Her efforts have effectively reduced truancy, habitual absenteeism, and attrition rates. She motivates and encourages experiential and individualized learning pedagogies, emphasizing college preparedness as a critical element for student success.

Beyond academia, Gwendolyn is deeply committed to community service and professional leadership. She is the President and CEO of Dome of Hope Organization, Inc., which promotes independence and sustainability through its pillars: Education, Technology, Trade, and Arts. She also leads Dailey Solutions, LLC, a consulting firm and youth workforce development agency, and is the founder of the S.T.A.B.L.E. Coalition (Samaritans Taking Action for a Better Living Environment), an organization addressing homelessness and advocating for clean, healthier residential communities.

In recognition of her community contributions, Gwendolyn received the Key to the City of Stockton in 2023, the city’s highest civilian honor.

Family remains central to Gwendolyn’s life and mission. She and her husband, Derrick, cherish their blended family of three daughters, four grandchildren, and their beloved puppy, Bella, who inspire and ground her endeavors. Her deep commitment to family, education, and service is further exemplified by her role as the last charter member of New Spirit Missionary Baptist Church, where she has served for over 38 years as Church Clerk, Sunday School Teacher, and a member of the Financial Committee.

Born the youngest of 14 children and raised in the housing projects of Sierra Vista in Southeast Stockton, Gwendolyn learned the importance of serving others from an early age. Her life reflects a profound legacy of courage, perseverance, and faith, driven by her personal mantra inspired by Mahalia Jackson’s spiritual: “If I can help somebody, then my living shall not be in vain.”

Dedicated to educational equity for learners of all ages, Gwendolyn envisions a world where every individual has the opportunity to achieve independence and sustainability. Her life’s work, honoring her late mother, Mrs. Etta Mae Ford, and her late sister, Bettye Paul, is a testament to her unwavering commitment to transforming adversity into triumph.