By Abbey Schneider

As a dedicated human resources professional and highly involved member of her community, Dawn Sweazea, Central Missouri, understands the impact you can have on developing someone, personally or professionally.

Brother Sweazea often describes her work as something she feels “compelled” to do, and when you spend time with Dawn, you can feel her passion in every insight and story.

Her professional career has been solely focused on the human resources industry, and she has found herself mainly in nonprofit roles that are focused on service or healthcare. She currently works as director of talent acquisition for the State of Missouri, where she can help people find roles in the public service sector.                                                                       

“I still think people are fascinating even after being in human resources a long time. We are known as the policy and compliance people, but the most rewarding experiences are working with those who never thought they could be more and all they needed was someone to encourage or believe in them. Next thing you know they’re leading a team and more successful in their role.”                                                                                                                       

Dawn enjoys the “people” aspect of service focused positions. She inspires those around her, and anyone who hears her speak about her work and dedication comes away feeling revitalized. She notes the empathy she’s gained from digging deeper into employee’s lived experiences, so they can work together to find a solution.                                      

This understanding and empathy directly correlate to her extensive community involvement; another path she feels “compelled” to be a part of her life. “I think fundamentally people are good. No one wakes up every morning and thinks ‘how can I be a bad person today?’”                                                                                                                                                  

Of her many volunteer positions outside of Delta Sigma Pi, Dawn is on the board of directors for the Central Missouri Foster Care and Adoption Association, Jefferson City Room at the Inn, Downtown Jefferson City, and volunteers for many organizations that help serve those in need. When asked why she puts so much time into her community, she said, “I feel a sense of obligation for the marginalized, and a desire to use my privileges to help others.”                                           

In her board positions, she supports hundreds of foster and adoptive families and, a local unhoused shelter that runs during the winter months, all while working with her local Downtown Association. Her motivation stems from an innate curiosity to learn from others so she can continue to grow in her life.

Through her work, she dedicates time to hearing people’s stories and meeting them where they’re most comfortable. According to Dawn and as simple as it sounds, “help is only help if it actually helps,” and real help makes a difference in someone’s life.                     

When it comes to Deltasig, Dawn credits many of her connections and skills to the Fraternity. “I don’t know what I would be doing with a chunk of my life without the Fraternity, and I don’t want to know.”                                                       

As the 1998 COY (read more about this year’s COY recipients on page 21), she served on the Fraternity Board of Directors (1998-2000), which helped her progress in her career as a young professional, and then directly followed her experience serving others as the South Central Provincial Vice President (2001-2005). She currently serves Delta Sigma Pi as a member of the Foundation Board Development & Nominations Committee, is a strong supporter of the Delta Sigma Pi Leadership Foundation, and attends events with her daughter Audrey, Central Missouri.                                        

Dawn’s drive comes from many places, but something that pushes her forward is the idea that “You can let things happen or you can help impact how it happens.” By helping others, you can better yourself. Whether you’re highly in volved in Delta Sigma Pi or in your community, caring for others creates positive change for any in dividual—so get involved in any way you can.

 

Dawn (left) and daughter Audrey (right) attend the 2025 Grand Chapter Congress and add to the Deltasigs creating family legacies.