Her Story
About Diana
Diana Lester serves as a school counselor, a role she began in August 2025 shortly after earning her master's degree in counseling. With a prior career at Habitat for Humanity across two locations, she holds certifications as a housing counselor and in loan processing, along with an associate's degree in criminal justice and a bachelor's in criminal justice technology. Lester is recognized for creating safe spaces for students and promoting access to mental health care, drawing from her own experiences with trauma and support from her high school counselor. She is a recipient of the racial equity school funding award and serves on its committee as well as a school association program. Lester attributes her success to her grandparents who raised her, her high school counselor, and her children, who motivate her to demonstrate that one's origins do not define their future. She continues to volunteer with Habitat for Humanity and values the advice that a career is lifelong without an expiration date.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Diana
01What do you attribute your success to?
My grandparents who raised me, my high school counselor who listened and supported me, and my kids who motivate me to show that where you come from does not define who you are. The pain and trauma from my upbringing pushed me to want something different and led me to this role.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Career is lifelong and does not have an expiration date. As the world grows and you grow as a person, you learn new things and sometimes outgrow careers, and you are not always in a career that might have been your dream career.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Take things one day at a time and one step at a time.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Not enough time to do the real work of counseling students.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Respect, connection, communication, consistency, and family.
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