India Daniels, M.P.P.
India Daniels, M.P.P., is a public sector executive and labor relations strategist with more than 15 years of experience specializing in collective bargaining, employee relations, equal employment opportunity (EEO), and alternative dispute resolution. Based in the Washington, DC–Baltimore area, she is the Principal Consultant of Daniels Consulting LLC, where she advises government agencies and organizational leaders on labor strategy, workplace compliance, and high-stakes workforce issues. Her work focuses on strengthening labor-management relationships through transparency, accountability, and practical, solutions-oriented negotiation.
Throughout her career, India has held senior leadership roles across major public sector institutions, including serving as Chief of Labor Relations for the City of Richmond, Senior Manager of Employee and Labor Relations at DC Health, and Labor Relations Officer for DC Fire & EMS. In these roles, she led collective bargaining negotiations, developed labor relations frameworks, managed grievance and arbitration processes, and supported workforce policy during critical periods such as the COVID-19 pandemic. She is widely recognized for her ability to resolve complex disputes, reduce organizational risk, and build effective communication between unions and government leadership.
India’s professional foundation includes early work as a mediator and senior paralegal supporting administrative law judges, which shaped her expertise in conflict resolution and labor law. She holds a Master of Public Policy from The George Washington University, along with academic and professional training from institutions such as Howard University and the Harvard Kennedy School. Known for her diplomacy, leadership, and commitment to fairness, she is also dedicated to training and advising leaders on EEO compliance, workplace equity, and organizational effectiveness while continuing to advance fair and accountable labor practices across the public sector.
• Paralegal Certificate
• Mediation Certification
• Certified Labor Relations Consultant
• Certificate in Mediation Training
• The George Washington University Columbian College of Arts & Sciences - M.P.P.
• Recognition letter from union president to mayor of Richmond for professional achievements (2024/2025)
• National Public Employee Labor Relations Association (NPELRA)
• AmeriCorps VISTA
• Georgetown Memory Project
• Our Collective Trauma and Healing (OCTA)
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to a diplomatic approach and a consistent habit of listening to all perspectives before making decisions. I rely on strong negotiation and dispute-resolution skills, along with my ability to effectively train leaders on EEO and bias-related issues.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would advise young women entering my industry to take risks, trust their own voice, and pursue what they truly want rather than what others expect of them. It’s easy to be influenced by outside opinions about what you should be good at, but staying connected to your own goals and identity is key. Even if mistakes happen along the way, view them as part of the learning process, and remember to enjoy the journey and have fun.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest opportunities in my field include the recent expansion of collective bargaining in parts of Virginia, which has created strong demand for labor relations strategy and negotiation expertise.
At the same time, key challenges include the emotional and financial uncertainty that comes with leaving stable government employment to build a private consulting practice, as well as managing high-stakes EEO cases while addressing the needs of underserved communities, including limited access to mental health resources.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me in both my work and personal life include a deep commitment to service, shaped by my education and AmeriCorps experience. I also value diplomacy and the practice of listening to all sides, as well as maintaining strong family balance. In addition, I prioritize continuous learning and grounding myself in faith through prayer and meditation.
Locations
Daniels Consulting LLC
Woodbridge, VA 22193