Diana Nicole Derige, DrPH
CEO / Founder
Dr. Diana N. Derige is the CEO and Founder of Slant Innovations, a pioneering firm dedicated to driving social change through innovative, evidence-based solutions. With over two decades of experience in public health, philanthropy, and social justice advocacy, Dr. Derige is a visionary leader committed to fostering equity and inclusion across all sectors.
Dr. Derige holds a Doctorate in Public Health (DrPH) and has an extensive background in program design, project management, and strategic grant-making. Her career spans the non-profit, governmental, and philanthropic sectors, where she has consistently delivered high-impact initiatives that enhance community capacity and promote sustainable development.
Under her leadership, Slant Innovations has become a beacon of progress, known for its commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Dr. Derige's approach is grounded in rigorous research and practical application, ensuring that the solutions provided are innovative but also practical and scalable.
As a proven advocate for social justice, Dr. Derige's deep understanding of health disparities and the systemic barriers that affect marginalized communities is a testament to her empathy and dedication. Her work focuses on creating equitable health outcomes, advancing youth development, and driving systemic reform through comprehensive policy and advocacy efforts.
Dr. Derige's leadership is marked by her strong analytical skills, strategic problem-solving, and, most importantly, her ability to lead diverse teams toward a common goal. Her dedication to enacting meaningful change has earned her a reputation as an ad leader who builds lasting relationships and empowers communities to thrive, instilling confidence in her team and results-oriented collaborators.
Luis Manuel Pagan, MA
Chief Operations Officer / Principal
As the COO at Slant Innovations, Luis brings expertise and a personal dedication to community service. With a diverse skill set and extensive experience in public safety services and emergency management, Luis is committed to enhancing community resilience, mitigating the impact of emergencies, and promoting the safety and well-being of individuals and communities.
Luis's role at Slant Innovations is marked by significant contributions to grant writing and management, ensuring the acquisition and efficient use of funds to support the organization's initiatives. His deep involvement in program development and implementation has led to the design and execution of projects that address critical community needs and drive sustainable impact.
His proficiency in data analytics allows Slant Innovations to leverage data-driven insights for strategic decision-making and continuous program improvement. Luis’s solid educational background and numerous professional accolades make him a respected voice in emergency management and public safety. His commitment to continuous learning and staying abreast of the latest developments in his field ensures that Slant Innovations remains at the forefront of best practices and innovative solutions.
Luis’s extensive experience, knowledge, and skills are vital to Slant Innovations. His unwavering commitment to serving the community and enhancing the resilience of families nationwide is a testament to his dedication and leadership. Through his efforts, Slant Innovations continues to thrive and make a meaningful impact on the lives of those they serve.
Gina A. Weiss
Programs Manager
Gina Weiss has been a dedicated Project Manager at Slant Innovations, LLC, since May 2021. There, she oversees a variety of operational and administrative tasks to ensure the seamless execution of projects. With a keen eye for detail and a proactive approach to problem-solving, Gina excels in coordinating complex project activities and ensuring that deliverables are on time, within budget, and meet the highest quality standards.
Project Coordination and Management
Gina is an expert in creating detailed schedules and properly sequencing activities and resources to meet stringent deadlines. She coordinates assignments and milestones, ensuring approved plans and requirements are executed. Her ability to identify and escalate issues and risks and take corrective action as needed keeps projects on track. Gina actively participates in project design meetings, proposing necessary improvements, and meticulously plans and manages team goals, project schedules, and new information.
Gina's role is pivotal in maintaining workflow efficiency and project progress. She supervises current project progress and coordinates team members, ensuring smooth operations. Gina's adeptness at evaluating potential problems and technical hitches and developing practical solutions keeps projects moving forward. She manages project-related paperwork, ensuring all materials are current, properly filed, and stored. Gina’s communication skills are instrumental in defining project requirements, scope, and objectives with clients, ensuring alignment and clarity.
Operations and Administration
In addition to her project management responsibilities, Gina supports meetings and tracks follow-ups and next steps. She directs project correspondences by preparing and reviewing proposals, memos, meeting minutes, and emails. Gina updates and enters data into databases such as Asana and Slack, ensuring accurate and up-to-date project records.
Gina is also crucial in coordinating vendor and consultant contracts for signature and managing budgets efficiently. She is skilled in meeting scheduling and communications and creates supporting documents, including presentation decks and memos. Her efforts in developing and maintaining effective working relationships with external organizations further enhance the success of Slant Innovations’ projects.
Gina’s comprehensive project management skills and her dedication to operational excellence have made her an invaluable asset to Slant Innovations. Her efforts drive the successful execution of projects that promote social change and innovation, inspiring others with her achievements.