05/20/2026
This Wednesday, we celebrate Goren Dillard (C’84), whose journey from a mixed-heritage background in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and Massachusetts to a leader in workforce development reflects a lifelong commitment to community, trust, and the power of a single act of compassion.
At Georgetown, Goren found his voice as a Community Scholar, building the foundational relationships that would become lifelong family. He recalls the profound impact of a five-minute conversation with University President Fr. Timothy Healy, an act of kindness that solidified his lifelong loyalty and service to the Hoya community. His academic path in Government was defined by transformative lessons, such as a Business Communications course that shaped his professional ethos and an Intro to Business class that taught him that “trust” is the cornerstone of every successful transaction.
After a successful career in media and marketing in Chicago, Goren’s life brought him to Cleveland, where he now serves as Senior Director of Workforce Development for the Urban League. There, he lives his belief that “skills pay bills,” dedicating himself to creating economic opportunities and uncovering the value in every individual. His story is a powerful testament to the idea that our words and actions make a difference, and that we should never underestimate their impact.
Watch the full, inspiring interview with Goren on our website: https://repository.digital.georgetown.edu/handle/10822/1100040?fbclid=PAVERFWAR64RhleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZA8xMjQwMjQ1NzQyODc0MTQAAaduqJb9eVcFCs1quPy980FquA6lwgsEaXdNQL7tvmrN4G7lI_GabmOVkIae1Q_aem_4aKcQOAvJ383MnEgJuTABQ
