- Director, Dialogue Across Difference
Division of Student Affairs
Dr. Jennifer Pacheco, PhD, director of Dialogue Across Difference (DxD) in the Division of Student Affairs, has been part of the WashU community since 2024. Through DxD, she leads courses, workshops and programs that teach dialogue skills and foster meaningful engagement across diverse perspectives.
“I am inspired to keep creating spaces for open dialogue across campus,” Dr. Pacheco said. “Connecting through our stories—on a very human level—can help build stronger, more caring communities.”
Drawing on over two decades in higher education, Pacheco has built a career dedicated to fostering collaboration and learning across differences. Before coming to WashU, she led initiatives such as Community-Based Participatory Research (CBPR) and Research Practice Partnerships (RPPs) that enhance institutional capacity for student and staff participation. At WashU, she and her team support students as they engage with others across differences, managing an eight-week undergraduate course that strengthens empathy, communication and collaboration. In addition to the course, her team hosts “Third Friday Dialogues”, a popular DxD program held each month that brings together students, staff, and faculty to talk about current issues ranging from self-care to the Super Bowl half-time show over a catered lunch. Pacheco also facilitates campus-wide dialogue trainings for faculty and staff.
In line with WashU’s mission of creating flourishing communities and future-ready leaders, dialogue promotes understanding and encourages participation. Our work in dialogue plays an important role in identifying and solving complex issues together.”
Dr. Jennifer Pacheco, director, dialogue across difference
Dr. Pacheco is recognized by her colleagues as a bridge-builder whose authentic leadership inspires collaboration across campus.
“As director of Dialogue Across Difference, Jennifer creates spaces for open, respectful conversations that bring together students, faculty and staff from diverse backgrounds,” said Jacob Chacko, executive director of the Center for Diversity and Inclusion. “Her work—such as co-leading the national Intergroup Dialogue Conference at WashU—helps cultivate a culture of empathy and collaboration.”
Pacheco credits the students and her colleagues for making WashU such a welcoming environment.
“WashU is a caring hub of innovation,” Dr. Pacheco said. “It’s filled with dedicated people who believe in growth and community.”
Outside of work, Dr. Pacheco enjoys spending time outdoors with her 10-year-old daughter, exploring trails and finding joy in nature. A poet, spoken word artist and salsa dancer, she finds peace in creativity and connection.
“Writing brings me peace, and being in community brings me joy,” Dr. Pacheco shared.