DBT40 Honoree: Pia Stokes

Title: Director of Donor Relations

Workplace: Delaware State University

Age: 38

Pia Stokes | DBT PHOTO BY LUIGI CIUFFETELLI

Pia Stokes answers the call, whenever needed. Just taking a quick glance at her resume shows that, in her work at Delaware State University.

In her current role as director of donor relations for the historically Black university, Stokes develops, implements and leads a comprehensive donor relations program to aid the development unit reach its strategic fundraising goals for the university. Her communication and collaboration skills allow the ability for her to create innovative methods towards increasing donor retention.

Stokes also plays a key role in recording operation or procedure changes at DSU, based on data. She handles special projects as needed; DSU President Tony Allen appointed her lead of the DSU customer service work group as well as the REACH 2026 Strategic Planning Committee.

Stokes has a decade-long career at DSU and demonstrated passion for elevating the university and the next generation. She led the establishment of a partnership between DSU and theDream.US, which allowed 300 Dreamers to start their college careers. At her previous role as associate director of admissions, Stokes oversaw record enrollment at DSU, including accepting 300 students on the spot in 2019.

She also thrives in planning events, which came in handy when she planned DSU’s Inspired Day of Service 2022. Roughly 200 students volunteered at community service projects in all three counties.
In her spare time, Stokes plays Wordle and finds new projects on Pinterest – so much so she admits she’s addicted to both apps.