OUR LEADERSHIP
Diana Queen served 30 years on each side of the justice fence where she cultivated a rare depth of knowledge of and appreciation for the strengths and weaknesses within the justice system. Her peacemaking skills were artfully honed while working with victims of crimes, the wrongfully accused and with communities. Simultaneously, she fairly and empathetically defended and protected the rights of offenders. Maintaining the delicate equilibrium between truth, law, and compassion and stayed on that path. As a social justice innovator, she uses her voice to share Restorative Justice and Social Science Practices. She leads Kentucky with a holistic temperament and through social innovation. Her knowledge of social science models, restorative justice models and processes, and practical applications help citizens and organizations take steps forward. “They learn as I continue to learn to be different, better, and more equitable, and become better human beings”.
Her successful justice career evolved into collaborative projects with local, civic, state, and federal entities. Diana has served in numerous community capacities and understands communities on many levels.
She served two terms as a council member in her community of Midway Kentucky and served three years as Legislative Aide to the Council for the Lexington Fayette Urban County Council. She held positions within the Department of Public Advocacy in Frankfort where she worked as a Criminal Defense Investigator and later as Policy Analyst with the Kentucky Innocence Project for which she received the esteemed Rosa Parks award for galvanizing people into action on behalf of the poor. Earlier in her career, she rose through the ranks from Trooper to Special Investigations Detective with the Kentucky State Police after beginning her law enforcement career as a Police Officer in N. Myrtle Beach, SC. Her perspective is unique and embodies a deep understanding justice issue that people, organizations and communities face in Kentucky. She co-chaired the Mayors International Affairs Advisory Commission and was appointed by Mayor Linda Gorton to serve on the Mayor’s Racial Justice and Equality Commission.
Her achievements includes a Master’s Degree from University of California-Irvine in Criminology, Law and Society from the highly ranked UCI School of Ecology; Graduate of the Kentucky State Police Academy; Certifications in, Applied Criminology and Criminal Defense Investigation, Trained in Community Building, Circle Processes and Restorative Conferencing; Vice President of Midway Kentucky Renaissance Board; Woodford County Human Rights Commissioner/2004 - 2006 Executive Planning Committee/Francisco's Farm; Fine Art & Craft Show/2002 - 2011; Midway City Council/2006 - 2011; Midway Woman's Club/2005 – 2010, Co-Chair and member of the Lexington Kentucky’s Mayors International Advisory Affair Commission, 2015-2022. Mayors Racial Justice and Equality Commission, 2022.
“My life is about being the best person I can be to my family, friends, and for people in my community. I am grateful each day for the opportunity to live an intentional and inspired life and to share my gifts with others”.
Operate with your head; lead with your heart.
KCRJ dedicates this website to you, a citizen and leader of Kentucky, as a means of networking, learning, sharing, and connecting with others who share a common interest in restorative justice and keeping up to date on training, technical assistance, and other resources and practices inside and outside Kentucky. Stay informed! Get involved!