For over 25 years, Dan Terrio has inspired countless youth and adults from all walks of life with his story of perseverance, strength and determination. Originally from Bowler, Wisconsin, at the age of 13 he began his motivational speaking and diversity, equity and inclusion career while recovering from injuries that left him temporarily confined to a wheelchair.

Dan later went on to serve two terms as the National Co-President of United National Indian Tribal Youth Inc. (UNITY), the largest American Indian Youth organization in the United States, traveling to all 50 states presenting his inspiring story from growing up on an Indian Reservation to working in Washington D.C., along with the things that happened in the middle.

Today, Dan is an accomplished, award-winning National and TED Certified motivational speaker and trainer, and currently works as the Diversity and Inclusion Manager for Milwaukee County, where he is presently one of the only two-spirit DEI officers in the State of Wisconsin. Dan is a member of the Stockbridge-Munsee Band of Mohican Indians in Northcentral Wisconsin.

Dan holds a Bachelor's Degree from St. Norbert College, Master's Degree from the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay, an executive certificate in Diversity & Inclusion from Cornell University, and is pursuing his PhD in Applied Social Justice from Dominican University.

By the initiative of Chairwoman Marcelia Nicholson and Supervisor Peter Burgelis, some forty individuals and organizations were recognized by the Milwaukee County Board of Supervisors and presented citations in a special meeting on June 22, 2023. "Today, we recommit Milwaukee County to supporting and uplifting the LGBTQ+ community, celebrating those who make a substantial positive impact on the LGBTQ+ community in Milwaukee County," Supervisor Burgelis stated. "Today we are making up for lost time. We have dozens of people to recognize, not because so much has been done in the past year, but because decades and even years ago, there was little to no recognition of the LGBTQ+ community. I am thankful to work with a Chairperson who enables our County Board to honor these well-deserving individuals."

Recognitions were made in the categories of "Community Leaders and Activists," "Government Leaders," "Business and Cultural Leaders," and "Health and Wellness Leaders". Terrio's citation (largely self-written) read as follows:

• WHEREAS, Dan Terrio has dedicated 25 years of his professional career to the field of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, making significant contributions in various roles; and
• WHEREAS, Dan Terrio has brought a unique perspective and invaluable insights to his work, as a member of the Stockbridge-Munsee Community Band of Mohican Indians of Northcentral Wisconsin, demonstrating exceptional leadership skills by joining United National Indian Tribal Youth Inc. (UNITY), the largest Native American Youth Organization in the country, at the age of 16, and subsequently serving two terms as the National Co-President of the organization; and
• WHEREAS, Dan Terrio embarked on a remarkable journey in public policy by working for UNITY in Washington D.C. at the age of 18, further showcasing his commitment and dedication to affecting positive change; and
• WHEREAS, Dan Terrio has amassed extensive experience in training, youth development, and organizational development and strategy, spanning across various governmental sectors, including city, county, state, federal, and tribal; and
• WHEREAS, Dan Terrio has displayed exemplary leadership as the Diversity and Inclusion Manager for Milwaukee County, spearheading the County's Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion strategy and programming, benefiting the County and its 4,000 employees; and
• WHEREAS, Dan Terrio has demonstrated his deep compassion and commitment to social causes by investing his time with Courage MKE, Wisconsin's only group home for displaced and homeless LGBTQ+ youth, currently serving as President of Courage MKE's Board of Directors; now, therefore
• BE IT RESOLVED, the members of the Milwaukee County Board of Supervisors, on the motion of Supervisors Steven Shea and Peter Burgelis, along with Supervisors Ryan Clancy, Priscilla E. Coggs-Jones, Caroline Gómez-Tom, Willie Johnson, Jr., Juan Miguel Martinez, Shawn Rolland, Liz Sumner, Sheldon A. Wasserman, and Chairwoman Marcelia Nicholson, do hereby commend Dan Terrio for his invaluable work on behalf of the citizens of Milwaukee County and wish him continued success in all his future endeavors.

Dan joined the Advisory Panel of the Wisconsin LGBTQ History Project in November 2023.