Interview

How did your doctorate prepare you for this particular career trajectory?

I appreciated and valued ALL of the leadership courses. They were extremely interesting, relevant and beneficial to my career as a leader. The public policy courses were an added-value, which challenged me to step out of my education comfort zone and think critically about important issues. I learned how to think outside the box and make policy recommendations.

Lastly, my dissertation research “African American Female Faculty: Recruitment and Retention” prepared me to serve as the Diversity Manager for Faculty Recruitment and Retention at Oregon Health & Science University.

From that experience, I was “recruited” back to Sacramento. After 4 years, I was promoted to Senior Director for Health Equity, Diversity & Inclusion at UC Davis and then again to my current position, Director of Diversity, Inclusion and Compliance at PRIDE Industries.

Transformative Leadership means …

Three things to me:

1. A humble leader that is courageous, collaborative, and caring in the transformation process.
2. Values and respects people’s differences.
3. Leads an organization to reimagine diversity and inclusive excellence where everyone (employees and students) is inspired and supported to reach their full potential.

Advice for Prospective Ed.D. Students?

Enjoy the experience!

The number one thing that worked for me passing the qualifying exam the first time is by having a consistent study group throughout the program. In addition, be intentional by getting to know the faculty and engage them in meaningful conversations outside of the classroom. This becomes vitally important when it’s time to choose your dissertation chair.

Any Thank Yous?

I want to take this moment to appreciate all the Ed.D. faculty, many of whom were my mentors. Special acknowledgment and dedication to Dr. Lila Jacobs and Dr. Carlos Nevarez who were instrumental in my success as a doctoral student.

What's next on the horizon for you?

After 30 years in academia, I am excited to begin a new adventure at PRIDE Industries. I’ll be responsible for developing and implementing PRIDE’s diversity and inclusion strategies across all its lines of business, and am looking forward to working closely with the nonprofit’s executive and Human Resources teams. In addition, I’ll oversee the administration of PRIDE’s compliance efforts and its activities related to the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP). Working at PRIDE, I’ll be able to make a difference in people’s lives and in the way businesses work. I can’t wait to begin.

About PRIDE: PRIDE Industries is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit social enterprise and one of the largest employers of people with disabilities and barriers to employment. For more than 50 years, PRIDE has partnered with communities and companies to promote inclusion and diversity in the workforce. PRIDE pursues best practices in all areas, including energy conservation, environmental protection, and the use of ethically sourced materials.