Elizabeth is a consultant, advisor, and educator who specializes in Inclusive Leadership; diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI); and cross-cultural communication. She has been a faculty member at UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School since 2012 and also served as inaugural associate dean of DEI.
Passionate about “rewriting the book” on how individuals and organizations think about and practice DEI, Elizabeth aims to open connections and start difficult discussions about and across differences. Drawing on her interdisciplinary approach, academic background, and practical experience, she focuses her consulting, advising, and teaching on the emerging concept of Inclusive Leadership. This personal strategy empowers individuals within organizations to innovate in diversity, equity, and inclusion and drive meaningful change.
Elizabeth has experience in corporate, nonprofit, government, and academic environments; she also has international experience from working and living in Japan, China, and the Netherlands. She has worked with clients, leaders, employees, students, and academics in many organizations and universities across the United States. She recently worked as a consultant in the United States Office of Government Ethics on their diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility strategy and efforts.
Elizabeth received her bachelor’s degree from California State University San Bernardino, her master’s degree from New Mexico State University, and her doctorate from the University of New Mexico. Numerous academic outlets have published her award-winning research. In 2020, she received one of UNC’s highest teaching awards: the Chapman Family Teaching Award for excellence in teaching.
Outside of her professional life, Elizabeth is an avid gardener, cook, and baker. She has 12 backyard chickens and uses the eggs in her baking.
