Dr. Lisa Coleman

Coleman is New York University’s (NYU) inaugural Senior VP for Global Inclusion and Strategic Innovation and Chief Diversity Officer. In this role, she is responsible for advancing strategic global inclusion, belonging and innovation initiatives across NYU’s global campus and schools. Prior to NYU, Dr. Coleman served as the first Chief Diversity Officer and Special Assistant to the President at Harvard University, 2010-2017.

She earned her doctorate in Social and Cultural Analysis, American Studies from NYU and three master’s degrees from the Ohio State University in African and African American Studies; Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies; and Communication Studies. Her undergraduate foci were sociology/anthropology and computer science. Dr. Coleman’s scholarly work was sparked by early professional work with the Association of American Medical Colleges and working as an independent organizational computer consultant. Dr. Coleman has spent over 20 years teaching and working with numerous organizations including the Transportation Security Administration, the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement, the University of Leiden, Vassar College, and New Zealand Works. Prior to NYU and Harvard, she directed the Africana program at Tufts University, and was appointed to serve as that institution’s first senior executive D&! officer reporting to the President. Dr. Coleman consults with leaders globally and sits on various national and international boards including the US National Association for Tennis and the International board for Diversity in Organizations, Communities & Nations. Dr. Coleman is the recipient of numerous recognitions and awards for teaching, leadership, as well as for her work on diversity, inclusion, and belonging.