The Karabelle Pizzigati Initiative in Advocacy for Children, Youth and Families builds a pipeline of informed, effective advocates to ensure all children are healthy, safe, learning and joyful. Honoring the life and legacy of Karabelle Pizzigati, join the lecture and get ready to be inspired and empowered to advocate for children and their families. A reception will follow.
Terrell Lamont Strayhorn is one of the most prolific and influential scholars in the fields of education, psychology and the academic study of diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging. Named one of the country’s top diversity scholars by “Diverse: Issues in Higher Education” and a remarkable bridge builder between academic and student affairs by one of American College Personnel Association’s commissions, Strayhorn has authored 14 books, including the award-winning College Students’ Sense of Belonging (2nd ed, 2019), and over 200+ peer-reviewed journal articles and academic publications. His research has been financially supported by over $10 million from some of the most premiere agencies in the world including Lumina Foundation, Annie E. Casey Foundation and the National Science Foundation. One of his core passions is translating research to practice in ways that improve the material conditions and lived experiences of our most vulnerable populations. He accomplishes this mission largely through the more than 2000+ public talks, distinguished lectures and keynotes he has delivered across the globe.
A respected thought leader and highly-sought speaker, Strayhorn’s research has been cited by many outlets including The Washington Post, The Chronicle of Higher Education, Huffington Post, Essence and Diverse Issues. He is president and CEO of Do Good Work Consulting Group, a minority-owned business that partners with hundreds of colleges, universities, corporations and agencies each year to enhance culture, build inclusive environments and boost belonging in ways that raise morale, increase retention, improve people’s journey and help organizations hit their bottom line. He’s a contributing writer for Entrepreneur, Thrive Global, AllBusiness and Psychology Today, where he leads the “Belonging Matters” blog.
Strayhorn is a professor of education and psychology; director of the Center for the Study of HBCUs, and principal investigator of The Belonging Lab at Virginia Union University, where he also serves as vice provost for faculty development. He is diversity scholar-in-residence at Harrisburg Area Community College, fellow of Association of Governing Boards of Universities and Colleges’ Institute for Leadership & Governance, and board member for several nonprofits including Rainbow Labs, Career Analysis Organization of America, vice president of Psychologists of Color Inc., and the MCT Educational Foundation. He is a proud member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.