Kelisha Graves

Dr. Kelisha B. Graves is an executive, author, strategist, and educator, committed to driving transformational journeys for individuals and organizations. She is the Chief Research, Education, and Programs Officer at The Martin Luther King, Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change. Her talents capitalize on the convergence of business strategy, education, and technology, driving innovations and big ideas at the cutting edge of these fields. Dr. Graves holds a doctorate in education and remains active in academia as a university professor. She has published works in the fields of education, African American history, and philosophy. Most notably, her book, Nannie Helen Burroughs: A Documentary Portrait of an Early Civil Rights Pioneer, 1900-1959 (University of Notre Dame Press, 2019), delivered groundbreaking research on a pivotal, yet overlooked civil rights leader and educator. Her next book project examines US-Africa relations at the nexus of education, with an eye toward higher education market growth. Dr. Graves's multifaceted experiences enables a wide-angle lens on the present and the future. At the core, Dr. Graves believes that progress lies in remaining curious, leaning into complexity, and evolving innovative solutions. Her diverse experiences and perspectives shape her dynamic vision and courage to lead change. She sees connections and possibilities across industries that deliver better outcomes for businesses and educational communities alike.