Dnika J. Travis, PhD, specializes in workforce diversity and inclusion, organizational change, leadership, and communication effectiveness. As Center Leader of the Catalyst Research Center for Corporate Practice, Dr. Travis distinguishes sound talent management strategies from programmatic fads and documents the best practices. In her position, she develops and leads the Center’s research agenda. She plays an integral role in conceptualizing and developing methodologies and conducting analyses for the Center’s global projects focused on creating and sustaining inclusive work environments within organizations.
Prior to joining Catalyst, Dr. Travis was an assistant professor at the University of Texas at Austin School of Social Work. She studied employee voice, inclusion, engagement, and retention. Dr. Travis’ work has been widely published, and her research has been supported by several foundations and government branches. She has taught graduate-level courses on leadership and the dynamics of organizations and communities, and has served as an organizational consultant in the nonprofit, public, and corporate sectors.
Dr. Travis earned her PhD in social work from the University of Southern California, MSW in community organization and program evaluation from the University of Michigan, and BA in sociology from Hampton University.