Tolonda M. Tolbert, Ph.D., joined Catalyst in May 2012 as part of Catalyst’s Global Member Services team. As a strategy expert, Dr. Tolbert works with members to build their capacity to create and sustain inclusive workplace environments. Dr. Tolbert partners with members to develop customized solutions to advance women and meet their organizational goals. She specializes in cultural competency, business case development, visible minorities and LGBTQ issues. Dr. Tolbert also serves internally as a content specialist, training Catalyst’s Relationship Managers on relevant research.
Previously, Dr. Tolbert worked as an independent D&I consultant for education and non-profit institutions, as the founder of Diversity Speaks NYC. As a national trainer for the Anti-Defamation League’s A World of Difference Institute and GLSEN (Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network), she gained twelve years of anti-bias education experience developing curriculum, delivering and coordinating programming. Dr. Tolbert is an adjunct professor at NYU’s Silver School of Social Work teaching graduate courses that relate to diversity, racism, oppression and privilege. She also maintains an active role on the Anti-Defamation League’s Education Board.
Dr. Tolbert received her Ph.D. at Rutgers University, where she also received her Master’s with distinction in Comparative Literature and Women’s Studies. Her upcoming publication, Occupation of the Crossroads, is currently in press with Cambridge Scholars Publishing and is set to be released during the spring of 2013 in the collection, Captured by the City: New Voices in Urban Studies.