Columbia’s Graduate School of Journalism is pleased to announce its inaugural Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), Pamela McKelvin-Jefferson.
McKelvin-Jefferson was previously the Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at Columbia Business School, where she also inaugurated the role. In addition, she has been at the forefront of DEI work at Columbia University, serving on University-wide committees and working groups, focused on sharing resources, driving institutional change and promoting diversity, equity and inclusion.
“I’m so excited to be working with the Graduate School of Journalism in this new capacity and in an area that I am personally passionate about,” said McKelvin-Jefferson. “I see commitment at every level and am impressed by leadership's clear prioritization of DEI and to doing this work well. I am thrilled to support the school’s efforts to foster an inclusive and equitable ecosystem where diversity and belonging are woven into the very fabric of their culture.”
At the Journalism School, McKelvin-Jefferson will report to senior leadership and oversee the school’s DEI efforts to ensure a community that welcomes and respects all while driving a culture of inclusion and belonging.
McKelvin-Jefferson will be responsible for implementing the school's strategic plan for addressing needs of historically underrepresented groups and facilitating engagement and education on matters of diversity, equity and inclusion.
While at the Business School, McKelvin-Jefferson was responsible for providing administrative leadership to advance DEI initiatives for the staff, alumni and broader community, with a focus on creating a variety of strategic partnerships to promote a diverse and inclusive school. McKelvin-Jefferson also previously managed a portfolio of programs that served underrepresented and marginalized communities at CBS Executive Education.
Prior to Columbia University, McKelvin-Jefferson developed programming centered around multicultural and social justice education at New York University and community organizations in Harlem and the South Bronx.
McKelvin-Jefferson is also the co-founder of a faith-based non-profit that provides free counseling, job training, and college access preparation to people in need. She also sits on the board of Her Village Inc., a Harlem based non-profit that empowers mothers and trauma survivors. McKelvin-Jefferson earned her bachelor’s degree in Sociology, as well as her master’s degree in Higher Education Administration and Student Affairs, from NYU.
To learn more about efforts to promote Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Columbia Journalism School, visit here.
