ABOUT

Dr. Kelisha B. Graves is a multifaceted leader who drives strategy and innovation at the intersection of education, technology, and social impact. She is the Chief Research, Education, and Programs Officer at The Martin Luther King, Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change ("The King Center"), where she leads a diverse portfolio of initiatives aligned to the organization's mission and vision. She forges partnerships with corporations, academic institutions, government agencies, NGOs, and nonprofits to advance the Center's research, education, and programmatic priorities.

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Fueled by a passion for uncovering new insights and approaches, Dr. Graves’s leadership is defined by her ability to remain curious, navigate complexities, and provide innovative solutions. Her talents capitalize on the convergence of business strategy, education, and technology, driving innovations and big ideas at the cutting edge of these fields. Leveraging reaches between the non-profit, corporate, and education sectors, she actively collaborates across domains to promote sustainable growth, new opportunities, and impactful change. With a deep understanding of strategy, technology trends, and educational best practices, she builds bridges across domains to mobilize connection and transformation.

Underpinning her business and executive acumen, is a solid foundation in academia. Dr. Graves holds a doctorate in education with a concentration in higher education. She maintains an appointment at Virginia State University in the College of Education as Assistant Professor of Education. She also served as adjunct Assistant Professor of Philosophy at Fayetteville State University in the Department of Intelligence Studies, Geospatial Sciences, Political Science, and History. Her expertise crosses disciplinary realms, including educational leadership, black history and culture, philosophy, intellectual history, and educational technology. Her accomplishments include 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), garnered recognition for its comprehensive exploration of a critical contributor to civil rights history. Her next book entitled, Africa and America's Historically Black Colleges and Universities (under contract with Routledge Press in London) explores the deep and evolving connections between HBCUs and the African continent, reflecting a passion for strengthening U.S.-Africa relations and showcasing education as a powerful connector.

Dr. Graves's experiences gives her with a wide angle lens on the present and future. From Chandigarh, India to Geneva, Switzerland, to New York City, she has delivered keynotes and presentations to audiences around the world. She has appeared in major media outlets, including CNN, the Washington Post, and the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. 

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Dr. Graves continues to inspire people around the world, leaving a mark in her chosen areas of impact and contributing to a future where the power of strategy, heart, and innovation merge harmoniously for the betterment of society.