Maria Chávez-Haroldson, Ph.D., serves as the Willamette Education Services Regional Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Director serving K-12 school districts in the Pacific Northwest.
When asked what her goal is, she will say, ‘To develop EDI practitioners around the world.’ She is the founder of EDI Consulting, LLC, and has served for over two decades as an international/national trainer. Dr. Chavez-Haroldson was confirmed by the Oregon Senate to serve as an Oregon State University Board of Trustee in November of 2021. Dr. Chávez-Haroldson’s focus on Equity, Diversity, and Inclusive (EDI) practices is built upon social justice principles. Her doctoral research addresses the lived experiences of Diversity Officers in higher education and how cultural strengths are capacitated as key elements of fortitude and resilience.
In her research, Dr. Chávez-Haroldson applied an Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis methodology which highlighted the importance of identifying cultural values and their powerful impact and influence in leadership. Her passion is in organizational EDI transformational change; identifying what is and discovering what can be. She describes her coaching style as ‘thinking co-creative partnerships.’ As a conflict resolution facilitator, Dr. Chávez-Haroldson has guided professionals to work through racial tensions and move toward building trusting relationships by understanding diverse lived experiences.
