Dr. Debra Y. Griffith Email & Phone Number

United States

Los Angeles, Ca, Us

As Chief Equity Programs Officer at Alliance College-Ready Public Schools, I drive the strategic vision for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI); Scholar, Family, and Community Services (SFC); and Counseling & College Success Teams (CCST) across 26 high-performing schools serving 13,000+ scholars in Los Angeles. My focus is on cultivating inclusive, trauma-informed, and anti-racist school cultures that support the academic and personal growth of all scholars, particularly those from Black and Brown communities.Strategic Leadership & VisionTransforming School Culture: I lead initiatives that foster thriving, college-oriented environments rooted in anti-racism and trauma-informed practices. These efforts ensure each school is equipped to uplift scholars, address unique challenges, and create a safe, empowering space for growth.Dismantling Structural Inequities: Collaborating with senior leaders, I actively dismantle institutional behaviors and systems that perpetuate inequity, ensuring that Black and Brown scholars and staff have the support and opportunities needed to succeed.Driving Cultural & Organizational Transformation: I align our DEI vision with operational priorities, creating systems that reflect our commitment to anti-racism and inclusivity. Through strategic partnerships, I champion a unified, organization-wide approach to equity.Key AchievementsArc of Learning: I spearheaded the Arc of Learning, an ongoing, year-long professional development initiative engaging over 200 leaders, including Principals, Assistant Principals, and Deans. This monthly program redefines leadership practices across our network, embedding anti-racist principles deeply into our organizational culture.Strategic Anti-Racism Guide: I led the creation of a strategic guide to advance our mission of becoming an anti-racist, pro-Black organization. The guide is a comprehensive tool designed to provide centralized guidance and resources across the network.

Do Better by Design: Strategic Leadership and Transformational Change Consulting for Education SectorsAt Do Better by Design, we specialize in partnering with educational institutions to drive equity-focused, transformational change. Every engagement starts with a thorough readiness assessment, identifying your organization’s strengths and growth areas. Whether strengthening strategic partnerships, fostering inclusive leadership, or developing high-performing teams, we design tailored solutions that yield measurable results.With over 26 years of leadership experience across K-12, community colleges, and universities, we focus on rebuilding critical student support services and crafting data-driven frameworks that empower students from diverse backgrounds to thrive. Our goal is to foster environments where equitable access, opportunity, and achievement are realities for all. We envision institutions that deliver equal outcomes for African American, Native American, and Latine students alongside their white and Asian peers, creating sustainable pathways to success.Our Services:Comprehensive Readiness Assessment & Strategy DevelopmentRebuilding & Enhancing Student Support ServicesEquity-Driven Institutional TransformationStrategic Partnership DevelopmentLed by Dr. Debra Y. Griffith, Do Better by Design brings visionary leadership and over two decades of expertise to support schools, colleges, and universities through transformative periods, creating lasting, equitable impact.Ready to create lasting change? Contact us to discuss how Do Better by Design can support your institution’s journey toward equity and excellence. Reach out at debra@dobetterexecutivecoaching.com or schedule a discovery call here.

LEAN INTO YOUR POWER AND LEAD WITH CONFIDENCE, PURPOSE, AND JOYI’m Dr. Debra Y. Griffith, founder of Do Better Executive Coaching and Chief Equity Programs Officer at Alliance College-Ready Public Schools. With over 26 years in K-12, community colleges, and universities, I’ve held roles from Director of Student Conduct to VP of Student Services, Diversity, and Inclusion. My journey is rooted in equity and a human-centered approach—helping others grow with empathy, vision, and strategy.About the Power of “Do Better”In today’s world, buzzwords are everywhere, but “do better” holds a unique, transformative power. During COVID, especially in moments of racial reckoning, I noticed how often people called for others to “do better.” For me, it’s more than a phrase; it’s an invitation to continuous growth, a commitment to elevate ourselves and those around us. Do Better isn’t about questioning if you’re enough—you already are. It’s about building on that foundation to reach new heights.Empowering Women of Color in LeadershipFor many women of color, advancing in leadership means confronting microaggressions, systemic racism, and underrepresentation. Do Better Executive Coaching is a sanctuary designed to support and empower you on your journey. My coaching isn’t about generic advice; it’s a heart-centered approach tailored to your experiences, with clear goals, actionable plans, and a commitment to your authentic leadership.Whether navigating corporate landscapes, preparing for new roles, or leading DEI initiatives, Do Better offers a space where your journey is honored and your potential celebrated. Together, we lean into your power, amplify your strengths, and pursue impactful leadership with confidence, purpose, and joy.Let’s elevate your career together. Schedule your discovery call at https://wix.to/Ya2rx3H or reach out at debra@dobetterexecutivecoaching.com.

Saratoga, Ca, Us

Promoted to a senior role just before the COVID-19 pandemic, I tackled the challenge of transforming campus operations for continuity. Leveraging my leadership experience, I co-led the development of protocols for remote operations, ensuring stability amid uncertainty.Prior to the pandemic, I established the Basic Needs Office, enhancing student support. In response to COVID-19, I launched the campus’s first food pantry, Roots, providing crucial support to over 500 families weekly. This initiative became a model for basic needs programs across California’s community college systems.Additionally, I led the creation and implementation of the college’s first comprehensive Anti-Racism and Inclusion Action Plan. Quote from Dr. Kashima, former president, "this plan reshaped campus culture and addressed systemic inequities".Key accomplishments and responsibilities:Oversaw the Division of Student Services, guiding the campus through rapid adaptation.Founded the Basic Needs Office to enhance student support.Developed and led the college’s first Anti-Racism and Inclusion Action Plan, setting a new standard for equity.Coached over 60 staff members to achieve the plan’s goals.Designed and launched the campus’s first centers for identity exploration and inclusion: Black/AA Center, Latine/Latinx Center, and Pride Center.Launched the Roots food pantry, supporting over 500 families weekly.Managed an annual operational budget exceeding $20M and supervised over 70 employees.The Anti-Racism and Inclusion Action Plan provides a strategy for fostering an anti-racist environment where all students feel a sense of belonging and achieve their academic goals. This plan focuses on dismantling systemic barriers and building a new culture centered on marginalized groups, especially Black, Indigenous, and Latinx students and employees.For more details on the Anti-Racism and Inclusion Action Plan and the Roots food pantry project, see the Projects section below.

Saratoga, Ca, Us

In my role, I was responsible for championing initiatives focused on significantly enhancing the student experience and advancing equity across the campus. By strategically aligning with key leaders, I successfully drove impactful programs that transformed campus culture and support structures.My time in this role reinforced core principles: asking the big questions, involving leadership in critical initiatives, and driving cultural transformation.Key accomplishments and responsibilities:Founded and launched the President’s Council on Diversity, inspiring volunteers from various levels to join and enhance its impact on campus equity.Created the inaugural Director for Student Needs position, addressing and expanding vital student services such as emergency funds and support for food and housing insecurity, while educating students on accessing these resources.Established a Faculty Fellow Program to provide dedicated support and resources for diverse student groups (e.g., African American, LatinX).Steered eight equity initiatives, driving the campus towards a more equity-minded environment.Through these efforts, I demonstrated my commitment to transformative leadership and strategic impact.

Dekalb, Il, Us

Being an adjunct instructor gave me the opportunity to imbue the educational leaders of tomorrow with real-world experience relating to leading teams and promoting equity.Teaching, instructing, or mentoring is always more rewarding when you get feedback or see the results of your efforts. By chance I once ran into two former students at a conference—the two women told me they appreciated how I humanized the class, not just delivered course content. “I didn’t think I could make it through the program until I took your class. I finally felt seen for once in my academic history,” one student shared.Key accomplishments and responsibilities:• Teach graduate students pursuing their EdD• Deliver course topics across two classes centering around higher-level leadership roles and leading at community colleges• Inspire students to seek educational leadership positions confidently, whether as a promotion or a first-time role

Stanford, Ca, Us

I was proud to join Stanford as a facilitator of its Women in Management (WIM) group, which was dedicated to empowering and supporting women in the university’s rigorous MBA program.WIM provided ongoing, professionally facilitated teams that centered on the female student experience within the graduate program. Students were able to explore their individual and collective experiences, and establish an empowering and inclusive community that helped them navigate their business school experience and life.Key accomplishments and responsibilities:• Meet with assigned WIM group every two weeks throughout the program to ensure all members feel supported, have the resources they need, and are on track for success• Facilitate conversations around topics involving course content, program challenges, and personal accomplishments to foster community among team members

San Jose, Ca, Us

In my role, I was appointed to drive transformative change for the University’s student programs and support services. As a co-lead for the University’s Four Pillars of Student Success, I focused on College Readiness, Advising, Student Engagement, and Clearing Bottlenecks, significantly enhancing student preparation and support through the development of the College Readiness pillar.As co-lead for the University’s Student Success Initiative, I spearheaded the creation and launch of the African American/Black Center, Latinx/Chicanx Academic Success Center, and Undocumented Student Resource Center, establishing crucial resources for diverse student populations.I also led the development and implementation of the University’s inaugural Parent & Family Program, offering vital support and engagement opportunities for families. Additionally, I transformed the orientation process by merging New Student Convocation and Transfer Orientation into a streamlined one-day event, effectively accommodating over 9,000 students.These initiatives reflect my commitment to transformative leadership and my ability to create impactful, student-centered programs that drive meaningful change across the campus.

San Jose, Ca, Us

I spearheaded the comprehensive rebuilding and enhancement of the Educational Opportunity Program (EOP), transforming it into a model program for the California State University system. Under my leadership, the program’s support services for 3,000 students saw remarkable improvements. First-year retention rates increased by 23%, and program compliance rates surged from 20% to 95%.I initiated and developed a peer mentoring program specifically for Black/African American and Latinx men, which significantly boosted retention rates from 38% to 81% with 237 participants.Through strategic partnerships with admissions, I institutionalized a recruitment and admissions strategy that expanded the EOP cohort from 1,475 to 3,000 students. I also created and launched several impactful programs, including three distinct mentor programs for first-year students, transfer students, and African American/Black and Latinx/Latine men (I Can/I Will).My efforts included developing signature programs such as the DEI Leadership Program for all student leaders, the I Can/I Will retreat, Welcome Back Free School Supply events, EOP Gala, and EOP Family Night. I employed over 60 student leaders and established vital initiatives like First Contact, Internship placements, and comprehensive mentorship programs, significantly advancing student engagement and success.For these transformative contributions, I was honored as Administrator of the Year for the entire California State University System in 2017.

San Jose, Ca, Us

*Conducted investigations for cases concerning students and/or faculty involving allegations of sexual assault, sexual misconduct, sexual harassment, stalking, dating, and domestic violence.

San Jose, Ca, Us

*Initiated and led the implementation of a centralized student conduct database, reporting, and levels of the adjudication process for the entire campus. Reduced the duplication of reports and students going through multiple student conduct processes by 100% *Initiated and co-led the implementation of the first campus-wide behavioral team to ensure a coordinated approach to address student behavior concerns.

Fort Collins, Colorado, Us

San Jose, Ca, Us

Union, Nj, Us

Bachelor Of Arts (B.A.), Sociology, Sociology

Master Of Arts (M.A.), Student Counseling And Personnel

Doctor Of Education (Ed.D.), Organizational Leadership