How can leaders create sustainable DEI practices

Kobena-Marcus J. Collins is a Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging professional. Holding several certifications in DEI, marketing, and leadership, two degrees and a lifetime of experience, Kobena has been an advocate for DEIB in a professional capacity since 2008. A product of an extremely diverse household, Kobena became connected to learning about cultures. As a self-proclaimed “Confused Kid”, Kobena has worked diligently to help create environments where everyone can have a place of psychological safety and where they feel supported to achieve their highest potential. Having come from a multi-ethnic/ multicultural environment, and having the opportunity to travel to 10 countries in one semester with college students from around the world has given him a unique perspective that very few others in the world have. He has studied DEIB best practices for the past seven years and continues to gain new information from leaders around the country. Kobena is also a community speaker/ advocate and a proud member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. – the first of the collegiate fraternities created for African-American men. Kobena is a native of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He holds a B.A. in Secondary Education and History from Lake Forest College, and earned a Master of Education in Cultural Foundations of Education from University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.