Stephanie D. Reed
Fortifying Careers Against Psychological Warfare in the AI Age
I’m Stephanie Reed, a published author, an equity & inclusion strategist, and creator of The Elements A2H—a comprehensive leadership framework that serves as your internal compass for career resilience and fulfillment. Through my award-winning Hip Hop IS Higher Ed symposium, higher education and government leadership in racial equity, and practical career development tools, I empower individuals and organizations to navigate constant change with clarity, purpose, and unapologetic ambition.
My Story
Stephanie D. Reed is a highly accomplished Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) leader with a proven track record of progressive leadership, directing operations, leading teams, and providing strategic vision within various organizations.
Currently serving as the Equity & Inclusion Manager for the City of Durham since January 2024, Stephanie manages all departmental operations and workflows, redesigned the department’s consulting model, and provides oversight for the city’s Racial Equity Commission and the Mayor’s Committee for Persons with Disabilities. She is also leading the effort to update the City of Durham’s Racial Equity Action Plan and supervises the department’s full-time equity and inclusion analyst team.
Prior to this role, Stephanie was a Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Consultant for The Town of Cary from November 2021 to December 2023. In this capacity, she led the creation, implementation, and assessment of a town-wide DEI program, developed DEI training programs for staff, and managed all town-reported bias incidents.
From August 2017 to October 2020, Stephanie served as the Director of the Office of Diversity & Inclusion at William Peace University, where she pioneered the department, provided vision and leadership in anti-racism training and education initiatives, and managed the university diversity & inclusion committee. She also provided leadership to Human Resources and the Senior Leadership Team to define metrics for diversity, inclusion & respect programs.
Earlier in her career, as the Director of the Office of Student Diversity Initiatives at Cabrini University (August 2011-2017), Stephanie coordinated educational programs on diversity, developed and implemented initiatives for AHLANA and LGBTQ students, and created and managed a peer mentoring program for students of color. She also held the position of Assistant Director of Cooperative Education & Career Services at Cabrini College from October 2008 to August 2011, where she directed the co-op/internship program and managed a key student interaction database.
Stephanie’s educational background includes a Certificate in Building Training Programs from The Training Industry Courses, and a Certification in Leading for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion from The University of Michigan via Coursera. She holds a Master of Arts in Education with a specialization in Student Affairs in Higher Education from Indiana University of Pennsylvania, and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Johnson C. Smith University.
Awards & Recognition
Celebrating impact, innovation, and leadership in the field
🏆 Local Hip Hop Pioneer Award
Recognized by the City of Raleigh at their Hip Hop 50th Birthday Sneaker Ball for creating and leading the award-winning Hip Hop IS Higher Ed Symposium. This groundbreaking initiative bridges hip hop culture with higher education, creating transformative learning experiences that amplify scholarly excellence through cultural relevance.
📚 Published Author
Contributing thought leader in academic works on DEI leadership and the experiences of Black women diversity practitioners in historically white institutions, published through IGI Global.
💡 Framework Creator
Developed The Elements A2H—a comprehensive 10-element leadership framework serving as an internal compass for career resilience and fulfillment in an era of constant change.
Published Works
Many Are Called, but the Chosen Are Few
An exploration of leadership pathways and the experiences of diversity practitioners navigating institutional barriers in higher education.
Read Publication →Black, White, and Everything in Between
A critical examination of the experiences of Black women diversity practitioners in historically white institutions and the complexities of identity and leadership.
Read Publication →Certifications & Credentials
How I Serve
Three distinct but connected brands working together to create lasting impact
ASPIRE2HIGHER
“Where Providing You With The Elements of Success Is Our Service”
Professional development and consulting firm specializing in career resilience, organizational culture, and inclusive leadership.
Core Offerings:
- The 10 Elements of Success training programs & workshops
- Organizational consulting & capacity building
- Inclusive leadership training
- Hip Hop IS Higher Ed Symposium & curriculum
- Customized training sessions for workforce development
STEPHANIE REED
“Fortifying Careers Against Psychological Warfare in the AI Age”
Published author, keynote speaker, and DEI strategist helping professionals build career resilience and organizations create inclusive cultures.
Core Offerings:
- Keynote speaking (The Human Algorithm & Elements A2H)
- Published author & researcher (IGI Global)
- Executive coaching for career resilience
- Thought leadership content & newsletters
- Media appearances & podcast interviews
THE ASPIRE2HIGHER MOVEMENT
“Infiltrating Society With The Elements A2H”
A community of leaders living the A2H Lifestyle—professionals who embody the 10 Elements of Success and practice Day One DEI Leadership.
Community Activities:
- Monthly newsletter (Embody the Elements)
- Community challenges (30-day Element focus)
- Hip Hop IS Higher Ed Symposium (annual gathering)
- Online learning platform & resource sharing
- Peer support network & movement ambassadors
Let’s Work Together
Ready to build your career resilience, transform your organization’s culture, or join the A2H Movement?
Connect on LinkedIn