ABOUT
K. Jennifer Oki brings over ten years of diversity, equity, and inclusiveness and leadership development expertise to organizations and individuals seeking to deeply transform practices, systems, relationships, and outcomes in the service of justice. With a practice grounded in anti-oppression & liberation work, community-driven outcomes, and a deep belief in the possibility of transformative social justice futures, she works across systems to tackle patterns of oppression at the root and support groups' ability to build "a better way by doing."
As a child of diaspora raised and schooled in multiple countries, Jennifer brings a global analysis to local lines of inquiry. A former high school teacher and curriculum specialist in New York City, she is a founding member and Partner of Becoming Better Together and Educational Editor of the Microaggressions Project.
KEY SKILLS
STRATEGIC CONSULTING
Acting on Diversity, Equity & Inclusiveness commitments can seem daunting, insurmountable, or uniquely challenging for many who haven't seen or experienced models for strategic and integrated approaches to DEI strategy. Jennifer's systems lens on organizational DEI strategy and experience leading change in complex institutions can be leveraged to help others move courageously towards deep transformation.
PROGRAM EVALUATION
What makes a high quality Diversity, Equity &Inclusiveness program? How do we build team and organizational skill in goal- setting and evaluation to demystify measuring impact while respecting the human quality of authentic, deep, challenging, and rewarding inquiry and development? Jennifer's experience building, iterating, and evaluating DEI programs at varying scales enables her to help individuals and organizations answer these questions and more.
DESIGN & FACILITATION
Building better futures for our communities and world requires knowledge and skills. Whether scaffolding and supporting dialogical skill building, designing immersive learning, or providing team tools & protocols to act on collective aspirations, Jennifer specializes in offering the balance of learning, challenge, reflection, and application necessary for deep change.
PROFESSIONAL HIGHLIGHTS
FOUNDING PARTNER- BECOMING BETTER TOGETHER
2017- PRESENT
As a founding member & Partner in this national collaborative of coaches, consultants, trainers, and practitioners Jennifer collaborates with best-in-class peers to deliver high impact and liberatory support & challenge to numerous organizations and individuals.
GLOBAL DIVERSITY, EQUITY & INCLUSION STRATEGIC ADVISOR- GOOGLE
2018- PRESENT
Jennifer currently drives strategic assessment and planning to aggressively advance systemic organizational change in pursuit of equity. Centering race, gender and other marginalized and historically excluded groups in her work, she most recently directly developed DEI strategy for Google's Asia Pacific region.
Previous Role: Racial Equity Strategist
SENIOR MANAGING DIRECTOR, STRATEGY- TEACH FOR AMERICA
2010-2018
Over nearly 8 years Jennifer worked to shape and steward Teach For America's investment in and action towards Diversity, Equity and Inclusiveness (DEI). From working to design, facilitate and scale the organization-wide DEI staff development program, to coaching and supporting national and regional executives, to leading a programmatic overhaul of teacher training and support, and finally charting an org-wide DEI strategic plan, Jennifer engaged in systems change across levels in this large national non-profit.
EDUCATOR, NEW YORK CITY DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
2007-2010
Jennifer taught high school Global History & Geography and Ethnic Studies to brilliant student and community leaders in Harlem, New York City. As teacher, Social Studies Department Chair, and Advisory Coordinator, she collaborated with incredible colleagues, parents, and students to support hundreds of young people in the pursuit of their academic and life dreams.
CONTRIBUTING AUTHOR & TRAINER- COLLEGE BOARD SCHOOLS
June 2012 - May 2014
Jennifer co-wrote the secondary school Advisory Guide for College Board Schools, subsequently training teachers across New York State in its use.
EDUCATIONAL EXPERIENCE
BA, COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY
Leonard A. Pullman Award
Kluge Fellowship
MST, PACE UNIVERSITY
Adolescent Education- Secondary Social Studies