ClauDean ChiNaka Kizart

ClauDean ChiNaka Kizart

ClauDean ChiNaka Kizart, EdD, is a distinguished diversity, equity, and inclusion-certified leader with over 25 years of experience in K–12 and higher education. She is known for her ability to inspire positive change within diverse communities. Currently, she is the institutional director of diversity, equity, and inclusion at a community college. As a professional development facilitator, she provides data-informed solutions that result in positive impacts.

Having worked with both urban and rural communities, she believes education is a pathway to empowerment and that unity strengthens ALL communities. As an educator, administrator, and facilitator of equity-driven professional development, Dr. Kizart regularly leads training focused on honoring diversity, cultivating inclusive communities, creating equitable environments, and other topics at conferences including Write to Learn, Learning Forward, YMCA R.E.S.T Conference, and GlobalMindED.

Her dissertation, The Challenges of Persisting First Generation College Students, has been widely cited and contributed to the Pell Institute for the Study of Opportunity in Higher Education. She is also a member of several state and national organizations, including the National Association of Diversity Officers in Higher Education, Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities (VCIC), Virginia Association of Diversity Officers in Higher Education, and Virginia Organization for Inclusive Concepts and Equitable Solutions (VOICES). She has been awarded the Outstanding Faculty and Service Award at St. Louis Community College and the Betts Outstanding Teacher Award. She received her bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Harris-Stowe State University, lifetime reading certification from Fontbonne University, master’s degree in educational administration from Saint Louis University, and a doctorate in educational leadership from Lindenwood University.

Dr. Kizart’s career spans roles as a special education teacher, literacy coach, middle school educator, and statewide equity trainer. As a lover of African-Caribbean traditions, she brings a rich cultural perspective rooted in love to her work in DEI.