Kristen Surla

Kristen Surla is an accomplished professional in the field of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice (DEIJ), currently serving as the HR Director of Diversity and Inclusion at Oberlin College since February 2023. Surla also holds the position of Director of DEI Learning and Evaluation at Chosen Collective Consulting, where the focus is on empowering leaders to translate DEIJ learning into actionable strategies. Previously, roles included DEI Recruitment and Training Specialist at the University of Michigan, where efforts were directed toward aligning environmental leadership with DEIJ principles, and Fellow at Michigan State University's Hub for Innovation and Learning Technology. Additional experience includes positions in leadership education, community engagement, and residential life at institutions such as Chicago Public Library, Loyola University Chicago, and Oberlin College. Surla has substantial academic qualifications, holding a PhD in Higher Education Administration from Michigan State University, alongside a Master's of Education from Loyola University Chicago and a Bachelor's degree in English and Sociology.