Ayanna Bledsoe

Ayanna Bledsoe has a diverse and extensive work experience spanning over two decades. Most recently, they served as the Director of Inclusion and Belonging at Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, where they launched a new Employee Resource Group strategy and supported the development of new groups. Ayanna also initiated a DEAI practitioners' group and built strategic partnerships for knowledge sharing and best practices. Prior to this role, Ayanna was the Assistant Director for Faculty and Staff Development at the Office of Multicultural Programs, Purdue University, where they developed and facilitated workshops and secured funding for DEI initiatives. Ayanna also served as an Area Director at Oregon State University, overseeing the implementation of leadership programs and serving as a university Search Advocate. Ayanna's earlier experiences include roles such as Residential Life Coordinator at San Jose State University, Resident Director at the University of Puget Sound, and Assistant to the Director of Housing and Residence Life/Resident Director at Western Connecticut State University. Ayanna also had various roles at the University of Connecticut, including Rainbow Center Graduate Intern, Community Assistant, Graduate Instructor, and Graduate Teaching Assistant. Ayanna began their professional career as a Student Representative at the California Student Aid Commission. Throughout their career, Ayanna has consistently demonstrated a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, through program development, training, and collaboration with various stakeholders.

Ayanna Bledsoe holds a Master of Arts degree in Sociology from the University of Connecticut, which they obtained from 2005 to 2009. Prior to that, they completed their Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology and Spanish Literature at California State University-Dominguez Hills from 2000 to 2004. In addition, they obtained a certification as an IDI Qualified Administrator (QA) from IDI, LLC in 2019.