MyKella Mitchell

Strategic, partnership-driven leader with deep expertise in designing, scaling, and sustaining complex educational initiatives across universities and mission-driven organizations. Proven success building and managing high-level district and community partnerships, strengthening cross-functional systems, and leading multi-stakeholder programs that improve outcomes for educators and students. Adept at translating market needs and stakeholder insights into program strategy, revenue-generating partnership models, and continuous improvement cycles.

Experienced in supervising teams, developing educator-focused learning experiences, and advising senior leaders on engagement, implementation, and organizational growth. Committed to expanding access, advancing equity, and ensuring program alignment with institutional goals, research standards, and district priorities.

Director of Student Inclusion & Belonging at Southwestern University (2026-01 – Present)

• Lead university-wide strategy for inclusion, belonging, and whole-student development, ensuring programs, services, and policies align with institutional priorities and support student persistence and success.
• Oversee the JEDI Center, managing staff, operations, and long-term planning to strengthen campus climate and advance equity-driven outcomes.
• Build leadership capacity across Student Life by coaching staff, clarifying roles, and establishing systems for accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Partner cross-functionally with Academic Affairs, Student Life, and community stakeholders to align resources and support students navigating institutional systems.
• Serve as a key advisor on identity-related concerns, conflict navigation, and policy development, strengthening institutional responsiveness and student support structures.

Manager, EDI, Outreach, Events & Communication at Princeton University (2023-06 – 2025-12)

• Directed strategic engagement initiatives that increased talent attraction and retention by 15%, aligning efforts with organizational goals and performance metrics.
• Led multi-channel communication strategies and cross-departmental campaigns that strengthened community engagement and organizational visibility.
• Developed data-driven outreach systems, using analytics to refine programming, improve KPIs, and support continuous improvement cycles.
• Cultivated inclusive culture through targeted EDI programs, staff development, and collaborative partnerships across departments.
• Advised senior leaders on communication strategy, stakeholder engagement, and organizational storytelling.

Assistant Director for the Student Center for Diversity and Inclusion at Drexel University (2022-01 – 2023-06)

• Increased student engagement by 10% through social-media-first strategies and integrated marketing campaigns.
• Designed and executed identity-centered programs that strengthened belonging and supported diverse student pathways.
• Collaborated with campus partners to deliver high-impact initiatives aligned with institutional diversity and retention goals.
• Managed events, communications, and student-facing services that advanced cultural awareness and community building.

Assistant Director for Diversity Access and Equity at Arcadia University (2018-08 – 2021-12)

• Directed multicultural recruitment and access initiatives, leveraging data analytics to inform strategy and improve outreach outcomes.
• Built and stewarded community partnerships that expanded student access, strengthened retention programs, and reduced systemic barriers.
• Developed equity-driven policies and practices that supported first-generation and underrepresented students across the enrollment pipeline.

Ed.D. in Policy Planning and Administration – West Chester University of Pennsylvania (2026)

M.B.A in Human Resources Management – Nova Southeastern University (2019)

B.S in Business Administration – Nova Southeastern University (2017)