Charleon A. Jeffries

Charleon A. Jeffries (she/her), Senior Consultant, is the Assistant Vice President of diversity, equity, and inclusion University Advancement at Virginia Tech University. Prior to this position, she was the founding director of diversity, equity, and inclusion for Penn State’s Division of Development and Alumni Relations.

With 20 years of experience, Charleon has worked in higher education focusing on inclusive practices in student recruitment and retention, employee education, management development, DE&I strategy. In addition, she served as a member of numerous university commissions, task forces, and strategic planning teams.

Charleon brings a deep theoretical understanding of concepts related to systemic oppression, equity, inclusion, intercultural awareness and humility, workplace culture, and change leadership. She is a sought-after consultant and facilitator who has worked with school districts, business leaders, non-profits, local governments, and community-based organizations.

Charleon’s work is rooted in building a business strategy for equity, inclusion, and belonging. Her work aims to diminish the impact of structural and systemic racism, unconscious bias, and microaggressions while growing external engagement, client and constituent relationships, and promoting innovative, inclusive, high-achieving, results-oriented business plans.

She is a two-time graduate of Penn State University with degrees in Rehabilitation Services (B.S.) and Mental Health Counseling (M.Ed.).