Rosetta L. Clay is a full-time doctoral student studying Diversity & Equity in Education with an emphasis in Human Resource Development at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. After more than 15 years working in philanthropy and alumni engagement in higher education, Rosetta realized her passion as her purpose and pivoted professionally to add her voice to the critical work of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEI&B) with a focus on equity and belonging. As a belonging advocate seeking equity, Rosetta is committed to educating and empowering individuals, institutions, and organizations to understand the theory of belonging through a process of becoming “diverse by design.” Rosetta currently consults on various DEI&B and business projects, facilitates inclusive workshops, and presents on the journey of diversity, equity, and inclusion leading to belonging.

Rosetta has a wealth of knowledge in administrative leadership, philanthropic engagement, organizational leadership, and strategic planning. She has also led numerous teams including annual giving, special events, and marketing communications. Her experience includes leadership roles at the University of Maryland’s Robert H. Smith School of Business (B1G Ten) and North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University (#1 public HBCU). She has also strategically directed alumni board development and restructuring, division planning, special events and marketing communications. Rosetta has always approached her roles from a lens of inclusivity with a goal for equitable outcomes. She understands the importance of diversity on college campuses as a reflection of the larger society which is a driving component to ensuring greater representation for minoritized individuals while educating those in the dominant population(s).

Rosetta received her bachelor’s degree in Mass Communications from Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville. She earned her master’s degree in Marketing with an emphasis in Strategic Communications from The Johns Hopkins University Carey Business School. She is currently pursuing her doctoral degree at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.