Dr. Joe-Joe McManus

Dr. Joe-Joe McManus is a nationally recognized author, speaker, and consultant whose groundbreaking work champions racial equity, antiracism, and inclusive excellence. As the author of A Brother’s Insight: Guidance on Defeating Racism and Advancing Freedom, Dr. McManus inspires audiences to confront systemic challenges with actionable strategies, particularly during this critical era of increasing anti-DEI legislation and societal pressures.

With over three decades of experience, Dr. McManus has shaped transformative initiatives across sectors, working as a trusted advisor to leaders in education, corporate spaces, and nonprofit organizations. His expertise lies at the intersection of antiracism, diversity, equity, inclusion (DEI), and leadership development, offering innovative insights to create sustainable change.

Dr. McManus’s work is deeply personal, driven by his upbringing in a multicultural, interreligious family and his firsthand experience confronting racism, classism, and anti-Semitism. A powerful advocate for resilience and justice, he draws from these experiences to guide individuals and organizations toward a more equitable future. His story of fighting racism alongside his brother and channeling personal loss into purpose has become a beacon of hope for many.

A former Chief Diversity Officer and senior leader in higher education, Dr. McManus has served at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), international institutions, Ivy League universities, and university system offices. He has also been a prominent voice on national and international platforms, consulting, lecturing, and serving on panels to promote equity and leadership.

Dr. McManus currently serves as an Executive Advisor on Antiracism and Inclusive Excellence and holds influential roles on several boards, including the National Advisory Council for the National Conference on Race and Ethnicity (NCORE). Previously, he contributed as an expert for the Global Diversity & Inclusion Benchmarks (GDIB) and as a board member for the National Association for Multicultural Education (NAME).

Dr. McManus holds a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership from Florida A&M University and remains steadfast in his mission to empower individuals and organizations to build a more just and inclusive world.

KEYNOTE TOPICS

• A Brother’s Insight (Custom book talks)
• Beyond the Headlines: Inclusive Excellence in Education
• Defending DEI: Addressing the Backlash Constructively
• Developing Your Own Approach to Antiracism
• Making Organizational Equity and Excellence Real