We are pleased to announce Akilah Rosado as Relay’s first Chief Equity & Diversity Officer. The position will take effect Tuesday, Sept. 7.

In her upcoming role as Chief Equity Officer (CEqO), Akilah will set the vision for and oversee the execution of Relay’s diversity, equity, and inclusion and anti-racism (DEI/A) work. Further, in alignment with Relay’s mission and core values, Akilah will plan and execute on new and existing organization-wide initiatives, professional development sessions, policies, and systems to foster DEI/A across campuses and teams at Relay.

Akilah brings a wealth of experience in the DEI/A space. She most recently served as the Vice President for Governance, Social Justice, Equity, & Inclusion at Bank Street College of Education where she oversaw Bank Street’s Office for Governance, Social Justice, Equity, & Inclusion. Her role included supporting and managing the governance and compliance side of the Bank Street Board of Trustees, supervising the college’s government relations efforts, and leading the creation, development, and implementation of the college’s social justice and equity initiatives.

Prior to that, Akilah spent 10 years working for the New York State Assembly and as an organizational and leadership development consultant with the Public Strategies Group.

Akilah is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Urban and Public Policy at The New School’s Milano School of Policy, Management, and Environment, where she is examining the impact of bias and exclusion for Black girls in education. She received her undergraduate degree from SUNY Purchase and holds a Master of Science in Public Policy and Management and a Master of Philosophy in Policy and Management from The New School’s Milano School. She lives in Brooklyn with her family.