Dr. Emelyn A. dela Peña
dela Peña, who holds more than 30 years of experience in higher education, will lead the national organization representing chief diversity officers at a time when diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives face mounting political and legal challenges across the sector.
She succeeds Paulette Granberry Russell, who led NADOHE from 2020 through 2025 and transitioned to president emerita on January 1.
"Emelyn dela Peña is a highly respected leader whose career reflects the values, rigor, and courage of conviction that define NADOHE," said Caroline Laguerre-Brown, chair of the organization's board of directors. "She brings deep experience leading complex institutions, a proven ability to navigate change, and an unwavering commitment to equity and justice."
Most recently, dela Peña served as vice president for diversity, equity and inclusion at Loyola Marymount University, where she led campus-wide DEI strategy. During her tenure, the institution received the NADOHE Institutional Inclusive Excellence Award and the Higher Education Excellence in Diversity Award.
Her career also includes senior leadership positions at Stanford University, where she was associate vice provost for inclusion, community and integrative learning, as well as roles at Washington University in St. Louis, Harvard College and the University of California, San Diego.
At Stanford, dela Peña led a major organizational realignment of departments and resources focused on student equity and inclusion.
"Emelyn's leadership has consistently strengthened institutions and centered the needs of students, faculty, and staff," said Regina Dickson Reeves, vice provost for academic excellence at the University of San Diego and a member of the search committee.
In her new role, dela Peña will oversee NADOHE's strategic direction, membership services and national advocacy efforts as diversity offices navigate heightened scrutiny and shifting institutional priorities.
"I am honored to have been selected as the next leader of NADOHE," dela Peña said. "I also want to recognize Paulette Granberry Russell for her extraordinary leadership and for positioning NADOHE as a critical voice in higher education."
