DR. ELLA F. WASHINGTON is an organizational psychologist who finds inspiration through the intersection of business, diversity, and leadership. Her life’s work has centered on elevating humanity in the workplace through the work of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Dr. Washington has a wealth of experience through her involvement as the founder and CEO of Ellavate Solutions, a DEI strategy firm. She is a professor of practice at Georgetown University’s McDonough School of Business, and is the co-host of Gallup’s Center of Black Voices Cultural Competence podcast.
Dr. Washington has global consulting experience in the human capital space, which has allowed her to impact clients across myriad industries including financial services, sports and entertainment, oil and gas, higher education, and government. Previously, Dr. Washington worked at Gallup and led the Diversity and Inclusion practice where she provided insight to clients on issues of inclusion, culture, strategic diversity, and engagement. Her research and client work focuses on women in the workplace and barriers to inclusion for diverse groups, and working with organizations to build inclusive cultures.
Before joining Gallup, Dr. Washington was a talent management consultant at Ernst & Young and a DEI consultant at the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago. She earned her PhD in organizational behavior from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University and her BA in psychology from Spelman College.
Growing up in Durham, North Carolina with a tight-knit family gave Dr. Washington her roots. Today she lives in Washington, DC and values balancing her work and personal life by remaining active in her church, giving back to her local community, traveling the world and staying closely connected with loved ones.
You can find Dr. Ella F. Washington at ellafwashington.com and on Twitter @ellafwashington.