Johnnetta Betsch Cole
Anthropologist, Educator and Director, Smithsonian National Museum of African Art. Cole Was The First African-American Female President of Spelman College
One of the most powerful and well-regarded African American women in the US, Johnnetta B. Cole has a way with making history. She was the first female African American president of Spelman College, the first woman ever elected to the board of Coca-Cola Enterprises, and the first African American woman to serve as chair of…
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One of the most powerful and well-regarded African American women in the US, Johnnetta B. Cole has a way with making history.
She was the first female African American president of Spelman College, the first woman ever elected to the board of Coca-Cola Enterprises, and the first African American woman to serve as chair of the board of United Way of America.
In over 30 years in education, she has also served two US Presidents in leadership roles.Cole currently serves as the director of the Smithsonian National Museum of African Art, overseeing a collection of over 12,000 objects which represent nearly every area of the continent of Africa and contains a variety of media and art forms. Since the mid-1980’s, Cole has worked with a number of Smithsonian programs.
She currently serves on the Scholarly Advisory Board for the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture, the construction of which will be completed on the National Mall by 2016.
As a scholar, author, and activist for social and economic justice, Cole has spearheaded breakthrough thinking about diversity, leadership, and women’s issues.
As the chair of the Johnnetta B. Cole Global Diversity & Inclusion Institute at Bennett College, she infused diversity into academic institutions, businesses, corporations, civic and community organizations, and government and global thought leaders.
Testimonials
Ernie was perfect for our Elders Conference at Little River Casino Resort in Manistee, Michigan. We will definitely be using PDA again!
LITTLE RIVER BAND OF OTTAWA INDIANS
Our speaker was great and the crowd enjoyed her! She was very engaging. Thank you again PDA for the great list of suggestions!
MEDTRONIC
Everything went great! and our speaker was wonderful! Thank you so much for all your help PDA! Looking forward to the next one.
UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI – KANSAS CITY
I hope that this message finds you well. We had a phenomenal time with Atsuko this past Thursday. We wanted to just let you know how amazing she was. All those that were in attendance thoroughly enjoyed her and had nothing but amazing things to say about her. Thank you for working with us to make sure this happened!
BAYLOR UNIVERSITY CAMPUS
We had a fantastic day with Inge! She was very engaging with all those that attended. Her personal stories about the holocaust were very special and we were moved that she was willing to share them with everyone. Thank you again, PDA for all your hard work and dedication to make this program such a success!
SALT LAKE COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Dear PDA Group, Thank you so much for your hard work in scheduling our speaker! From the moment we reached out to you the first time, you worked with us on all details and logistics and kept us up-to-date on the progress. Thank you for all your hard work on making our event such a success! We couldn't have done it without you and your team!
SAP COMPANY
Thank you again, Dr. Kimbrough, for a great presentation, our attendees are still talking about it!
CAMPUS LABS
Dr. Henry Lee's presentation was entertaining, insightful and wise. I, and everyone at Pfizer, especially appreciate the remarks you directed about following your passion and preparing yourself to excel. Thank you, everyone, at PDA for helping to make this happen!
PFIZER
The event was successful! I received many messages expressing how awesome, outstanding and inspiring Ms. Webb-Christburg's speech was."
DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. MEMORIAL BREAKFAST, BOSTON, MLK SPEAKER
Everything went well. Atsuko was very easy to work with and the students enjoyed her performance! Thank you again for your recommendation and I hope to work with you again in the future!
CENTRAL MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY
Dr. Novello left this morning after a very successful event on our campus! Thank you PDA Group for your help from the first phone to the last you were with us every step of the way.
GRAND VALLEY STATE UNIVERSITY
Jordan Carlos was very very entertaining! A majority of students who answered the event survey indicated they really enjoyed Jordan and definitely will bring him back!
WESTERN CAROLINA UNIVERSITY
On behalf of myself and my organization Entertainment Unlimited the Campus Programming Board of Ferris State University, we thank you PDA and Dan for a successful event!! Dan was magnificent! Students really enjoyed the presentation. I know I did. Can't wait to bring in more programs with PDA Group.
FERRIS STATE UNIVERSITY
It was a great pleasure to work with PDA Group! The communication was always prompt, friendly and helpful. We loved the speakers and events we booked through Mr. Peter Walker (PDA Group).
WESTERN MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY
Thank you, Peter, for all your help, you'll be happy to know that the event went incredibly well! Aneesa Ferreira was by far one of the best speakers we've ever had!
FURMAN UNIVERSITY
Topics
Growing Up With Duality
Johnnetta Cole came from a family of means, one that was deeply involved in notions of faith and community service. But she lived in a society where she couldn’t swim in the pool reserved for whites or visit the main library that bore her great grandfather’s name in one of the branches, the A.L. Lewis Colored Branch. Despite her family’s accolades, Cole lived in a society that challenged her very self-worth because of the color of her skin.
The Business Case for Diversity & Inclusion
The Case for Diversity & Inclusion in American Higher Education
Race, Gender, & Class in the Run for the American Presidency
Women & Leadership
Everybody Can Be a Philanthropist
Videos
Johnnetta Cole - Class of 2014 Commencement Speaker
Johnnetta Betsch Cole Speaker - PDA Speakers
News
Testimonials
Dr. Cole was absolutely marvelous! She inspired us all, warmed our hearts and souls, and pushed some buttons. We were very, very pleased with her as a dynamic, moving speaker!
YMCA of Minneapolis
Dr. Cole was outstanding! She’s an incredible speaker.
Washington University School of Medicine
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