Nakeina Douglas-Glenn, Ph.D.

Director, Research Institute for Social Equity

Nakeina E. Douglas-Glenn, Ph.D., is a seasoned professional with over 15 years of experience in public administration, public policy, and social equity. As the inaugural director and associate professor at the Research Institute for Social Equity within the L. Douglas Wilder School of Government & Public Affairs at Virginia Commonwealth University, Dr. Douglas-Glenn is a recognized leader in social equity and public policy. She has spearheaded impactful initiatives securing significant funding to address equity gaps across Virginia through collaborations with agencies such as the Virginia Department of Emergency Management and the Virginia Office of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility.

Dr. Douglas-Glenn’s expertise includes leadership development, organizational strategy, equity consulting in emergency management, and interdisciplinary approaches to climate resilience. She has designed and implemented transformative learning experiences for stakeholders at all career levels and conducted assessments and evaluations for individuals, programs, and organizations. Her contributions to equitable access to resources and government services, including language equity initiatives and COVID-19 vaccine equity strategies, highlight her commitment to advancing public policy with a social equity lens.

In addition to her academic achievements, Dr. Douglas-Glenn is an active civic leader, serving on the nonprofit board of the American Council on Education's Virginia Women's Network, as Chair of the Health Brigade free and charitable clinic Board of Directors, and on the Board of Directors for SOAR365, an organization supporting individuals with disabilities. Douglas-Glenn's commitment to community service is evident through her past involvement in the YWCA Richmond board of directors and appointment to the Millennial Civic Engagement Task Force by Governor Terry McAuliffe. Douglas-Glenn is a lifetime member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Chesterfield, Virginia chapter, and a President of the Petersburg (VA) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated.

Dr. Douglas-Glenn holds a Ph.D. from Virginia Tech, a Master of Social Work from Radford University, and bachelor's degrees in political science and sociology from Virginia Tech. Her dedication to equity, leadership, and community resilience has earned her numerous awards and honors throughout her distinguished career.