Her Story
About Dr. Brittani
Dr. Brittani Staley, EdD, LMSW, is an educator, social worker, and diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging advocate who serves as Assistant Director of the Center for Multicultural Student Services at James Madison University. Her work focuses on multicultural programming, student engagement, leadership development, and creating opportunities for students to develop a stronger sense of belonging. She leads and supports initiatives that include cultural heritage celebrations, multicultural graduation ceremonies, student leadership development, and DEEP Impact Dialogue, a program that encourages meaningful conversations about cultural, social, and other issues affecting student experiences and success. Through her work, Dr. Staley collaborates with university departments, student organizations, and community partners to strengthen student support and inclusive engagement. Dr. Staley brings extensive experience in higher education administration, community engagement, social work, and program implementation. Before joining James Madison University in 2025, she served as Assistant Director for the Center of Community Engagement at the California State University Office of the Chancellor, Program and Implementation Specialist at Kids Kicking Cancer, and Associate Director of Upward Bound at Central Michigan University. Her work has included developing educational programs and curricula, supervising and mentoring staff and social work interns, facilitating training, conducting program assessments, and supporting initiatives designed to improve student development and well-being. She earned her master’s degree in Social Work, specializing in Community Organization Leadership, from Michigan State University and her Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership and Management from Capella University. She also holds a Michigan Licensed Social Worker credential. A recognized advocate for community development and racial equity, Dr. Staley was the first My Brother’s Keeper Scholar in the nation, according to the supplied profile, through work connecting Michigan State University with One Love Global and initiatives supporting racial healing and transformation. Her community involvement includes long-standing advocacy for the March of Dimes, participation in Walk for Warmth, and service through Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., where she serves as Community Service Chair of her chapter and supports undergraduate chapters. She is committed to helping others through education, mentorship, collaboration, and community service. Guided by integrity, honesty, kindness, and persistence, Dr. Staley strives to create supportive environments where students and communities can develop their strengths, access opportunities, and work toward meaningful change.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Dr. Brittani
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to those who poured into me as I was finding my way. Each person who has poured into me molded me to work hard, continue to seek learning beyond the classroom, develop persistence, and to have a genuine desire and commitment to helping others. I believe in being an active listener, leading by example, and continuously surrounding myself with people who can help me grow personally and professionally so I can better support the people and communities I serve. I also believe that success comes from staying steadfast to my goals, seeking to understand before being understood,, and using my knowledge and experience to make a positive difference.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I have received is that you don’t have to know everything, you just have to have the desire to learn a lot of things. What this taught me is that I don’t need to be the smartest person in the room— in fact, I don’t ever want to be the smartest person in the room; my desire is to learn from those around me to expand my understanding of the human experience from a personal and professional lens.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women is simple: the “glass ceiling” is only as low as you allow it to be. Be brave; Be Bold; Be Uniquely YOU! People will either admire it, strive toward it, or run from it. Either way, the ones and things you wish to achieve will reach for you in return.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of my priorities is to continue supporting James Madison University in its administrative, management, and social services needs. I see an important opportunity to strengthen the support available to students and the broader community, helping individuals make informed choices and preparing students for their futures. Through collaboration, effective program implementation, student engagement, and community partnerships, I aim to contribute to an environment where students can thrive and access the resources they need to succeed.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me are integrity, honesty, and kindness. I believe in being open and honest with others, treating people with respect, and remaining committed to advocating for what I believe in. I also value organization and clarity because they help me approach responsibilities thoughtfully and work effectively with others. In both my professional and personal life, I strive to lead with integrity, communicate honestly, and make decisions that reflect my values.
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