Milyna Phillips began her DEI journey by creating affinity groups for the youngest learners in independent schools, complementing her work by founding the "To Affinity and Beyond" summer camp. Over time, her DEI expertise evolved into the roles of published author, keynote speaker, and conference presenter. Her thought leadership in DEI led her to design and facilitate professional development workshops focused on antiracist and anti-oppression practices for teams. Furthermore, she coaches heads of school and Directors of DEI across the nation, guiding them on ways to authentically navigate challenging times while remaining mission aligned and not succumbing to fraught news headlines.

Throughout her extensive partnerships with schools, non-profits, and corporations, Milyna consistently reaches a crucial realization: an organization's most valuable assets are its people. Hence, she advocates centering humanity in every decision, policy, and procedure.

Milyna's superpower lies in the details and relationships, enabling her listening leadership to identify what communities need to unlearn, reimagine, and strategically rebuild. This capacity led her to establish the Alumni of Color Network and found the conference, "Centering BIPOC Voices." At this conference, she had the honor of hosting and interviewing distinguished guests, Dr. Angela Y. Davis and Nikki Giovanni. Because of her unique abilities to bring communities together she forged an educational partnership with the Museum of African American History.

As a former educator, Milyna Phillips launched her DEI consulting firm in 2019. Since then, she has provided invaluable support to schools navigating the vacancy of their Director of DEI role and those grappling with post-affirmative action decision admissions processes. The most gratifying feedback she receives from clients is hearing them say, "We could not have had this conversation in September."

Milyna holds an M.A. in Education Leadership from Columbia University. When not passionately advocating for liberation, she can be found enjoying a book and a cup of coffee on the beach with her family.

Founder & Principal Consultant