NAIS Diversity Leadership Institute (DLI)

Joy Angela DeGruy, Ph.D., is a prominent researcher, educator, and author who has spent over 30 years studying and working in the field of social work, with a focus on the impacts of racism, trauma, and slavery on African Americans. For over two decades, she served as an assistant professor at Portland State University’s School of Social Work and now serves as president and chief executive officer of Joy DeGruy Publications Inc. Additionally, DeGruy serves as executive director of the nonprofit organization Be The Healing Inc., and is currently a distinguished visiting scholar at Morehouse College.

DeGruy holds multiple advanced degrees and is renowned for her acclaimed book Post Traumatic Slave Syndrome: America’s Legacy of Enduring Injury and Healing, which examines historical trauma in African American communities. DeGruy lectures extensively, has presented her work globally, and has received prestigious awards, including the American Psychological Association's Presidents Award in 2023. Her scholarship is highly influential, with more than 1,700 citations of her seminal book. In addition to her research and writing, DeGruy has developed evidence-based models to support communities of color.

Since August 2021, Mark E. Reed has served as managing director of the John M. Belk Endowment, after 12 years as head of Charlotte Country Day School (NC). Among his many accomplishments at Country Day, Reed spearheaded efforts to substantially increase the school's endowment from $12 million to $65 million. Additionally, Reed presided over a $50+ million annual budget and led construction or renovation of eight buildings on campus, five of which were new. To pay for those buildings, he led the ForeFront Capital Campaign, a $54 million campaign that yielded support of $100+ million.

Reed previously served as assistant head at St. Johns School (TX). He earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Houston, a master's degree in education administration from Columbia University, and an honorary doctor of education from Lees-McRae College. He serves or has served on the boards of New Republic Bank (lead director), Southern Association of Independent Schools (past chair), Foundation for the Carolinas-Charlotte-Mecklenburg (past chair), The Good Fellows Club, E.E. Ford Foundation, Atrium Healthcare Enterprise, Wake Forest Baptist Hospital, Jefferson Bridge Capital, and Queens University. 

Brian A. Wise has served as director of diversity planning at Charlotte Country Day School (NC) since 1998, where he also teaches social justice and supports JK–12 students, faculty, and families in diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB). 

A seasoned organizational development consultant, Wise has led workshops and training for schools, companies, and nonprofits nationwide, with a focus on social identity and community-building. A Colgate University economics graduate and former MIT Urban Studies Community Fellow, he blends practical insight with a global perspective shaped by experiences in Nigeria and South Africa. 

Grounded in the principle of ubuntu—“I am because we are”—Wise is dedicated to fostering connection and understanding across differences. In his spare time, he enjoys spending time with family, traveling, and riding his vintage Harley Davidson.