We partnered with New York University’s Martin Luther King Jr. Scholars Program on the search for a Director. The Martin Luther King Jr. Scholars Program is a highly selective university leadership program dedicated to the legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr that engages, educates, and empowers scholars on social justice and advocacy.

Our work resulted in the recruitment of Harmony D. Osei to the role.

Osei has worked in higher education for over 13 years and has expertise in academic advisement, residence life, career development, strategic planning, program management, and marketing and communications. She is a Certified Student Affairs Educator and has completed numerous DEIB-focused trainings, including a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the Workplace Certificate from the University of South Florida.

Osei joined NYU from Baruch College, where she served in a succession of leadership roles, including Senior Academic Advisor, Associate Director, and Interim Director of the Honors Program.

She also served as a Core Member of the CUNY Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Incubator, where she facilitated efforts to analyze power structures and systemic inequity in order to advance institutional change.

Prior to CUNY, Osei worked at Pace University as a Senior Academic Advisor and Manager of Internship Programs. There, she also managed the Career Opportunities in the Accounting Profession (COAP) Program, which aims to increase the number of underrepresented youth who pursue accounting careers.

In addition to being a social justice advocate, Osei is a social welfare activist and has engaged in ongoing efforts with the Fostering Youth Success Alliance. She has conducted research on nationwide policies and resources which impact the educational outcomes of students with a foster care background.

Osei holds a Bachelor’s degree in Human Development and Family Relations from SUNY Plattsburgh. She received a Master’s degree in Higher Education and Student Personnel Administration from NYU. She is currently pursuing a PhD in Urban Education and Certificate in Africana Studies at the CUNY Graduate Center.