Jo-Ann Rolle

Jo-Ann Rolle is a distinguished thought leader and keynote speaker known for her expertise in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) as well as female empowerment. With a career spanning over 35 years, she has made significant contributions across various sectors, including academia, consulting, and government. In 2024, Jo-Ann authored “Tech-Enabled Futures: Elevating Education in Underserved Areas,” a book that explores the challenges and solutions for integrating technology into education for marginalised communities. Her insights are highly sought after, as demonstrated by her role as a keynote speaker at the Small Talk Roundtable event and her position as the President of the National HBCU Business Deans Roundtable.

As the founder and CEO of JoAnn Rolle Consulting, Jo-Ann applies her extensive experience to help organisations address complex business challenges. She specialises in identifying market needs, optimising resource allocation, and fostering innovation. Her consulting work is particularly focused on promoting diversity and inclusion within the education, finance, and technology sectors. Through her blog, Jo-Ann launched The Diversity & Inclusion Leadership Series, which addresses the critical need for diverse workforces and inclusive leadership practices. Her work emphasises the importance of bridging the technological divide in underserved areas, a theme central to her book and ongoing projects.

Jo-Ann’s career began as a Research Assistant at The World Bank in 1979, followed by a role as an Economist & Operations Research Analyst with the US Federal Government. Her journey into academia saw her hold several influential positions, including Visiting Professor at IBM, Administrative Fellow at Harvard University, and Associate Dean of Administration at the University of Maryland Global Campus. During her tenure at UMGC, she developed the pioneering online course “Women as Entrepreneurs,” showcasing her commitment to empowering women through education and entrepreneurship.

Recently retired from her role as Dean of the School of Business at Medgar Evers College, Jo-Ann continues to influence the future of work as a Future of Work Ambassador for Experfy. Her passion for mentoring diverse leaders and entrepreneurs is evident in her commitment to fostering economic and social transformation. Jo-Ann’s speeches on the future of work, DEI, and women’s empowerment are both inspirational and informative, making her a sought-after speaker for events. Her ability to deliver measurable outcomes and her dedication to creating inclusive environments make Jo-Ann Rolle a leading voice in her field.