Dr. Mary J. McConner, CDE
Founder & Chief Executive Officer
Global Keynote Speaker | Thought Leader | Award-Winning Consultant | Educator
Dr. Mary “MJ” McConner is a culture transformation and leadership development expert with over fifteen years of experience in workplace belonging, inclusive engagement, and international education. With a robust professional background that includes prior experience in C-Suite leadership roles, Dr. McConner now uses her expertise as a consultant, coach, and facilitator to support organizations globally.
She specializes in empowering leaders and teams to navigate complex organizational challenges. Her unique approach integrates comprehensive consulting and coaching methodologies to ensure leaders and teams are equipped to foster inclusive cultures and achieve sustainable success.
Dr. McConner’s thought leadership has been featured in U.S. News & World Report, AfroTech, FOX, Roland Martin Unfiltered, Medium, Living Corporate, and other prominent outlets. In 2023, she was honored as a Super Woman in Business by the Memphis Business Journal and recognized as an honoree for the inaugural Memphis Business Journal Expand: Diversity in Business Awards. Dr. MJ’s advocacy, research, and community engagement work reflect her commitment to promoting inclusive practices on local, national, and global scales.
EDUCATION
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Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.), Higher Education Administration, Auburn University, 2017
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Master of Arts (M.A.), Theology, University of Notre Dame, In Progress
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Master of Arts (M.A.), Educational Leadership, Central Michigan University, 2010
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Bachelor of Science (B.S.), Psychology, Grand Valley State University, 2008
EXECUTIVE EDUCATION
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University of Oxford, Saïd Business School, Oxford Executive Leadership Programme, 2021
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Harvard University, Management Development Program, 2019
COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP & SERVICE
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Crosstown High School: Board of Directors, Member
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Community Foundation of Greater Memphis: GiVE 365 Memphis Advisory Team Chair
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Grand Valley State University Alumni: Board of Directors, Engagement Committee Chair
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Greater Memphis Chamber: Chairman’s Circle Investor
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ICABA World Network: 2024 BPM Global Black Leading Professional and Member
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Junior League of Memphis: Board of Directors, Community Outreach Director
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Memphis Business Journal Bizwomen Council: Member
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Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) Memphis Chapter: Board of Directors, VP of D&I
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STS Enterprise Corporation: Board of Directors, Member
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STAR Scholars Network: Leadership Team, VP of DEI Leadership
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University of Memphis Fogelman Women in Leadership: Advisory Board, Member
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Women Impacting Public Policy: Member
AWARDS & RECOGNITION
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2025 CXO 2.0 Conference Business Leadership Excellence Award Honoree
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2024 BPM Global 100 Leading Black Professional Honoree
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2024 Goldman Sachs One Million Black Women: Black in Business Fall 2024 Program Scholar
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2024 Change Collective Fall Program Scholar (Inaugural Memphis Class)
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2023 Shelby County Board of Commissioners “Resolution Honoring Dr. Mary McConner” Honoree
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2023 Memphis Business Journal Expand: Diversity in Business Awards Honoree (Inaugural Class)
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2023 Memphis Business Journal Super Woman in Business Honoree
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2023 OPM Servant Awards Honoree
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2023 American Heart Association Mid-South Women of Impact Honoree
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2022 Top 40 Under 40 Urban Elite Professionals Honoree
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2022 AFP LEAD Blackbaud Diversity Scholar