Selena Cozart, PhD has extensive expertise in facilitating dialogue and community engagement in the service of equity and justice. Selena, a highly skilled race, equity diversity, and inclusion (REDI) Consultant, is well-versed in the full range of skills and expertise required to affect community change through dialogue and action. Selena has been an active participant in the UCARE program at the University of Virginia which has been instrumental in the UVA's recognition and accountability in relation to its unpaid, underpaid, and enslaved laborers throughout the history of the University. 

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2008-Present: Institute for Engagement & Negotiation  

Lead Diversity Consultant – Responsibilities include serving on the steering committee, planning, organizing, and facilitating Pall meetings of constituents interested in creating meaningful action and sustainable change in the impact of the legacy of harm brought by structural racism in the form of slavery, segregation, and discrimination in the University and the surrounding community. Outcomes of this work include the Memorial to Enslaved Laborers which will be installed on University Grounds within the next 2 years. 

Community Facilitator – Responsibilities include facilitating conversations with community stakeholders on a variety of equity initiatives to ensure greater representation and history-telling within the University of Virginia and Charlottesville communities

May 2018-Sept 2018: Democracy Summer Fellows Program 

Regional Co-Director – Responsibilities include facilitation, project management, and partnering with community stakeholders and high school and college students in order to provide training and organizing infrastructure to democratic campaigning.  

2011-2015: Piedmont Housing Alliance 

Program and Service Coordinator at Friendship Court – Responsibilities included service delivery, identification of needs, representations, and program design. Successfully designed and coordinated Community Days and Father’s Day festivals that involved residents from nearby low-income communities, several nonprofits, community organizations, City departments, UVA departments, and local businesses. Created and coordinated the first community-based Girls On The Run program in Central Virginia for elementary school aged girls in the Friendship Court Community. 

2003-2007: University of Virginia 

Assistant Professor – Responsibilities include teaching, collaborative program development, facilitation of University, student and school communication. Participation and retention of under-represented teachers increased during service in this role.