ABOUT DEBRA GRIFFITH, Ed.D.
Understanding What’s Really Happening Inside ORGANIZATIONS.
My work creates space for leaders and organizations to understand what’s really happening, name
thebarriers in the way, and develop the strategy and leadership needed to move forward.
Listen to the Podcast
With over 26 years of experience working in three sectors of education, four-year universities, two-year community colleges, and 6-12 schools. I, Debra Y. Griffith, Ed.D., have served in roles ranging from Director of Student Conduct to Vice President of Student Services, Diversity and Inclusion, and currently, as Chief Equity Programs Officer in a C-Suite role. Throughout my career, I’ve learned that true leadership is about intention and a humanistic approach, nurturing others with empathy and strategic vision.
For many women of color leaders, thriving in their roles means confronting microaggressions, systemic racism, and underrepresentation.
That's why I created Do Better, a sanctuary for women of color leaders. Through heart-centered executive coaching, I help you navigate the unique challenges of leadership, with a focus on clear goals, actionable plans, and staying true to yourself.
Not sure where to start? I’m here to guide you every step of the way.
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TRUSTED BY
PAST CLIENTS.
WAYS WE CAN WORK TOGETHER
EXECUTIVE COACHING FOR WOMEN OF COLOR LEADERS.
WAYS TO WORK TOGETHER
HOW TO WORK WITH ME
I work with education leaders and institutions to identify and remove the structural barriers that keep the work from moving forward for students.
I work with leaders who are trying to move meaningful work forward inside systems that often make that work harder than it should be.
My work centers leaders in education, especially women of color and the institutions responsible for creating the conditions where they can lead effectively.
Leadership can be complex and often isolating.
This is a space for women of color leaders to think out loud, process what they are carrying, and make thoughtful decisions about how they want to lead.
In our work together, we focus on navigating the realities of leadership inside complex systems and identifying what may be getting in the way of the work.
This is a space where you don’t have to carry it alone.
Many leaders are able to use professional development funds from their institution to support executive coaching.
ROOTS is a small leadership community for women of color leaders in education who want space to reflect, talk honestly about what they’re navigating, and learn alongside others working inside similar systems.
In this space, you step back from the daily demands of leadership, make sense of what’s happening in your context, and think more strategically about how to move the work forward.
Some participants are also able to use professional development funds from their institution to support their participation.
For colleges, universities, and schools where leaders know the work matters but something keeps getting in the way of the work moving forward.
I partner with leadership teams to identify the structural barriers getting in the way and build the conditions where leaders and staff can do their best work for students.
LEADERSHIP PHILOSOPHY
THE POWER BEHIND DO BETTER.
I have spent my career leading inside complex educational systems and building programs that improve outcomes for students.
As a Black woman who has often been the first in leadership roles, from serving as the inaugural Assistant Vice President for Transitional Programs at San José State University, to becoming the inaugural Dean of Equity at West Valley College, to later serving as Vice President at West Valley College where I led the development of the college’s Anti-Racism and Inclusion System Plan and launched a Basic Needs program to better support students, and now as the first Chief Equity Programs Officer at Alliance College-Ready Public Schools, I know what it means to lead without a blueprint.
“Do Better” isn’t just a phrase for me. It reflects how I’ve approached leadership throughout my career. For me, it has never been about perfection. It’s about leading with courage, clarity, and authenticity, especially in systems that were not designed with all of us in mind.
I help leaders remove the barriers that get in the way of doing their best work for students.
That experience shapes how I coach leaders and partner with institutions today. Together we step back to understand what is actually happening inside organizations, tackle the challenges in front of you, and develop clear strategies for how you want to lead moving forward.
Working with Debra has been pivotal for my professional development. She helps shape your leadership passion into actionable plans. Her insights address daily challenges and inspire aspirational growth. I highly recommend connecting with her.
Cecily N. - MI
Debra is a professional, organized, and strategic leader. She brings calm and optimism to the emotionally charged DE&I Action Plans. Debra keeps our team accountable and engaged, guiding us to create a plan that will make our museum more inclusive.
Amy D. - CA
Dr. Griffith is an exceptional coach who helped me uncover my leadership skills and shape my experiences into a strong leadership statement and resume. Her unique methods focus on my overall value to an organization, not just a list of skills. I'm grateful for the opportunity to work with Debra!
Megan S. - CA
CLIENT SUCCESS STORIES
CLIENT REFLECTIONS?
My clients come to coaching with strength and vision already within them. Through our partnership, they’ve stepped into executive roles, built strategies that move their organizations forward, and led equity and anti-racism work that creates real impact. More than titles or plans, what they gain is a trusted space to tap into their own power and shape their leadership in ways that feel true to them.
For Directors, Deans, Associate Vice Presidents, Vice Presidents, and C-suite leaders. Many leadership roles come without a roadmap, and women of color are often navigating both the role and the unspoken rules of the room.
Executive coaching helps you step fully into the seat, leading with intention, clarity, and authority.
For women of color leaders facing racism, sexism, microaggressions, or retaliation. Too often you’re left questioning yourself or carrying the burden alone.
Executive coaching creates space to name what’s happening, protect your well-being, and determine the strategy for your next move.
For senior leaders responsible for advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion across institutions. The work is complex, politically charged, and often misunderstood.
Coaching helps you clarify strategy, navigate resistance, and lead equity efforts with credibility and impact.
For leaders responsible for guiding teams, navigating conflict, and building strong organizational cultures. Leadership is not just about vision, it’s about relationships, accountability, and alignment.
Executive coaching helps you lead people with clarity, intention, and confidence.
For leaders who know something in their current role no longer fits. Sometimes the work is navigating the system you're in. Other times it's recognizing when it's time to step into something new.
Executive coaching helps you assess your options, clarify what you want next, and move forward with intention and strategy.
TAKE THE NEXT STEP IN YOUR LEADERSHIP JOURNEY.
Schedule a Complimentary 20-Minute Virtual Discovery Call with Me.
I’d love to hear more about where you are in your leadership journey and where you want to go next. This call is a chance for us to connect, talk through your goals, and see how Do Better Executive Coaching can support you with strategy, clarity, and confidence.