Dr. Doretha C. Walker, a military veteran, is an accomplished scholar, educator, and advocate with a distinguished career spanning academia, nonprofit leadership, and public service. With a PhD in Public Policy and Administration from Walden University, she specializes in public management, leadership, and the lived experiences of underrepresented groups in policy-making. Dr. Walker’s expertise bridges the intersection of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) with scientific rigor, exemplified through her numerous scholarly publications, conference presentations, and thought leadership on topics such as implicit bias, cultural competency, and fostering equity in research communities.
As an independent scholar, Dr. Walker actively engages in intellectual activism, collaborating on interdisciplinary research teams, mentoring doctoral candidates, and serving on institutional review boards (IRBs). She is a founding member of the Impostor Phenomenon Research Collaborative (IPRC) and contributes to advancing ethical and equitable practices in research as a member of the 2024 PRIM&R Conference Poster Review Committee.
Dr. Walker has held significant academic roles, including Program Director at South University, where she led the College of Business’s BA, MBA, MPA, and DBA programs. Her leadership extended to nonprofit organizations, where she served as Chief Mission Officer at Central Alabama YWCA, overseeing community empowerment, social justice, and advocacy programs.
A prolific speaker and author, Dr. Walker’s work has been featured in peer-reviewed journals and international conferences. She is committed to building inclusive, enduring networks within academia, research, and activism, emphasizing care and equity as foundational pillars for transformative change.
Dr. Walker’s interdisciplinary approach and unwavering dedication to justice and inclusion continue to inform her work as a scholar, educator, and advocate for systemic change. To round out her arsenal, she is a Level II spin instructor and teaches at a local recreation center.
