Our Strategic Leader
Dr. Daphne C. Watkins is an experienced social scientist, professor, founder, nonprofit leader, and executive coach, with over two decades of experience in health equity research, behavioral health interventions, and mixed methods research. Her work examines the motivation, development, productivity, and success of leaders, with a special emphasis on promoting positive organizational change through leadership development.
As the founder of organizations in the nonprofit, for-profit, and academic research sectors, Dr. Watkins is especially interested in centering strategies for success among historically marginalized groups, maximizing human potential, elevating social experiences, and achieving equitable impact in communities and organizations. She develops efficient tools and systems that activate positive, strengths-based outcomes to help leaders thrive.
Dr. Watkins earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington and a Ph.D. from Texas A&M University. She has an Executive MBA from the Quantic School of Business and Technology and a Distinguished Leader Executive Certificate from the University of Michigan Ross School of Business. She is also a Certified Executive Coach.
Our People Manager
De-Andra Racquel is an energetic and dedicated professional with over a decade of experience in guest service, entertainment, and executive support. She is a devoted assistant supporting talent, directors, and C-suite executives at the Research Leadership Institute and their affiliates. Her knack for connecting people and tackling challenges with a dash of humor sets the stage for collaborative success. De-Andra spearheads the coordination of workshops and coaching sessions, curating resources that align with client’s needs and ensuring strategic and practical guidance toward their goals.
Our Senior Consultants
Lea Anderson is a seasoned professional who has served in many roles throughout her career, including Human Resources Director, Performance Management Coach, Speaker, Trainer, and Entrepreneur. Her passion for helping organizations thrive and individuals excel has been the driving force behind her work. She is dedicated to fostering growth, professionally and personally.
As a Certified Corporate Trainer and charter Toastmasters member, Lea has facilitated workshops and seminars on various topics, including Business and HR strategies, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), Parenting, Leadership Styles, Networking, Change Management, Impostor Syndrome, Innovation, and Creativity.
Lea earned a Bachelor’s degree from Texas A&M University and a Master’s in Adult Training and Development from Amberton University. In addition to her degrees, Lea is a Human Resources Certification Institute (HRCI®-certified) Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) and a Certified Professional Coach.
Dr. Natasha N. Croom is a critical race feminist scholar-practitioner committed to working in and with communities to support creating equity-based practices and policies. She serves as a national education equity consultant, facilitator, keynote speaker, and guest lecturer to university communities and public education policy non-profit organizations.
Dr. Croom’s research interests include intersectional identity development in college; access, equity, and success for womyn of color and other minoritized communities in post-secondary environments; and critical race theory, critical race feminism, and critical qualitative inquiry in higher education research and practice.
Dr. Croom holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Texas A&M University-Kingsville, a master’s degree in higher education administration from Texas A&M University-College Station, and a Ph.D. in educational leadership—higher education from Iowa State University.
Dr. Chiquita Elliott is a leadership consultant with over twenty-five years of experience in direct service, educational leadership, public administration, and program development. She collaborates with diverse stakeholders to design interventions to improve health and educational outcomes for underserved populations and promote inclusive practices in organizations, communities, and schools.
Dr. Elliott is dedicated to empowering individuals and communities through education and advocacy. Driven by a deep sense of social responsibility, she makes meaningful contributions to social work and higher education, inspiring others along the way.
Dr. Elliott earned a Bachelor’s degree from Virginia Tech, and both a Master’s degree in social work and a PhD in Educational Leadership and Public Administration from Virginia Commonwealth University.
Research Leadership Institute 