Atia Thurman brings more than 20 years of professional experience and leadership redesigning systems and activating partnerships to advance social justice and equity. In her role with the Office of Field Education (OFE) she directs that focus towards the Children, Youth, and Family concentration.

Previously, Thurman served as associate director of the Clark-Fox Policy Institute (CFPI) and manager of Equity and Inclusion Initiatives for the Brown School. At CFPI, she helped establish and steer the Institute’s mission: advance social, economic, and racial justice for children and the adults who care for them. During her tenure, the Institute took a leading role in championing early childhood education and care, racial equity, and student engagement in policy practice.

Thurman has made significant contributions to centering equity and inclusion as a core commitment of the Brown School. She is a co-lead for the school’s Equity, Inclusion and Diversity strategic initiatives, co-created and facilitated a new learning opportunity for staff and faculty, supervised Racial Equity Fellows, and represents the school on Washington University’s Equity and Inclusion Council.

A Brown School alum (MSW ’02), her approach to change is rooted in social work principles, drawing on the strengths of individuals and institutions to address social justice challenges. She has extensive experience in planning and facilitating public engagement campaigns for regional initiatives in the areas of community development, health and human services, and transportation. Thurman is skilled in activating collaborative relationships and facilitating processes that drive the direction and scope of change.