CORNELIUS LEE

Group Collaborator: Consultant + Facilitator

Cornelius is a staunch advocate of equitable and inclusive workplaces. As a Black queer man from a religious working-class Louisiana family,  his background informs his unique perspective and approach to his work. He believes that balancing equity and excellence can unlock an organization's fullest potential. 

Cornelius is a seasoned senior leader and consultant with over a decade of experience in leadership development, human-centered design, talent management, and strategic planning. He helps create organizational environments where everyone feels respected, empowered, and equipped with the clarity and resources they need to contribute their best.

As a Partner at the talent solutions and DEI firm, Promise54, Cornelius advised clients on a wide range of talent-related matters, including talent strategy, organizational culture, DEI initiatives, and strategic planning. With experience working with organizations like Afton Partners, Centre for Public Impact, Peninsula Open Space Trust, the National Building Museum, and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Cornelius has a proven track record of success in collaborating with a range of client clients to develop tailored strategies to address their most pressing challenges. 

Cornelius holds degrees from Western Kentucky University, Dominican University, and Harvard's Graduate School of Education. He is a member of The City of Chicago’s Advisory Council on LGBTQ+ Affairs and an adjunct professor at Dominican University's Graduate School of Education.