Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Coordinator
Dr. Krystal Onyekwuluje serves as the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Coordinator at UCSB’s Bren School, where she leads efforts to foster a safe and inclusive environment for students, faculty, and staff. In this role, she promotes a culture of belonging, respect, and appreciation for the diverse heritages, orientations, and backgrounds represented within the Bren School community. Dr. Onyekwuluje’s responsibilities include developing and implementing DEI programs, advising senior leadership, and coordinating diversity-related training. She collaborates closely with Admissions and Student Affairs to support and recruit graduate students from underrepresented backgrounds.
With a Doctorate in Education & Leadership and Professional Practice from Trevecca Nazarene University and a Master of Education from Vanderbilt University, Dr. Onyekwuluje brings both academic and practical expertise to her role. Her dissertation, A Look into Agency and Allyship: An Examination of Affirmative Action and Its Role in Diversity and Inclusion at the Collegiate Level, reflects her deep commitment to educational equity. A Nigerian Ibo and Southern American, she celebrates the richness of cultural diversity and is passionate about creating spaces where individuals of all backgrounds and identities can thrive. Her professional journey spans roles in business and education, including HR Program Coordination, Community Development, and Advocacy and Relationship Coaching, through which she has consistently focused on uplifting people across identities and experiences.