Dr. Tali Hairston leads research, development, and facilitation of community and corporate initiatives, and conducts educational research. Father of four amazing young adults, and husband to Crystal, Tali has 25+ years of significant experience leading equity-centered organizational culture change, public policy, and designing equity-inclusive frameworks. Born in Seattle’s Rainier Valley, the vibrant diversity but often unfair treatment of the African American community, refugees, immigrants, and the poor, centered his focus on justice and education at an early age. Beginning as a youth outreach worker Hairston learned from teachers and counselors, youth involved in gangs and the criminal legal system, and families attempting to manage homelessness, poverty, and underemployment.

Currently, Dr. Hairston leads the Seattle Presbytery’s Lilly Endowment initiative, a project he designed to prepare congregations to learn to adapt to the social and cultural challenges and opportunities. As a researcher, Hairston is the recipient of three National Science Foundation grants in university physics and equity, where he has co- authored several articles. His doctoral studies deepened his capacity to design inclusive learning and working environments where he developed a sociocultural-situated approach.

After 17 years in higher education, where he was the founding director of the only university-based reconciliation and community development center, he found his passion for assisting business, community, faith, and thought leaders in social and organizational change. Since that time, his profile includes over $300 million in community investments and projects in both the public and private sector.

Known for his wisdom and insightfulness, Hairston’s career has involved multiple engagements in eight countries. This included supporting the development of a township school in South Africa, co-designing and facilitating a trauma-informed restorative practices collaboration in Jamaica, and similar projects in Vietnam, Cambodia, and Colombia.

Hairston speaks, trains, and teaches weekly to businesses, non-profits, churches, and schools. Valued for his lived experiences and intriguing perspective, he takes each opportunity to make an impact with humility.