CORNELIUS LEE

Group PRINCIPAL Consultant

Cornelius (he/him) is a staunch advocate of equitable and inclusive workplaces. His personal and professional background informs his unique perspective and approach to his work. He believes that balancing equity and operational excellence can unlock an organization's fullest potential.

Cornelius is a seasoned strategic advisor and consultant with over a decade of experience in leadership development, school administration, facilitation, human-centered design, talent management, and strategic planning. He helps create organizational environments where everyone feels respected, empowered, and equipped with the strategic clarity and resources needed to create thriving and sustainable workplaces.

He has partnered with organizations such as the National Building Museum and Right to Be to guide their strategic planning efforts. His expertise in developing tailored strategies for complex challenges is further strengthened by his experience as a Partner at the talent solutions firm, Promise54, where he advised clients on equity-centered talent strategy and organizational culture.

Earlier in his career, Cornelius built foundational systems and structures as a founding school leader within the Noble Network of Schools in Chicago and oversaw national programming for emerging leaders at Education Pioneers. This diverse background, including collaborations with organizations like Afton Partners, KIPP Foundation, and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, provides him with a comprehensive understanding to drive impactful strategic outcomes.

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 is an adjunct professor at Dominican University's Graduate School of Education.