Ife Tayo Walker

Associate Director, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Ife Tayo is one of our most valuable collaborators at the Center for Transformative Action. Her contributions towards social justice, diversity, equity, and inclusion help guide many of our efforts. Ife comes from an education and community service background having taught in the Oakland Public School System, administered community-based programs with the Oakland YMCA, and served as the San Francisco Director of the Robert F. Kennedy Fellows Program which was an AmeriCorps funded program focusing on youth serving organizations in San Francisco. It was in this work that she came to understand how important it is to be an inclusive leader and to reflect the strengths and values of those she works with. 

In her work at Mills College and now at Mills College at Northeastern, Ife Tayo has coordinated student and alumnae-based events and supported student leadership efforts in local government, business and DEIAB efforts.  She has also developed diversity and leadership training, as well as sustainability initiatives with students, faculty, staff and alumnae. Her work on campus took on new life during the pandemic when she helped found the Black Action Forum to advocate for Anti-Racism for Mills.  Ife Tayo currently serves as Director of Graduate Services and Alumnae Engagement at the Lokey School of Business and Social Sciences, Black Faculty and Staff Association Co-Chair, Event Coordinator for the Black Reparations Project, and the Black Student Collective Advisor.  

Ife also holds an appointment in the Dean’s Office, serving as the Director of Community and Belonging.  In this role, Ife works with committed faculty and staff to foster a unified sense of community on campus, ensuring that everyone belongs, feels valued and seen.  Ife provides guidance and leadership with the Mills College ADEIB Action Plan as her guide, and additionally celebrates student, faculty and alumnae excellence with events including, Kwanzaa, Black Convocation and Black Graduation. She works as the Director of Events for the Black Reparation Project and strives to uplift her ancestors and elders.